RETIREMENTS
Prior to joining the Faculty of Education as an Assistant Professor in January 2007 , Dr . Larry Steeves was a public servant for over 30 years in the K – 12 education and government
Dr . Larry Steeves sectors . Steeves
brought to his Faculty position a variety of experiences as a classroom teacher , coordinator of guidance services , principal and a director of education . As well , Steeves brought his experiences within the Saskatchewan provincial government , including time as Associate Deputy Minister in Government Relations and Aboriginal Affairs , Deputy Minister of Northern Affairs , and Associate Deputy Minister in Learning , including responsibilities as the Saskatchewan representative
Paddy Dishington began her 38-year career with the University of Regina in 1982 . Her first position was an Accounts Payable Clerk I in the Business
Paddy Dishington Office , now known as Financial Services . When a new Clerk II position was advertised in 1983 , Dishington says , " I decided I would apply thinking if I got it , great , but if I didn ' t , I would go ahead with my plans to go to England to visit my mom ' s family and also travel through Europe ." When Dishington heard she didn ' t get the position , she packed her bags for England . " I got one of the best adventures of my life , traveling to eight European countries and then staying with my family in England ."
One month after her return , Dishington was offered a new term position : " The University was setting up a new financial system and wanted to the Board of Governors of the First Nations University of Canada .
Steeves says his most memorable experience in his 14 years within the Faculty was the work environment . " I greatly enjoyed my time as a colleague within our Faculty — what commenced as a 5-year commitment gradually extended as new opportunities arose ." As examples of the work environment , Steeves mentions Indigenous research , course development , and the creation of an online Educational Leadership program . The relationships Steeves has been " privileged to develop " are his " primary reason for remaining related to the Faculty ," says Steeves . He values all the relationships developed through the differing settings in his work career : " All provided great opportunities , challenges and relationships . But I have to say that the environment within our Faculty made it easy for me to stay . It was a wonderful place to
to know if I would help . I accepted and never looked back ." After this term , Dishington returned to her former position as an A / P Clerk . Dishington quickly worked her way up to the Accounts Payable Supervisor , a position she held until March 1999 when she joined the Faculty of Education as Senior Finance & Administrative Assistant .
" Over those years in Accounts Payable , I dealt with Reta Common from the Faculty of Education frequently and she always had good things to say about the Faculty ," says Dishington . Common made a good impression , and Dishington determined that if she moved to a new position on campus , it would be to the Faculty of Education . When a position was posted in 1999 , Dishington applied and was hired .
Dishington says , " During my 22 years in the Faculty of Education , I worked with three Faculty Administrators and six Deans , plus many faculty , sessionals and others all coming and going . Meeting and interacting with all the different people over the years was both very enjoyable and fascinating ."
work — and to make a contribution . I was blessed ."
As advice to Faculty colleagues , Steeves says , " I would only say that our work is important — supporting the development of future teachers and leaders within the K-12 sector is vital . We need to continue this work . As I leave my colleagues for retirement , I know that we face difficult times . I can only say that these challenges occur in any career — this one will be dealt with and will pass . It may leave changes , potentially even profound ones — but the work that we do remains . The work — and the need for it — will continue ."
Steeves is working towards the next phase of his life in a beautiful location : Victoria , B . C . He hopes to have more personal and family time , " but also to continue making a small contribution to our work ." He wishes colleagues the best in coming times .
Dishington was able to make some lifelong friendships in the Faculty .
Dishington is now settling into a wellearned retirement . She plans to focus on time with her husband and children , and " Chewy , our furbaby ." When the pandemic restrictions are over , Dishington hopes to travel again . " I would like to return to England to visit family especially my aunt who will be 94 this summer ." There are also plans to travel to Montreal to visit a son , and to travel and explore at leisure .
Dishington says , " As we were not able to have the typical gathering for my farewell , I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your kind words , retirement wishes , and for the wonderful gifts I received . Hopefully we will be able to see each other soon and in the meantime keep well and stay safe !!"
Best Wishes
Education News | Page 21