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They are recognized for their many years of service to the College
John Piper, who is retiring as assistant director of Recreation Services after 26 years with the College, and Linda Thomson, who is retiring after 19 years as assistant to the vice president for College Relations, were recognized tonight at Lafayette’s annual pre-Commencement reception, dinner, and awards ceremony. President Daniel Weiss read the citations.
JOHN R. PIPER
In every position John Piper has held at Lafayette – from athletic coach to development officer and, most recently, coordinator of sports clubs – he has made a special effort to get to know the “whole person” when he’s met someone, whether it was a first-year wrestler or a major financial contributor.
This focus served him exceptionally well in his work with young athletes. As he taught them the skills that had made him a champion wrestler and a football and track team standout as a Muhlenberg undergraduate, he also endeavored to help them succeed academically and in their lives and careers. He was committed, as well, to creating meaningful competitive opportunities for them, as reflected in his efforts on behalf of the National Collegiate Wrestling Association.
Many Lafayette athletes who called John “Coach” from 1973-84 had the further pleasure of working with him when he returned to the College in 1993 as a member of the major gifts team. Although John assisted donors who were interesting in areas ranging from academic and extracurricular programs to financial aid, he derived special satisfaction from securing funds to benefit student-athletes. He and Penny were instrumental in the creation of the Friends of Lafayette Football, for which they organized tailgates and coordinated fundraising activities. John also played a lead role in generating financial support for Fisher Stadium and the Bourger Varsity Football House.
John, although your colleagues in Markle Hall and the Kirby Sports Center have confirmed that you never quite achieved your goal of a paperless office, you did earn their admiration and respect – as well as the gratitude of the countless Lafayette students, student-athletes, donors, alumni volunteers, and friends with whom you have worked so effectively and in so many capacities here.
LINDA H. THOMSON
When Linda Thomson applied for the position of Assistant to Lafayette’s Vice President for College Relations 19 years ago, she noted that her objective was to find an “administrative position involving communications, public relations, and development in an environment which presents creative challenges.” Not only did she more than get her wish; she met those challenges with such professionalism and flair that her title soon expanded to include Assistant Director of the College’s $213 million Leadership Campaign and then Director of Development Services.
Linda’s sensitivity to detail impressed everyone with whom she worked. From centerpieces to chandeliers and crystal footballs to canap�s, each component of a dinner or dedication received her careful attention. She worked tirelessly (and often well beyond the normal workweek) to ensure the accuracy of Banner-generated reports and development publications. She also took the initiative in solving problems large and small and mastered arcane gift-accounting rules to ensure Lafayette’s compliance with equally esoteric federal regulations.
A talented writer and editor, Linda assisted the Public Information Office in the preparation of invitations and programs for dozens of special events. The gracious stewardship reports and acknowledgement letters she sent to donors conveyed how much she as well as the College appreciated their financial support. She was equally warm and welcoming when she interacted with contributors and volunteers on campus.
Linda, the fact that the guests at your retirement reception came from so many different departments on campus – administrative offices and academic divisions, Food Services, Public Safety, and Plant Operations – indicated how broadly admired and respected you have been. Personally and professionally, you have been a tremendous asset to this college, and we applaud, with gratitude, your devoted service.