Wednesday, April 10, 2024
Between 1990 and her retirement, I had the great fortune to work with Ginny July as my mentor and colleague while at the University of Michigan-Flint Student Development Center. So much can be said for Ginny's contributions to her church, her community and, of course, to her family, but she was also a tireless friend and advocate for the many, many students she encountered and helped both in class and in life. Seeing Ginny work with students made me a better employee and a better person and I will always be grateful to her for being such a wonderful example and friend. We talk a lot about "student service" and "student centeredness" in our profession, but Ginny was "student service" before the term existed. She didn't need a workshop or webinar to learn it (although she could have taught one) - It was just a part of who she was as a caring, sincere, loving human being. My life was made better by having the chance to work with and get to know Ginny and her family, who she loved so dearly. Chris and Tim, I hope you know this already, but your mom always had the two or you, and your brother Donny and your father, Don, in her heart and thoughts. She loved you and spoke lovingly of you always. I know her love will be with you always and will bring you comfort, especially at this very sad moment in time.
Rest in Peace, Virginia Marie July
