Pictured above: University Housing’s finance staff pose with DeEtta Davis, back row second from left, during her retirement party Sept. 22. | Photos by Laura Fickett

By Susan Wagler
Associate Director for Finance
Business and Information Technology

University Housing staff held a retirement party for DeEtta Davis to celebrate her 39 years with the organization. The party happened Sept. 22 and was well attended by staff.

DeEtta began working for the University in 1978.

She started her career here with Univerity Housing and we are honored that she stayed with us her whole career and is now retiring from us as well.

When DeEtta started working for Housing, the offices were in Holcombe. Over the years, DeEtta lived in several locations on campus. She moved from Holcombe to Hotz, then to Pomfret, and now in our current location.

The department name changed from Dining Services, then Residence Life and Dining, and now University Housing.

DeEtta loved Elvis so that was the theme we used.  There was an Elvis poster and a picture of DeEtta with Elvis (photoshopped!) used for signatures from everyone in attendance.  She received an Elvis-themed purse and a basketful of goodies from the Finance team – all HOT and Spicy items gathered over the last few months from various sources (she loves that as well).

When DeEtta started with Housing, everything was done on paper. We’ve come a long way since that time. Shortly after DeEtta started, the campus implemented a package financial system from Management Services of America.  Planning for our current system, BASIS, began in 1990.

The financial system portion of BASIS was brought online in 1992. Luckily for DeEtta, she is retiring prior to our new system implementation currently in the procurement stages.

DeEtta is a devoted and loyal employee who worked and represented Housing very well over the years.  So devoted in fact – I’m told that she even once showed up to work on a University holiday!

She will be missed in the Finance unit. We all wish her a LONG and HAPPY retirement!

DeEtta’s two daughters Penny and Monica, attended as well as her granddaughter, Lauren.