April 13, 2011
On Friday, March 18th, the Faculty of Dentistry bid a fond farewell to one of its longstanding employees. After working in the Dental Lab as a Dental Technician for more than 30 years, Heather Greenwood retired - and her colleagues made sure to arrange for a special surprise on her last day. "She'd taken the bus for 30 years, an hour in and an hour home," said Brenda Landry. "So, why not have her ride in style on her last day?" A group from the Dental Lab had told her that they would pick her up en route to work and take her to Smitty's for breakfast. In fact, that was just a ploy - they were actually planning to pick her up in a stretch limousine! "She came down her steps and said 'Oh my God!" about three times," said Elaine Johnson. "Then she got in, with several more 'Oh my Gods!' - it was great!" Pulling up to the Dentistry Building in her fancy ride, Greenwood was greeted by the Dean, who later presented her with a token of appreciation on behalf of the Faculty. She also received flowers from the 3rd-year students - gestures she says that she truly appreciated. She spent the rest of the day touring the building, bidding farewell to a wealth of colleagues and friends that she had accumulated over the years, through her professional and union work, as well as through her leadership of Dentistry's annual United Way campaign. "Heather is a very special lady, and she touched a lot of lives during her time at Dalhousie," added the Dean, Dr. Thomas Boran. "She will be missed, but we wish her all the best in her retirement!" With her newfound time off, Greenwood says that she plans to do some travelling, spend time with her grandchildren, and volunteer with literacy programs at the library. However, she says that she will keep in touch, and that we can look forward to seeing her next year during the Faculty's Centennial Celebrations in May 2012!