June Leonard: Celebrating 31 years with the Library; honored with named Library study space

On May 31, 2014, beloved staff member of the Milligan College Library, V. June Leonard will be retiring after nearly 31 years. The occasion was marked by a reception (shared by fellow Milligan College retirees, Professors Gary Leek (Biology) and Carolyn Woolard (French/Spanish)) in the atrium of the Gregory Center for the Liberal Arts, on Thursday, April 24. Present to participate at this auspicious occasion were many Milligan faculty, staff, and students, President Bill Greer, former Director of the Library Steve Preston, and members of June’s family.

President Bill Greer with retirees Gary Leek, Carolyn Woolard, and June Leonard

June Leonard with former and current Library Directors, Steve Preston and Gary Daught

June began working in the Library on July 1, 1983 as Office Manager. She was eventually promoted to Technical Services Manager and put in charge of library cataloging and acquisitions, a position she holds to the present. June is quiet and unassuming, but she has had a unique impact on students–especially those who work in the Library–by the way she engages with them and takes authentic interest in their lives. June’s employment career at Milligan College actually extends back to 1963 (through 1978), serving in various secretarial roles on campus. June’s dedication was recognized by the Milligan College community in May 2000, through the conferral of the Fide et Amore award for distinguished service.

Regarding her work in the Library, Director of Library Services Gary Daught stated: “The library world has completely changed during June’s tenure. But she never resisted change or fell back defensively on old ways of doing things. I was (and am) continually amazed at June’s consistently high level of interest, engagement, and her willingness to keep up-to-date and learn new things. June is a unique treasure. We are going to miss her.”

June was the recipient of an additional honor at Thursday’s reception. In November 2013, the Library announced the successful completion of its Million Pennies Campaign, having raised $10,000 to apply toward renovation projects. This donor level allowed for a naming of a study space in the Library. Originally, the plan was to arrange a vote for the naming opportunity. But when word of June’s retirement became known, it was obvious what the study space should be named. On hand at the reception was Vice President for Institutional Advancement Jack Simpson to present June with the plaque that will be hung at the entrance of the study space on the main floor of the Library. Director Gary Daught indicated that the funds raised in the Million Pennies Campaign will be used to purchase individual study carrels throughout the Library that will completely replace old existing carrels and match other furniture purchased in recent years.

Vice President for Institutional Advancement Jack Simpson presents plaque to June Leonard

The V. June Leonard study space on the main floor of the Library

The V. June Leonard Library study space plaque

When asked for her reaction to this recognition and reflections on her upcoming retirement, June responded: “How do you summarize your feelings or emotions in reflecting upon 45 years of service with Milligan College? I have had so many wonderful experiences and interactions with administration, faculty, staff and students. I leave Milligan not being able to express in words my appreciation for the recognition the College has given me–the Fide et Amore award in 2000, the 2013 Student Appreciation Award, and now the Library has announced that a plaque is to be placed in a library study room in my honor, which came as a result of the Million Pennies Campaign.

“I lived in Johnson City my entire life. When I first came to Milligan College to work in 1963, I had never been on the Milligan campus. Once I came, I never wanted to leave. I knew this was the place for me. The best part has been that I could have a small part in Milligan’s commitment: ‘Christian Education, the Hope of the World.'”