Darcy Sease, director of Counseling and Psychological Services: A Multicultural Center at the ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ at Boulder, is retiring on Aug. 31 after 32 years of service, according to Ron Stump, interim vice chancellor for student affairs.
"We will miss Darcy's efforts and wise insight regarding diversity and her enhancement of the learning environment for students in general. She has been a valued colleague who has not received the wide recognition that she truly deserves," said Stump.
Sease, a CU alumna, has a prominent history with innovative counseling programs and services at CU-Boulder. From 1970-1977 she served as director of the women's center, created in 1964 by the dean of women, Polly Parish. CU's center was one of the first women's centers in the nation.
In 1972 Sease started the peer counseling program for undergraduates trained to work in the College of Arts and Sciences advising office. In 1976 she worked with former Arts and Sciences Dean Charles Middleton to develop orientation programs for the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Business and Administration.
She continued to direct orientation until 1988. During this period she created a parents newsletter titled "Parents and Campus," which featured student affairs and student issues.
Sease has been at the helm of the counseling center since 1989 and has played a significant role in the center's efforts to meet the needs of the campus community. She also is known as one of the strongest advocates for multiculturalism on the Boulder campus.
"From my very first day, I have always liked my work on campus and have appreciated, as well as benefited from, the support of colleagues," Sease said.
"I am proud to be associated with the counseling staff because we continue to believe that treating each and every person with dignity and respect is primary to our being successful as counselors, and we believe that these values are also essential to the success of the university.
"I am lucky to have been part of a highly professional counseling staff that provides a wide range of services addressing student needs and who are strongly committed to building a campus community that values students, staff and faculty. I have learned a lot from my work and hope to continue learning."
A tree will be dedicated in honor of Sease's university service on Aug. 26 at 9 a.m. on the Willard Hall lawn. For more information call Counseling and Psychological Services: A Multicultural Center at 303-492-6766.