It's true: Barbara Peterson's Retiring!

If you’re driving on 408 towards east campus (near the pine hills exit) on April 8th you may just see this billboard with Barbara Peterson saying “Enjoy Retirement! VCC’s creative voice will be missed”. We all never thought the day would come, but it has. Valencia’s graphics program chair, Barbara Peterson, is retiring at the end of the semester. Barbara began teaching for Valencia in 1977 and has been the program chair since it began over 20 years ago.

The time has come for us to wish Barbara luck as she enters a new chapter of her life. During her 30+ years of service to Valencia Community College she has tirelessly given of herself to teach, mentor, advise, and inspire others. It’s estimated that over Barbara’s career she taught in excess of 400 classes, teaching nearly 5,000 students. There’s no doubt that she has helped shape the Orlando creative community. She has crossed paths with countless students, faculty, and professionals who sincerely admire her dedication over the years to Valencia and the creative industry. In fact, it’s hard to think of Valencia’s graphics program – without thinking of Barbara.

Barbara, has touched the lives of so many of us. To commemorate her career, in collaboration with Valencia colleagues, alumni, students, as well as industry professionals, we’ve created a 110 page book dedicated to Barbara. This book contains contributions from only a fraction of those Barbara has influenced over the years. I’m confident this book will help her reflect on her outstanding career. We hope it helps her remember not only how much she has achieved but everyone that she’s impacted over the years as well as great memories working at Valencia. As sad as we all are to see her leaving us, we are smiling with the pride we share with her.

Barbara, you are an amazing person and will truly be missed. We’re certain you will look back and miss your days at Valencia. But don’t you worry, your program is in good hands!

Barbara, congratulations on your retirement and best of luck in the next chapter of your life!

A BIG THANKS to everyone who participated in this project. If you are interested in purchasing the book you can visit blurb’s web site. We’ve posted several of the submissions in flickr for you all to view. Thanks again to Elly and the team at Clear Channel for the recognition on the day of Barbara’s retirement party!

It’s not too late to RSVP for her retirement party that is being held on East campus from 12-2pm on April 8th. If you can’t make it to her retirement party email me at akern [at] valenciacc.edu and I’ll send you information about our end of year graduation party.