30-year career ends on positive note

SNRAS employees sent darleen home with a bit of sweetness.

darleen masiak, a research associate with SNRAS for 28 years, is retiring. Her 30-year career at UAF was celebrated May 30 with a picnic at the Georgeson Botanical Garden.

"Thank you for 28 years and for your friendship," masiak said. Asked what she will remember most about her work with SNRAS, she said, "I loved going to Delta. I think it's beautiful. And the people at SNRAS were wonderful to work with. I have a lot of good memories that I will share with my husband Michael now."

"She is one of the best people you could ever hope to have work for you," said her supervisor Steve Sparrow, interim dean of SNRAS and interim director of the Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station. "darleen works hard, knows how to have fun and she is a problem solver."

Lola Oliver, manager of the Forest Soils Lab, said, "I am really going to miss her. she always had something nice to say about everyone. She always thought of interesting things to do. She was fun, productive and helpful."

Fairbanks Experiment Farm Manager Alan Tonne said, "darleen has always been a joy to deal with. She is very positive and always saw the bright side."

Assistant Professor Jan Dawe, who knew darleen back in their undergrad days at Beloit College, said, "For the 43 years I have known darleen she has always made everything more fun. She is the steadiest, most helpful and not-make-a-big-deal person I know. And she is so capable."

darleen, who has long coordinated the annual SNRAS bowling event to raise funds for Big Brothers Big Sisters, said she plans to continue with that activity each spring.

Now that she is retired, darleen intends to devote more time to her artwork, hiking, reading, gardening and beer-crafting.

Longtime friends, co-workers and fishing enthusiasts Deb Segla and darleen masiak hug goodbye at the May 30 retirement party.

darleen masiak and grad student Watcheree Ruairuen were officemates and friends.