By Brandon Martin
The Patrick Henry Community College Board gave a tribute to long-serving staff member Jencie Gibson, executive assistant to the President, following the announcement of her retirement after 39 years serving the school.
She also served the school as a library staff member and as a college registrar in departmental security.
Janet Copenhaver, chairman, noted that Gibson also attended the school “as an excellent student” and would be an “ongoing respected member of our alumni.
“What an awesome person you have been to us all these years,” Copenhaver said. “Jencie was my first computer student at PHCC back in the 80s, so I taught her all she knows about computers. We want to thank you for all your hard work and for what an asset you have been to the board.”
Gibson’s official last day was Dec. 15.
“Congratulations Jencie, it was always a pleasure working with you,” former chairman Barry Helmstutler said before casting his vote to pass a resolution in Gibson’s honor. The resolution was unanimously approved.
Greg Hodges, vice president of Academic and Student Success Services, shared a video tribute featuring photos of Gibson throughout the years, created to a backdrop of Elvis Presley’s “Blue Christmas.”
“I just did a little quick math and 24 years is 144 board meetings, so that’s a lot,” Gibson said. “I’ve met a lot of people on the board in that length of time and some of them have even made reappearances. Thank you all! I really appreciate it. I’ve met a lot of wonderful people through here and I’m sorry that some of you I have not gotten to meet in person, but I appreciate all you all do for the college and how cooperative you’ve always been with me. I’ll miss Patrick Henry” but “once a Patriot, always a Patriot.”
