Candler School Reunion Committee Donation
President K. Ray Bailey accepts a check for $2,500 from the Candler School Reunion Committee for the A-B Tech Foundation's Jessie Copp Kramer Scholarship. Pictured with Bailey are, from left, Anita Metcalf, Foundation executive director, Dale Wright, and Marvin Cole, members of the Candler School Reunion Committee.
Noblitt Retires After 21 Years At A-B Tech
Retired Registrar's Secretary Catherine Noblitt received a clock from President K. Ray Bailey for her years of dedicated service to A-B Tech.
Catherine Noblitt, former registrar's secretary, hit the ground running after retiring from A-B Tech.
"The first thing I did was have the three four-year-old grandchildren over," she said. Three of her grandchildren, who live in Mebane, came and stayed with her and her husband, Charlie, for 10 days. "We had fun, but I was worn out."
Noblitt came to A-B Tech during the fall semester in 1984. Since then, she has seen registrars come and go. "Dr. (Dennis) King (vice president of Student Services) asked me one time why I didn't quit running them off," she laughed. "Scott (Douglas, registrar) has brought a lot of really good things with him. I'm leaving at a good time.
"It was just a most enjoyable time of my life. I love the people there. It's just been an overall good experience," she said. "I never wanted to be anything but a mother and wife, and the hours were good and worked well for me and my family. I love the students, and I am a people person and I am having a hard time with retirement."
Noblitt's husband has been retired since 1993. "I owed him some quality retirement time. It was a mixed bag," she said. "I am happy about all of the things to look forward to, but sad about leaving. I love the students most of all."
On Catherine Noblitt's last day at A-B Tech several staff members took time to pay her tribute. The following are comments made through e-mail and voicemail:
"Catherine Noblitt has been a wonderful employee of this college. And I have read lots of e-mails from many of you to her thanking her for the great work she has done. I echo all of those. I think it was Sue Olesiuk who said that Catherine Noblitt was invitational before invitational was cool. And I think that says a whole lot about Catherine Noblitt. She has certainly worked extremely well with all our students and all of us during her tenure here at our college."
- President K. Ray Bailey
"I have heard through the grapevine of the retirement of one of the anchors of this school. I know in my years here at A-B Tech this lady has helped me so many times I can't begin to count. She embodies what my vision of A-B Tech is all about. Thank you, Catherine Noblitt, for all you have done for me and especially what you have meant to A-B Tech."
- John H. Humphrey
Business Computer Technologies Instructor
"Catherine, I wish you great retirement years. Live life to its fullest and have loads of fun doing it. We'll miss you but love you enough to wish you well and congratulate you on your retirement."
- Joyce Dover-Evans
Accounting Clerk, Student Accounts
"Catherine, I will miss seeing your cheerful face whenever I visit the registrar. I wish you the best!"
- Sharon L.E. Suess
Interim Chairperson, Mechanical Engineering Technology
"We have had a lot of wonderful memories. I will miss you and your great smile! Have a great retirement and do exactly what you want to do!"
- Kim Caraway
Secretary, Occupational Training Program
"Do you remember our first encounter? Not sure who all went but you invited me to lunch w/ you oh so many years ago and several others to Apollo Flame. Being that it was my first time there, I picked up the dressing bottle and proceeded to shake it not realizing the bottle did not have a cap. The end result was a few of us got sprayed.
"Best of luck to you in retirement. Will miss your smiling face. You have always been a great help to me."
- Lynne Gabai
Administrative Assistant, Continuing Education
"At its heart A-B Tech is about the people that make it work, that make it inviting, that make it successful, and make it the community's college.
"The joy of working at A-B Tech is about the people that do their job and make your job easier and more pleasant to do.
"In the 22 years I have been with A-B Tech there has never been a time that I left the registrar's office after seeing you that I did not feel better for the experience. I could not walk by your office without saying hi, because it made me feel good to know you were there.
"I will miss you."
- Gary Schwartz
Hospitality Education Instructor
"Catherine, You've always been such a help to me as a student, fellow employee, and most of all, a true friend. I'll truly miss you. But you do realize that, like many others who've retired before, you'll never REALLY leave this place...Happy retirement!!"
- Tina Fountain, Coordinator, Equipment/Facilities Inventory
"To paraphrase that great quote of Black Sox fame--'oh no-say it ain't so.' Good luck, Catherine. Thanks for all your help."
- Charlie Farmer, Welding Instructor
"I'd like to second what Gary said. Dealing with Catherine is always a pleasure, and I will really miss her!"
- Randee Brenner Goodstadt Chair, Social/Behavioral Sciences
"Catherine, you were invitational before invitational was cool!
"I'll miss you!"
- Sue Olesiuk, Social/Behavioral Sciences Developmental Studies Instructor
Graduation Fair
Culinary Student Curtis Alley fills out an order form for his cap and gown for A-B Tech's May graduation during the Graduation Fair Feb. 22 in the Coman Student Activity Center.