News Release

Leona Ellis is retired

Friday, February 25, 2011

Leona Ellis, who is retiring today, began work at St. Cloud State March, 2, 1970. Photo by Neil Andersen for University Communications.

Leona Ellis, who has been a general maintenance worker on campus for 42 years, will be honored at a celebration of retirement from 2:30-4 p.m. Friday, Feb. 25, in Room 112 of Stewart Hall. 

Leona joined the St. Cloud State staff in 1970, serving first in Benton Residence Hall and for the past several years in Stewart Hall.

Leona came to St. Cloud State with a wide variety of work experience.  In the 1930s she worked with the Works Progress Administration (WPA), during World War II she worked in St. Paul at an airplane plant, modifying the interiors of "airplanes with big gunners and pretty girls on the side."

She held various other jobs, married, had three children and was widowed before joining the St. Cloud State maintenance staff in her 40s.

"I’ve had really good people to work with," said Leona, who said she’ll turn 90 in May.  "I’m sure going to miss it, but I’ll come back to visit."

<< Previous  |  Archive  |  Next >>