The MU Retirees Association has selected the 2015 Faculty and Staff Retirees of the Year. George Kennedy, who retired from the Missouri School of Journalism in 2005, and Susan Turner, who retired from the School of Medicine in 2001, will be honored 11:30 a.m. May 22 at the Chancellor’s Retirees Luncheon in the Columns Ballroom in Reynolds Alumni Center.
George Kennedy, faculty recipient
When George Kennedy stepped down as managing editor of the Columbia Missourian in 2001, he began volunteering at The Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri. Since his retirement from the School of Journalism in 2005, you’re likely to find him at The Food Bank three or four mornings a week, working with a crew of other volunteers packaging food for 132 agencies and more than 100 schools that feed hungry children and families throughout 32 counties. He joined the Food Bank’s board of directors in 2011 and currently chairs the board’s recruitment and training committee.
Kennedy also began writing a column for the Missourian, and he has played a supporting role in the Daniel Boone Regional Library Foundation’s growth and accomplishments. During his tenure on its board of directors, the Foundation has become a stronger and more vital community organization.
Kennedy still teaches two classes a year at the School of Journalism and serves on graduate committees.
Susan Turner, staff recipient
Susan Turner retired from the School of Medicine Department of Child Health in 2001.
She has given countless hours to serving her church and community. At her church, Turner provided meals once a week for a year to a new college-age ministry called The Branch.
For more than ten years, Turner has coordinated the collection of garments and toys for The Container Project, a non-profit organization that ships two containers a year to the rural poor of Nicaragua. She also collects clothing for Upscale Resale, where proceeds go toward helping the Assistance League of Mid-Missouri.