Any student who entered the office of the Division of Engineering Leadership and Professional Practice for the past 15 years has one thing in common—they’ve all had the pleasure of working with Bonnie Worthy. In her role as Department Assistant, she has worked with countless students, faculty and staff in a variety of ways—and always with a warm smile of welcome. 

On January 4, Bonnie will retire from CWRU. In recognition of her 31 years of service to CWRU, we asked Bonnie a few questions about her time at the university, and what she’s most looking forward to as she enters her well-deserved retirement.

How long have you been at CWRU?
I have been at CWRU a blessed and wonderful 31 years. My journey began on February 2, 1989, in the Weatherhead School of Management, Organizational Behavior Department (ORBH). I started out as a temp for Kelly Services and my supervisor at that time was Retta Holdorf (R.I.H.). I truly enjoyed assisting the ORBH faculty and the students. I was laid off after 16 years of service on April 20, 2005, but I did not lose hope, I went on vacation.

I applied for a position in the Case School of Engineering, Office of Engineering Student Programs (OESP) and was hired on July 5, 2005, under the leadership of Deborah Fatica, Assistant Dean, and Mary Rose Tichar (retired). I have had the pleasure of 15 years of service assisting the CSE Dean's office, faculty and awesome CSE students.

What is one of your favorite memories from your time at CWRU?
When I was in the ORBH Department, I had the opportunity to be the Assistant to the famous David L. Cooperrider PhD and Ronald Fry PhD. When assisting David and Ron, I had the opportunity to travel with them to the many different cities to promote Appreciative Inquiry. We would meet people from all over the world. And now Appreciative Inquiry has gone global, teaching others how to make a positive change, bringing out the best in people and organizations and promoting strength based leadership—and so much more. I was able to be a part of the Appreciative Inquiry History and that will always have a place in my heart.

What you will miss most?
I will miss the many individuals on campus that I have had the pleasure of meeting and conversing with throughout my time here at CWRU. The parents that I have had the pleasure of telling, “you can feel comfortable leaving your child here at CWRU, I am the parent for your child being away from home.” Having that parent to smile and say thank you and please call me at any time.

What are you looking forward to in your retirement?
I am truly excited about spending time with my family. My husband Stanley is retired and we have a new addition to our family—Dior, our second great-grandson who is 2 months old, and family. My son Eric lives in Champaign, Ill., I will be travelling to see him more often now that I have more time for longer visits. Stan and I plan to travel to see friends and family that are in different parts of the States.

I am always a CWRU fan.

Thank you, Bonnie, for all of your contributions to CWRU. You will be missed!

If you’d like to send Bonnie a message to wish her well in her retirement, you can do so at CSEUpdates@case.edu.