Please swing by the Hallie Ford Museum of Art (HFMA) on Wednesday, Oct. 18, between noon and 4:30 p.m. and join us in congratulating Leslie Whitaker on the occasion of her retirement, and to thank her for her exceptional dedication and commitment to the HFMA and Willamette University over the past 19 years. She has truly gone above and beyond the call of duty in her many roles at Willamette, where her expertise and contributions have greatly enriched our community.
In 2004 she began volunteering at the HFMA, and became a museum docent in 2012. The museum has been grateful to have Leslie as a receptionist for the past seven years. Visitors to the museum have always been thrilled to meet Leslie, who greets them with a warm smile, welcoming nature, and enthusiasm for the arts. Her dedication has left a long-lasting impression on thousands of visitors who have come through the museum doors.
In her time at Willamette, Leslie has worked in various positions. Between 2011 and 2016 she could be found in Eaton Hall as the Administrative Assistant for Anthropology, Classics, Philosophy and the Center for Ancient Studies and Archaeology, and as the Coordinator for SSRD and Academic Honors and Awards. Prior to that, she served as the Events Support and Outreach Coordinator at the Office of Scheduling, Events and Conferences from 2008 to 2011 and as the Scheduling Assistant from 2007 to 2008. Additionally, you may recall Leslie working at the Willamette University Bookstore from 2004 to 2007.
Leslie also volunteered at many university events, including Martin Luther King celebrations and social powwows. Her dedication to the students, faculty, and staff at Willamette University was recognized in 2014 when she was honored with The Richard "Buzz" Yocom Campus Service Award for her exceptional service.
Although Leslie is retiring, she will continue volunteering as a museum docent. You can catch her next week at the museum's Tuesday Gallery Talk exploring "The Hallie Ford Museum of Art at 25" exhibition on Tuesday, October 24 at 12:30 p.m. This exhibition includes two of her favorite works: Marie K. Watt's "Blanket Stories: First Teachers, Wallamet, Crow's Shadow," and James Lavadour's "Ice."
We are grateful for all that Leslie has shared with us, her friendship, and her dedication to this community. We wish her the very best in her retirement!
