On Thursday, April 10th, Bucks students and staff gathered in the Gallagher at the Newtown Campus to offer farewell wishes to one of our own.
Robert “Bob” Buchholz, a custodial employee of the college, has decided to retire after 12 years of service to the campus and its students – leaving a large void to fill, left behind.
In his role, Buchholz regularly set up and organized events that make the college so special- which is why he wasn’t surprised to get a page from Student Life Director Chris Seifert on April 10th.
Buchholz was under the pretenses that there was a “set up” emergency during the students “Brunch and Bingo” hour where students played bingo for a winning gift card prize, with various cereal and milk options available.
Students participating the event played Bingo and ate cereal as they awaited Bobs arrival. Due to the Gallaghers room constant event hosting, this was nothing out of the ordinary for our beloved Physical Plan worker.
When he arrived, cleaning cart in hand- he found – not a party that needed help setting up, but a party held in his honor. Students filled the Gallagher room with cheers and applause for one of the valuable links in the chain of Bucks County Community College.
Chris Seifert honored him, saying ‘’They [Bob] do the work that often doesn’t get seen. Bob is someone’s name I want you to remember. He’s made such an impact in this college now and all the years before you for the last twelve years’’.
Buchholz was in charge of setting up all indoor and outdoor college events with tasks ranging from tables and chair set up and removal to putting up signs and banners. “That man has probably put up and taken down more tables and chairs than anyone on earth” said a playful Siefert.
In response to his surprise retirement party, a shocked and emotional Bob said ‘’I’m going to miss this. But it’s time to retire. I appreciate this, seriously, from everyone’’.
At the date of publication, Bob Buchholz will have been retired for a little over a week. Maybe he’s out enjoying the nice weather. Maybe he’s taking a trip. Whatever Bob is up to, the students and staff wish him well and are thankful for his years of labor and hard work