Sue Bernabei retires: 35 years of service
By Jenny Fisher
Valentine’s Day marked a transition for administrative secretary Sue Bernabei. After being employed at IVCC for over 35 years, Bernabei said farewell to friends and co-workers and retired.
"I have had so many great experiences and have met so many wonderful people," said Bernabei.
Hired in1967, Bernabei started working as the switchboard operator, while she also worked in the president’s office. Later she moved to the Business Services Department and was administrative secretary working for the Vice President of Business Services, initially Dr. Frank Zeller until he retired, and then Dr. Frank Papke until Feb. 14.
A graduate of Hall High School, Bernabei attended continuing education classes at IVCC, but she has gained most of her knowledge through on-the-job training.
"I have learned so much over the years through the variety of tasks I have performed," said Bernabei.
In 1982, Bernabei received the Merit Award from the colleege. She has been a member of the Support Staff Committee and the Golf Committee at IVCC.
Over the years, Bernabei has seen many things come and go including faces, fashions, and campus building. She was on staff when the college was on the east campus while the current main building was being built. Staff offices and classrooms were in temporary buildings, which she called "quonset huts."
Looking into the future, Bernabei is anticipating a relaxing and enjoyable retirement. The mother of two daughters, she now has seven grandchildren, and she plans to spend time with them.
"My grandchildren are an important part of my life as I am in theirs," she said.
In the near future, Bernabei and her husband plan on taking their grandchildren on a trip to Disneyland.
Aside from spending time with the family, she plans to spend time indulging in her hobbies, including reading, farming with her husband, and traveling.