Employee Spotlight Series

Fourteen years ago, Charles made a significant career shift from traditional fine dining to institutional food service at Gettysburg College. After growing up right in Gettysburg, attending culinary school, and gaining experience in Virginia and Maryland restaurants, the demanding hours and limited family time of fine dining prompted him to search for better work-life balance. With two young kids at home and his wife, he needed something closer to home. Returning to Gettysburg College provided the perfect opportunity to combine his culinary expertise with a more family-friendly schedule while serving his local community.

The transition from serving 100 restaurant guests to preparing meals for up to 1,500 people required significant adaptation in both scale and approach. Rather than upscale white tablecloth service, Charles shifted his focus to accessible, comforting meals that accommodate diverse dietary needs and cultural preferences. He's particularly proud of developing the dedicated allergy-free kitchen with specialized equipment and protocols to safely serve students with severe allergies—what started as a small station has grown into a robust program supporting dozens of students every meal. The team has also implemented digital menu systems with detailed nutrition and allergen information, and Charles has expanded their cultural offerings including Asian cuisine and halal options in response to changing student demographics. His goal has always been to create a comprehensive, inclusive dining experience that makes all students feel seen and cared for.

The collaborative environment, adequate resources, and creative flexibility make Gettysburg College an exceptional workplace for Charles as a culinary professional. The supportive team culture encourages innovation, from themed dinners to special events like smoking alligators for Mardi Gras celebrations—they love shaking things up! This creativity extends beyond novelty—Charles has learned that food serves as a powerful connector that brings students together across different schedules and backgrounds, creating shared experiences that transform routine meals into meaningful community moments. Even something as simple as butter chicken night turns into a mini reunion. The combination of operational challenge, creative freedom, and positive impact on student life makes each day engaging and purposeful for him.

Meet Caleb Jones, Senior Administrative Assistant of the Counseling & Wellness Center! After three years of working for the Dining Services at Gettysburg College, Caleb stepped into his new role in August of 2024. It was during these three formative years that he established an instant connection with the student body and quickly realized that he desired a position within the institution that could make a greater impact on both the individual and the college campus at large. Caleb’s work at the Counseling & Wellness Center places him in the unique position to be able to execute exactly the work he envisioned.

“I’m always happy to meet people where they are and enjoy creating a space for them to feel seen, understood, and valued.”

The most important part of Caleb’s day-to-day is, of course, the swift assessment of a student’s needs and getting them connected with a clinician by appointment, or a peer-educator and drop-in counselor if the client’s needs present as urgent. Caleb also works very closely with his director as an assistant; manages the Campus’ Medicat program; and works dutifully as his office’s administrator.

The most important part of Caleb’s day-to-day is, of course, the swift assessment of a student’s needs and getting them connected with a clinician by appointment, or a peer-educator and drop-in counselor if the client’s needs present as urgent. Caleb also works very closely with his director as an assistant; manages the Campus’ Medicat program; and works dutifully as his office’s administrator.

“The counselors that I work with are such a wonderful group of people. They are uplifting, quick-witted, and have made me feel like a vital member of the team. I am uniquely lucky to be in a position to learn from them and observe them in their element, doing what they do best: supporting our clientele.”

Having established himself in his current position, Caleb is now working to deepen his professional relationships and foster meaningful connections across different campus divisions. He values the collaborative spirit that comes from genuine workplace relationships and their positive impact on serving students. Outside of work, you can find Caleb enjoying a book at a local café, shopping at businesses along the square, making art in the park, running in the early evenings, or enjoying a night out with friends.

Meet Cyd Tokar, Administrative Services Assistant in the Office of Student Activities & Greek Life (OSAGL). Cyd’s journey with Gettysburg College began in a truly serendipitous way—while working as the props master for A Christmas Carol at the Majestic Theater with Totem Pole Playhouse. During one performance, a chance conversation with John Stiles led to a part-time job at the Majestic that lasted several years. Her connection to the College deepened as both her child and niece became Gettysburg students, and her child even worked at the Majestic alongside her. Eventually, Cyd transitioned to campus through the administrative support pool, taking on a temporary role in OSAGL that later became permanent. Over three years later, she remains a central figure in the department, bringing energy and warmth to all she does.

Cyd has taken on many roles that showcase her creativity and commitment—from decorating the office for each season to advising the yearbook team and supervising student workers at the CUB Desk and campus social venues. She also serves on the Support Staff Council and has developed meaningful, long-lasting relationships with students, especially the Class of 2025—the first cohort she has seen through all four years. Her day-to-day work continues to evolve as she steps further into mentorship and leadership, always with an eye toward improving both student experiences and workplace dynamics. Cyd brings joy and surprise to campus events—famously donning an inflatable T-Rex costume for the Fall Carnival and embracing orientation traditions like the First-Year Walk, which she finds deeply moving.

