Longtime Staff Members Retire

Technician David Arndt and administrative coordinator Shirley Huston both retired this year. Their contributions and dedication to the department helped countless students and faculty members over the years.

David Arndt

by Matt Moelter

David Arndt, technician extraordinaire, retired in July after 33 years of valued service to our department and the university. He joined the Physics Department in 1984 as an instructional support assistant. During his career, his many and varied responsibilities evolved to include demonstrations, lower and upper-division laboratories, equipment maintenance and repair, inventory, purchasing, metal and woodworking, and safety coordinator.

David was essential in several department moves, most recently into the Baker Center. His approachable demeanor, willingness to help with projects large and small, and fine workmanship was appreciated by faculty, staff and students, and he is missed. You will no doubt agree that the department will not be the same without David, the kilt-wearing, thoughtful and humorous technician who contributed so much for so long.

Shirley Huston

by Nilgun Sungar

Shirley Huston, the Physics Department administrative support coordinator, retired in July 2017. Shirley joined Cal Poly in 2002 as an administrative support coordinator for the Kinesiology Department where she served until she moved to the Physics Department in 2012. Her dedication to the department and her positive attitude were greatly appreciated by faculty, staff, and students.

During the move from building 52 to the Baker Center in 2013, Shirley played a major role in making the transition a smooth one. Besides coordinating many aspects of the move, she took the lead on much needed re-organization of the department’s filing system.

After retirement, Shirley moved back to South Africa to be near her family. Shirley made many friends while she was at Cal Poly. We miss her but are happy to report that she is keeping busy with many projects (as always) and will soon be in email contact. We wish Shirley the very best.