ATSU says “farewell” to President Magruder

A standing ovation greeted ATSU President Jack Magruder with his wife Sue by his side as they entered their retirement reception on June 22 on the Mesa, Ariz. campus.  Faculty and staff gathered to celebrate Dr. Magruder’s epic career in higher education.

Craig Phelps, DO, FAOASM, ATSU executive vice-president for strategic initiatives and president-designate, welcomed the Magruders by saying, “Today, we celebrate a couple who made contributions to the community and ATSU.  We celebrate Dr. Magruder’s commitment to education and community service.”

Dr. Phelps introduced leadership for ASDOH, ASHS and SOMA, who shared their thoughts about President Magruder.

ASHS Dean Randy Danielsen, PhD, PA-C, DFAAPA: “It is always difficult to say goodbye to great people. What I always noticed most about you is your integrity and your genuine love for what you do.”

ASDOH Vice Dean James Bell, DDS: “Thank you for being a part of ATSU, thanks for your time, energy and passion. It’s been an amazing, exciting, and bittersweet time.”

SOMA Dean Thomas McWilliams, DO, FACOFP: “Under your leadership, you have guided ATSU through transition to universitization.”

Especially touching was a poem read by Mindy Hansen, SOMA I, on behalf of the Student Government Association (SGA).  The poem was created by SGA for Dr. Magruder.

Sue Magruder shared her comments about the time when Dr. Magruder accepted the presidency of ATSU.  “I already knew that Jack could do this job, and he was the perfect man for the time,” said Magruder. “I know what kind of man I married 58 years ago, and I agree that he is stupendous!”

As a thank you for his leadership and service, President Magruder was presented with a sculpture of the state of Arizona engraved in copper and resting on an Arizona red rock base. Inscribed at the bottom of the sculpture is one of Dr. Magruder’s favorite quotes by Charles W. Eliot: Enter to grow in wisdom. Depart, better to serve your country and thy kind.

Watch the Arizona campus farewell reception here.

Kirksville says thank you and farewell

A long line of approximately 700 people greeted ATSU President Jack Magruder and his wife, Sue, at his retirement reception on June 29 on the Kirksville, Mo., campus. Faculty, staff, community members, and friends thanked Dr. Magruder and Sue for their work and dedication to the University and wished them farewell.

ATSU President Craig M. Phelps, DO, ’84, FAOASM, emceed the event, shared background information on Dr. Magruder, and introduced the event’s speakers.

“He will be greatly missed, but his touch on the University will remain,” says Dr. Phelps.

Multiple dignitaries presented Dr. Magruder and Sue with proclamations and other honors, along with Missouri Governor Jay Nixon, who appeared via video with a special message for the longtime educator, leader, and friend, thanking him for his many years of service.

“We live in a better state because of you,” said Gov. Nixon.

Dr. Magruder and Sue were also given president emeritus and first lady emerita statuses during the ceremony marking their contributions to the University.

Dr. Magruder recognized and thanked all those who have supported and worked alongside him during his career. He expressed his gratitude for the president emeritus status, saying it forges a unique link between ATSU and Truman State University, where he holds the same recognition.

He closed his final public remarks as president recalling the heart of that mission in the words of A.T. Still himself.

“He said, ‘All I wanted to do was extend the touch of the soft hand of human kindness to those in need.’ Folks, that’s what everybody associated with this University is doing, by doing their job,” said Dr. Magruder. “I’ve been blessed; Sue has been blessed as a result of this relationship.”

Watch the Kirksville campus farewell reception here.