David Bodary, Ph.D., is retiring from his position as chair of the communication department, concluding a career that spanned over three decades.
On Aug. 13 his retirement party was held in the Library Loggia of the Dayton campus from noon to 2 pm. The event featured slides and photos from David’s career, as well as cake and other refreshments for guests to enjoy.
Many members of the Sinclair staff attended to share their support, as did many of Bodary’s friends and family members. The event gave people the chance to offer congratulations and say their farewells, and to celebrate the impact Bodary has had on the Sinclair community.
“If something good is happening on campus, I’ll look around and 99 times out of 100, he is there,” said Steven Johnson, president and CEO of the college, during his remarks.
Jennifer Kostic, Sinclair’s senior vice president of administration, said Bodary helped her when she was a new adjunct faculty member.
“I have never known a day at Sinclair without David Bodary,” she said.
Bodary’s daughter, Annelise McNally, was also present with her husband and children, Bailey and Valerie. McNally shared some emotional words about her pride for her father before he addressed the assembly himself.
Bodary reflected on lessons learned over the last three decades of his career and personal life, raising a family with his wife Susan.
He said they both hold the philosophy that “the only way to have is to give; the only way to keep is to share,” as well as treating everyone “as if they might be your boss someday.”
The latter has held true for both Bodarys, who have sat on committees that did end up selecting their superiors.
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Bodary also spoke about a head injury he sustained about nine years ago. At the time, it was unclear whether he would survive or achieve full cognitive function–let alone maintain his role of leadership and service at Sinclair.
He expressed his gratitude to colleagues such as Professor Mia Hubbard who helped support his recovery, and closed his speech with a lesson that has stayed with him ever since: to live each day fully.
“Any day could be your last,” he said.
Erik Larson, reporter
Hannah Kichline, executive editor
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