Retiring from or Departing the College in 2025-2026

To those staff members who have retired from or departed the College during the 2025-2026 academic year, we are so grateful for the time, energy, and effort you have given our community, and wish you the best in all that is to come.

Below, recently retired or retiring staff members reflect on their time at Swarthmore.

Not pictured: Donna Fournier, Librarian Performing Arts; William Flannery, Central Plant Operator; Lars Rasmussen, Assistant Supervisor Gardens; Brian Blizzard, EVS Technician; Therese Hopson, Residential Manager; Steven Palmer, Supervisor Machine Shop; Linda Weindel, Manager Student Accounts; Trish Tancredi, Senior Gift and Information Specialist; Linda McDougall, Director Dining; Mary Jane Palma, Medical Administrator; Anna Dortone, Supervisor Food and Service; Theresa Rodriguez, Gift Planning Administrator; Dale Nemec, Senior Horticulturist; Patti Woods, Assistant Administrative Services Manager; Ta (Jamie) Nguyen, Culinary Associate and Don Thomas, Culinary Assistant.

Thank you for your service to Swarthmore!

Woman in her art studio

Andrea Packard

Label: Director, Art Collection and Curator, List Gallery

I graduated from Swarthmore before students could major in art, so it was an unexpected pleasure to return in 1995 to direct the List Gallery. During the past 30 years I have been grateful for the opportunity to curate or oversee more than 150 art exhibitions, write and publish more than 30 exhibition catalogs, and facilitate an interdisciplinary outreach program. I have also treasured the opportunity to mentor and support approximately 16 gallery assistants, 2-4 List Gallery interns, and diverse art majors each year.  I will always cherish the friendships I developed with students, faculty, staff, volunteers, and others. In 2023, I was honored to become the inaugural director of the Swarthmore College Art Collection and List Gallery curator. 

Fortunately, Swarthmore’s community extends far beyond campus boundaries or dates of employment.  Moving forward, I will be creating art in my studio near the College. 

Woman with a green drink standing in front of a beach backdrop.

Denise Risoli

Label: Senior Accountant

They say time flies when you are having fun, and that explains how 34 years flew by so quickly! What kept me at Swarthmore for over three decades was not just the work, but all the incredible people who made working every day a joy, even during the challenging times. I am deeply grateful for the opportunities, the hurdles we overcame together, and the laughs we shared. Thank you all for the wonderful memories, your constant support, and an unforgettable career. I am so proud to have been part of this community. 

Man standing next to a statue of Sasquatch

Nick Hannon

Label: Director Information Security

It’s still hard to believe I spent a bit over 19 years at Swarthmore College!  I really enjoyed my time at Swarthmore College and the intellectual challenges of working within ITS.  I truly miss the beauty of the campus (maybe not the pollen) and the close-knit community that populates this very special place. Working in the ever-evolving world of Information Security, I always felt that my colleagues and the college were behind me, and I appreciated their trust in me, including financial investments into the program to help keep everyone secure.
Now, since every day is effectively Saturday, my current focuses are primarily on grand-parenting, traveling, catching up on long-neglected hobbies, and visiting my geographically dispersed children!