Farewell to Kevin Donahue

On December 8, 2015, Kevin Donahue of the security department suited up in his navy blue Williston security uniform for the very last time. After a five year tenure with Williston, Kevin has left the school to take up a position with the Enfield Housing Authority in Enfield, Connecticut, his hometown.

Those who have been at Williston for a while know Kevin as a familiar face on campus. Whether you have been locked out of your dorm or forgot your stuff in Reed after closing hours, there is a good chance that Kevin has come to help you. However, his job also comprises of so much more.

Kevin, along with the rest of the security department, work around the clock to ensure our safety as members of the Williston community. They have set up many procedures to protect us, should an emergency arise. During the breaks, Kevin continues to maintain the school to ensure a safe environment when students come back onto campus.

Despite his departure, the work that Kevin has done continues to benefit those at Williston each day. The security department, students, and faculty, would like to wish Kevin the best in his future endeavors, and express their gratitude and appreciation for all the work he has done for the Williston community.

Anne O’Connor, the Director of Security says, “I wished Kevin all the best with his new job and told him not to be a stranger to the Williston campus. I, along with several others on campus, expressed our appreciation for a job well done over his five years with the school.”

Stephen Molloy, a security officer, says, “Well he’s missed, we know that… We’ve worked together for many years and he was one of the better officers we’ve had here. He’s a big help — He’s a big guy, so he’s a big help.”

Part time officer, Richard Blomstrom, jokes, “We took him out to Opa Opa (a restaurant in Southampton, Massachusetts) when he left. We had fun that way.” He continues, “Kevin was a great preceptor… We’re trying to get him to stay part time so hopefully he’ll be back.”

Ben Chmielewski ‘16, a good friend of Kevin, says, “I miss his presence around campus but also I’m happy that he’s moving on to better things. I hope he keeps riding his bike because we used to talk about bikes all the time.”

Even though Kevin is no longer a part of the Williston security department, the Williston community would like to extend their appreciation to him for all the work he has put in over his past five years here.

And a Warm Welcome to Scott Mikucki and Jeff Gilbert

After the departure of five year veteran officer, Kevin Donahue, Williston has hired two new officers to fill the void in the security department. Scott Mikucki and Jeff Gilbert come to Williston as the latest additions to the security department.

They will be working the evening shift for the security department and will be responsible for responding to calls for service, patrolling the campus, conducting building checks, and the overall safety and security of the Williston community.

Scott is a Florence, Massachusetts native. He graduated with honors from Westfield State University with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice.

Ms. O’Connor says, “Scott is a welcomed addition to our security team… He has the opportunity to embark on a long career with Williston, which I have no doubt he will seize.”

When asked about any advice he has for Scott, Mr. Molloy jokingly says, “Just be patient.” He continues, “We’ve been training him. He’ll be a good officer. You got to learn stuff real quick and there’s a lot to learn in that short time, but he does a good job.”

Jeff is retiring from his current position as the Chief of Police in Sunderland and will be joining Williston immediately. He will work as a part-time officer here.

Ms. O’Connor also says, “I have known Jeff for many years, and even worked with him as a police officer in Sunderland, so I am very confident that he will be a benefit to our department. [Jeff,] enjoy retirement but enjoy your new job at Williston even more!”

Mr. Blomstroom says, “I think [they’ll] really like it. I think [they’ll] like the people who work there at the school.”

The security department, however, is not the only group of people to be excited about these new additions to the school. Students and teachers are always happy to have someone new be a part of the Williston community. Especially when it comes to roles as vital as our safety and security.

Ms. Annie Schneider, dorm parent of Memorial Hall West, says, “Security is vital to a dorm parent. Living in such close proximity to students and being involved in so many aspects of our students’ lives means that we really do care for and worry about all of the students here.”

She continues, “Our security team really makes me feel comfortable here at Williston. Security does an outstanding job making sure that the campus is safe, and so I do not have to worry when students are walking around campus, especially at night. I know if there is an emergency of any kind, I can rely on them to quickly help as well.”