Throughout her time at Gettysburg, Cyd has grown both professionally and personally. She’s learned practical skills (like tapping a keg!) and gained valuable insights into student engagement and Greek Life—something she had little exposure to before joining OSAGL. What she values most is the College’s tight-knit, supportive environment where ideas are heard and efforts make a real impact. She hopes to see more professional development pathways for support staff so team members can grow without leaving the departments they love. With her creativity, passion, and dedication to student success, Cyd exemplifies what it means to be Gettysburg Great.

Meet Kim Smith, the Transportation & Facilities Helpdesk Supervisor! Kim joined the team in January 2015 as the Facilities Service Response Coordinator, quickly mastering the ins and outs of campus operations and facilities tasks. Her dedication and expertise led her to a supervisory role in 2018, where she took on the challenge of overseeing both Facilities and the Transportation Services Helpdesk. Managing two distinct departments keeps her role dynamic and rewarding, as each presents unique, time-sensitive responsibilities crucial to the campus community.

"I’m grateful that the busiest times for each department tend to balance each other out!"

A Leader in Facilities Management. Kim played a key role in modernizing facilities operations, implementing the TMA ticketing system in 2015 and leading the transition from paper work orders to iPads in 2019. She also provides ongoing training and support for staff using the electronic work order system. Leading a dedicated team of three full-time colleagues, Kim takes great pride in their hard work and commitment.

Driving Excellence in Transportation. On the transportation side, Kim oversees vehicle reservations, maintenance, and repairs while managing a team of 20 part-time drivers. These drivers play a vital role in shaping first impressions of the college, offering warmth and professionalism to prospective students, staff, and guests. Their dedication embodies what it truly means to be “Gettysburg Great." With her leadership, passion, and commitment to excellence, Kim continues to make a lasting impact on both Facilities and Transportation Services.

"Working closely with all the trades makes us feel like one big family."

In 2025, I’ll celebrate 35 years at the college, all in the same department. I’m still in college, LOL. My journey started in December 1988 as a part-time dispatcher, answering the main phone line 24/7 and logging calls on an electric typewriter. Reports were handwritten the day of the incident and then transcribed by Mary Ann Remaley (MAR), now retired, who had a remarkable gift for reading our handwriting.

I thoroughly enjoy all the work we do in Campus Safety. I enjoy passing on what I have learned over the years to new Officers. After 30 years of straight patrol, I am now involved with Life Fire Safety which coincides and compliments the first responder world. I’ve been a life member of Barlow Volunteer Fire Department since 1991, and a member of Gettysburg Fire Department (also since 1991) and York Springs Fire Department since 1984.

I am blessed to have many friends and colleagues at the college who are family to me. We are one team, same mission.

Fallon DePorter has been a Student Accounts Representative in Financial Services since March 2023. She enjoys meeting and helping students and their families navigate the financial aspects of their college experience with confidence and clarity. With a degree in Business Management from HACC, Fallon uses her organizational and problem-solving skills to support students through the financial process.

Fallon enjoys working with different departments across campus to ensure accurate billing and smooth communication, which allows her the opportunity to meet new people and contribute to the College community in meaningful ways. Recently, she joined the Welcome Ambassador Program and looks forward to helping new employees feel welcomed and connected to the Gettysburg community—something she values greatly as a Gettysburg native.

Outside of work, Fallon loves trying new recipes, exploring new cities, writing poetry, reading, and spending time with her husband, Wesley. She also enjoys spending time with their two cats, Nick and Jay—named after iconic characters from The Great Gatsby. Her Catholic faith is a central part of her life, and she enjoys organizing and participating in Bible studies and other related activities.

Meet Josh Wagner, the Manager of the Innovation and Creativity Lab. Stepping into the role in 2020, Josh has transformed what began as an empty 600-square-foot classroom with just a handful of tools into a dynamic hub for innovation and exploration. Under his leadership, the lab has grown into a fully equipped makerspace that inspires students, faculty, and staff to bring their creative visions to life.

Josh’s work involves much more than managing equipment and workshops. He collaborates closely with academic departments, student organizations, and campus initiatives to integrate hands-on learning opportunities across disciplines. Whether he’s teaching students how to use 3D printers, laser cutters, or woodworking tools, or supporting faculty in designing project-based coursework, Josh is dedicated to making the lab a space where ideas thrive and skills are built.

He also teaches the popular First-Year Seminar "Fail this Course: Creativity, Making, and Failure." This unique class challenges students to embrace failure as an essential part of the creative process, encouraging them to experiment, take risks, and develop resilience. By exploring the intersections of making, problem-solving, and reflection, Josh inspires students to view failure as a stepping stone to success.

Outside of the lab, Josh enjoys trivia nights with friends, tinkering with DIY projects, exploring local breweries, thrifting, or attending theater performances.

Whether you're a seasoned maker or just curious to try something new, Josh invites you to stop by the ICL, explore the tools, and create something!

Meet Chris Bloomford, the Associate Director for Marketing and Assessment at the Center for Career Engagement. Since joining Gettysburg College in 2018, Chris has played a key role in both assessing the effectiveness of Career Engagement programs and overseeing the office’s marketing efforts. He manages the Post-Graduate First Destinations Survey, analyzes data from platforms like Handshake, and develops surveys and focus groups to better understand student needs and career goals. His insights help ensure that the office’s services continue to support students, alumni, and the campus community in meaningful ways. Additionally, Chris oversees the office’s social media and web presence, keeping everyone informed and engaged.

