Retirement Reception for Janet Arey and Roger Atkinson

On Thursday, April 25 the Environmental Toxicology Graduate Program and the Department of Environmental Sciences held a program and a reception to recognize the many contributions of Prof. Janet Arey and Roger Atkinson who have recently retired from UC Riverside after 30+ years of service.  Paul Ziemann started the program an overview of the professional careers of Dr. Arey and Dr. Atkinson interspersed with some great photos of them over the years.  His presentation was followed by brief comments by Sara Aschmann, Yinsheng Wang, Michael Anderson and Noriko Nishino.  David Eastmond, then presented each of them with an engraved glass plaque recognizing their extraordinary service to their students, their profession and the University as well as some other gifts provided by many generous individuals.  The program was followed by a reception where the students, alumni, current and emeritus faculty and staff were able to visit and express their personal thanks and best wishes to Janet and Roger.

Janet sent me a nice message following the reception.  Excerpts from the message are below.

"Thanks so much for the wonderful sendoff!!  I was so pleased to see P.J. and Sumandeep and, of course, Noriko.  I’m really looking forward to seeing the remembrance book that April is working on. It was great talking to colleagues I haven’t seen in a while and everyone agrees that we’re moving to a beautiful area.  You all made us feel really appreciated and that means a great deal to both Roger and me."

"Thanks so much for having the gathering for us.  The gifts were very thoughtful.  I know the sweatshirts will feel really comfy in the cooler coastal weather.  I plan to keep in touch through social media (LinkedIn and maybe Facebook) now that I’ll have time to learn how to use them."

 Janet and Roger will be moving to northern California next month. 

Below are some photos from the event.  I expect to get some more which I will add at a later time.

Janet Arey and Roger Atkinson

Janet Arey looking at flowers sent by an alumnus.

Janet Arey and Roger Atkinson 

 Paul Ziemann and David Eastmond

 Noriko Nishino, ETOX Alumna and former Ph.D. student

Michael Anderson, Chair of the Department of Environmental Sciences

 A view of the audience during the program.