Good help is hard to find, but even harder to replace. Next year, the WKU Campus Services and Facilities Department will have to do just that.

Judith Wimpee, administrative assistant to Vice President of Services and Facilities John Osborne and Assistant Vice President Gary Meszaros, will retire after the semester’s end.

Wimpee said leaving the department behind will not be an easy task, and leaving her coworkers will be even harder.

“I consider my coworkers family,” Wimpee said. “You come to know their families. You know their children and grandchildren … I will miss that tight bond that we’ve formed over the years.”

Of course, as Wimpee explained, retirement doesn’t necessarily mean for-getting about old friends.

“I don’t expect it to be a complete break because they are my friends and I will be keeping up with them,” Wimpee said.

According to Meszaros, Wimpee is known for working hard and taking initiatives.

“She’s probably the most proactive person I’ve ever dealt with,” Meszaros said. “She always tries to stay one step ahead of us, always planning ahead, thinking ahead.”

According to Meszaros, Wimpee invigorates this work ethic with a stellar sense of humor.

“She is very sharp-witted, very inter- esting to deal with — it’s always fun to work with her. You never know what it’s going to be like,” Meszaros said.

As Wimpee explained, this enthusiasm comes from a deep-seated love for the university.

“Working with Western has not just been a job,” Wimpee said. “It’s been a passion.”

Wimpee, who worked with Meszaros and Osborne for the last eight years, will certainly be missed.

“I keep trying to talk her out of leaving,” Meszaros said.