One of the things Chris enjoys most is building meaningful relationships with students through counseling appointments, learning about their interests, and helping them connect their passions to real-world career opportunities. The rewarding part of Chris’s work is seeing students develop and grow in their career journeys, and knowing that Career Engagement’s work makes a positive impact on our campus.

When not working on marketing campaigns or analyzing career trends, Chris is likely in the kitchen experimenting with new recipes or tending to his garden. Known for growing 100+ heads of garlic each year, Chris’s green thumb and love of cooking are a big part of his life outside of work.

Chris is proud to contribute to Gettysburg College’s mission of supporting student success and helping students shape their professional futures.

Evan Folger has been making a difference as a Dining Services Coordinator at Servo for four years. A proud 2020 graduate of Millersville University, he began his journey at Gettysburg College in high school, working in the conferences and facilities departments.

In his current role, Evan manages dining staff, oversees scheduling, and handles student worker hiring. He thrives on connecting with students, faculty, and guests, always eager to answer questions, gather feedback, and ensure everyone enjoys their dining experience. “We are fortunate to have a great team,” he says, highlighting his favorite aspect of the job: collaborating with dedicated dining employees.

A resident of Adams County, Evan deeply appreciates the positive impact Gettysburg College has on the local community. When he's not working, you can find him spending time with family, hiking, or cheering on his favorite sports teams: the Baltimore Orioles, Washington Commanders, and Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

Bekah Hurwitz is the Assistant Director of International Student Services, a role which she began in June. Throughout August, Bekah worked alongside the ISS team to welcome 85 international first years, from 35 different countries, to campus. Introducing the cohort of students to the Gettysburg College community provided the perfect opportunity for Bekah to reflect on her own Gettysburg journey, and why this place means so much to her.

While she grew up only 45 minutes from Gettysburg, Bekah’s first visit didn’t occur until she was touring campus as a prospective student. She committed to the college as a member of the Class of 2019, graduating with degrees in Psychology and Organization & Management Studies. After graduating, Bekah moved to Copenhagen, Denmark for 1 year to work for DIS Study Abroad. The rise of Covid meant her return home in 2020, but luckily she was welcomed back to Gettysburg College with open arms. Since then, Bekah has worked 1 year in the Office of Residential Education and 3 years in the Center for Global Education.

Bekah lives in town with her fiancé, Sean, and their two cats, Pinto and Reuben. They’ve spent the summer tending to an out of control garden, trying plenty of new recipes and baking projects, and slowly but surely decorating their new house.

Regardless of the department she finds herself in, Bekah is always amazed by the work of her colleagues: their creativity, thoughtfulness, and their commitment to supporting the students. Whether it’s sending students abroad or welcoming them to campus, she finds the opportunity to work with students inspiring, and believes it’s an honor to play such a direct role in each of their Gettysburg College journeys.

Susan Fumagalli is the Senior Associate Director of Athletics at Gettysburg College, beginning her 21st year on September 20th. Recently, she’s been accompanied by Marshal, a balance/mobility dog from Susquehanna Service Dogs. Marshal, a yellow lab/golden retriever mix, assists Susan with balance and mobility. When Marshal is in his vest, he’s working, so please don’t engage with him. If you’re curious about Marshal or service dogs, Susan is happy to share more.

In her role, Susan manages all 24 athletic teams and the department’s overall administration, including finances, logistics, travel, championship planning, NCAA compliance, and technology oversight. She also coordinates with various campus departments and finds the dynamic nature of her job both challenging and rewarding. Susan enjoys the strong community at Gettysburg and the relationships she’s built over the years.

Beyond her professional role, Susan is an advocate for the disability community and stays active by walking with Marshal. She continues to set new personal records for steps and hopes to participate in a 5k or longer races soon.

Greetings from Kim Landauer, Career Counselor at the Center for Career Engagement, a position she’s held for the past year. Kim joined the GBC community in 2021, when she stepped into the role of Administrative Assistant for Career Engagement. This new role followed 13 years in public education as an Elementary School Counselor for the Northern York County School District. She was drawn to the position and Career Engagement after recognizing a passion for supporting students on their career journey.

In the role of Career Counselor, Kim has the opportunity to interact with students on a daily basis. Whether in a one-on-one meeting, presentation or programming event, she seeks to provide students with the information, resources and support to navigate their career path. She highly values the aspects of her job that allow her to build relationships with students, staff, faculty, parents and friends of Gettysburg College.

Kim is a life-long member of Adams County and was raised in the Gettysburg area. She has fond memories of walking the college campus as a resident and now appreciates the opportunity to be present on the campus as an employee. She finds the GBC community to be warm and welcoming and enjoys the time to engage with its members. Away from work, you’ll find Kim hiking in the woods, caring for a multitude of plants and with her nose in the next great read.