Beverly Turner (affectionately known as “Bev”) has eclipsed her 50th year of service to Emory University this week, and we are thrilled to honor her.
After graduating from high school, Bev attended the Atlanta Business School for a year. Her very first job was with Lockheed Martin in Marietta, but the commute without a car was too long and complicated, so she decided to look for something different. The year was 1970, Emory’s campus location was good, and the pay was decent. “I wasn’t planning to stay this long,” says Bev. But, stay for 50 years she did.
What has pleased Bev the most over the years has been the many wonderful, supportive people with whom she has worked. She has been in the Woodruff Library, in the same department, for all 50 years. She says that the work is always different and never boring, and she has learned many new things and technologies to stay successful at her job.
When asked, “What is her proudest moment at Emory,” Bev talks about her love of cooking and baking and being asked to bake cakes for many distinguished Emory faculty and librarians and about wedding cakes she baked for her many library colleagues and family. Some of these colleagues now have grown children and grandchildren.
She was also able to express her love of cooking and baking by catering some of the past Library Holiday Luncheons, her department’s social events and, more recently, by participating in LITS Chili/Dessert Bakeoffs, where she won awards for her famous chocolate mint brownies and other desserts.
Bev says that she loves cooking because it allows her to express her creativity and to make other people happier and boost their morale, especially here at work. She loves cooking for her family as well.
This desire to help people also led to Bev’s participation in the LITS PATH Committee. According to her, participating in this committee has been a truly rewarding experience. Bev feels that the committee’s goal is to be the link between IT and Emory Libraries and to create a happy and inclusive environment. She helped the committee in hosting two wonderful events this year. PATH’s goals align well with Beverly’s personality.
Bev has been married for 43 years and has children and grandchildren. She doesn’t know how soon she is planning to retire, but her co-workers are hoping she will stay for a long time because of her library expertise and her cakes!
Here are a few quotes from co-workers regarding about Bev’s anniversary:
- Karen Garrabrant – “Your generosity, positive spirit, KNOWLEDGE, ways of bringing us together over a plate, are all things I miss about seeing you on campus & I am sure others feel the same way. I aspire to your resilience & good spirits, you’re a favorite colleague and friend. We are truly blessed to work with you!”
- Pam Matthews – Congrats! It has been my joy and pleasure to work with you from Day 1. May you continue to inspire us, and remember how much you are needed, respected and valued!
- Kelly Kautt – You are truly a treasure and we are fortunate to have you as a co-worker and friend.
- Sue Trowbridge – Thank you for everything you do to make Woodruff Library the fine place it is.
- Anna Lech-Mlynarz – You are the rock of this library. You are our famous cook, a helping hand and always a smiling face!
- Laura Trittin – In addition to being Bev’s 50th Anniversary, it is also the Statue of Liberty’s 134th Birthday. The two lady’s share some common traits, but Bev is better. She is:
- A shining light of our team and the library
- Steady and strong and part of the firm foundation of our team
- Part of the library’s past, present, and future
- Calm under pressure (especially pulling all-nighters for our holiday lunches)
- A wonderful source of knowledge (historical, current and for recipes, too)
- A true friend that helps keep me sane.
Congratulations to our own Grand Dame. Your efforts in all areas are greatly appreciated.
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