More than 120 staff members on the Stockton and Sacramento campuses were celebrated as the “unsung heroes” of Pacific recently as they marked milestone work anniversaries from 5 to 45 years.

They included three staff members with a combined 130 years of dedicated service to the university: Joseph Reuterskiold (45 years), Deb Crane (45 years) and Suzanne Malley (40 years).

“We are a mission driven organization,” said President Christopher Callahan. “We're focused on the creation of new leaders for California, for the country, and the world. Our staff members make that mission possible by supporting of our great faculty to enable them to do what they do, and ultimately, for the success of our students. They are the backbone of the university.”

For Reuterskiold, his 45-year anniversary with Pacific Technology is an easy one to remember—it’s the same year he proposed to his wife.

Since then, the Pacific community has become a second family for the Stockton native.

“Besides the students, what I love about Pacific is my coworkers and learning what they do,” he said. “That gives you an appreciation for your job and their job.”

Reuterskiold began his career at Pacific in 1977 as a computer operator. His current role as operations coordinator keeps the university running, whether its printing payroll checks or coming to campus on weekends to test generators.

As much as he does for the campus, it’s his “perfect knack for telling a great joke” that his colleagues treasure.

Matching Reuterskiold for years of service is Crane, Career Services director.

“Anybody that's worked with Deb and her team knows her commitment to our students and to their preparedness to enter into the job market ... She is the consummate career advisor,” said Vice President for Student Life Maria Blandizzi.

Crane began at Pacific working in the admissions office where she evaluated incoming freshman transcripts. She later moved to student activities and also advised fraternities and sororities before moving to career services, where she found her calling.

“I love the relationships you can build across campus, but more importantly, I absolutely love helping students,” said Crane. 

The highlight of her job is celebrating with students when they land a job, internship or graduate program.
 

Malley, who grew up in Manteca and Ripon, applied to work at Pacific after being urged by her brother, who is an alumnus. She started as a receptionist in financial aid and worked her way up to her current role as associate director for counseling services.

“She's deeply committed to our service, our students and the university as evidenced by the selfless dedication to the challenging work of making it possible for so many to attend Pacific and follow their dreams,” said Maria Pallavicini, provost and executive vice president of academic affairs.

Malley says the “family atmosphere” is what has kept her at Pacific over the years.

“I love this university, this beautiful campus, and the students,” she said.

Through the changes they have seen over the years, here’s what they hope will remain:

Joseph: “The camaraderie. The respect and the love coworkers have for each other and their support of the students.”

Deb: “The student centeredness. When we work with students, we always hear how much they appreciate the faculty.”

Suzanne: “The ability to meet with students, build relationships with the students and build relationships across our departments. I hope that never changes.”

Other staff members honored for 20 years or more at Pacific are:

25 years

Academics: Xiaobing Cao, Cynthia Eakin, Lillian Hom-Imada, Tricia Isbill, Gregg Jongeward; Business and Finance: Ana Lerma; Pacific Technology: Rodney Blankenship

20 years

Academics: Ana Argueta, Dinelle Davis; Business and Finance: Teresa Cano, Domingo Caoli, Lynne Madewell, Sam Oum, Jonallie Parra, Greg Sage; Enrollment Strategy: Jennifer Ramirez; Law School: Dan Breuer