Don Byrnes, vice president for Human Resources since November of 1998, has decided to retire.
Byrnes stated, “I’ve come to appreciate community colleges and what they have to offer.” Byrnes has been in the education system for 47 years, and this was his first experience in a college or post-secondary position.
For the past 12 years Byrnes has been responsible for the final word on hiring the staff, from faculty to the individuals behind the scenes. Byrnes and his staff have handpicked the 660 current staff members of SCC.
Retirement to Byrnes is exactly what it should be, relaxing. He does plan to keep a part-time job, and do some volunteer work. He said it will give him an “opportunity to spend time with family.”
He would also like to do some travelling and spend his free time catching up on some books and golfing. He’s excited to pursue some hobbies and activities he never had the time for.
Byrnes really enjoyed working for Southeast, and is looking forward to the opportunities that are now offering themselves to him.
Doris Butell has been working in the business department at Southeast Community College-Beatrice campus, for 28 years. Over time. she has developed multiple friendships with her co-workers and students, but this will be her last year at SCC.
“I’m really going to miss her laughter, excellent professional skills, and attending conferences with her.” says her long time friend and co-worker, Sharon Dexter. Dexter has worked in the business department for 26 years and she has been partners with Butell for 25 years.
Dexter said that its been great working with Butell, not only on a professional level but also on a personal level.
“I enjoyed your company over the years, and I hope that you have fun in your travels and golf,” Dexter said about the retiree.
Butell has lived in Nebraska for most of her life, graduating for Kearney State in 1970 and later receiving her master’s in business at the University of Lincoln in 1990. After graduating college, she taught at Hastings Central Community College for a couple of years, until her and her husband moved to Beatrice.
When Butell arrived at SCC, she started working part-time until the opportunity for a full-time position was available. She now teaches a wide variety of classes, including Word 1, Word 2, Microsoft Applications, and a keyboarding class. “I enjoy working with people and I especially like helping out individual students that might be having trouble in their studies.” Butell said.
A few of the things she is going to miss the most about working at SCC, is the close knit relationships she has with fellow employees and students.
Butell and her husband, a retired railroad worker, have a plans to enjoy their retirement. Both of them look forward to playing golf, traveling and the two have even picked up bike riding. Butell and her husband are also proud grandparents of five grandchildren.
Doris is very excited to retire and says, “ I think it’s time, and it’s nice to have new blood working at SCC.”
And as for a few last words to her fellow staff and students she replies “I’ll miss my comrades in arm. Hold down the fort.”