Admissions chief retires after more than 3 decades

After working at Mt. Hood Community College for more than three decades Peggy Maas, manager of admissions, registration and records, has officially retired.

Though Maas retired this month, she will continue working at MHCC as a “part-time” staff member through June.

“June 29 is my last day,” said Maas, who first began working at MHCC in 1974 as a work-study student in the admissions, registration and records office, and then worked her way up to the manager’s position.

“I worked as a student through May 1977, leaving after my daughter was born. I was hired full-time in September 1978.”

“I started out as an admissions evaluator for limited and restricted entry programs, then as the transcript/degree evaluator and the international student admissions officer, then as an assistant to the registrar/director of admissions for several years, and then was promoted to a supervisor and my current position in 2001,” she said.

Asked what she looks forward to in retirement, simply having some free time is one of the things Maas listed.

“My husband and I are planning several trips with the nice feeling of a wide open schedule,” she said.

Though Maas said she is looking forward to life after MHCC, she said she still has some work she hopes to finish before her departure.

“I have several projects to finish up prior to the end of June. We hope to have my replacement on board for some cross training before I leave,” she said.

Asked what her experience was like for her 38 years at MHCC, Maas said, “Absolutely wonderful. I want to thank MHCC for giving me the opportunity for a very satisfying career. I consider myself extremely lucky to have worked in such a nice environment, enjoying the many benefits provided to me over the years.”

As for what she will miss most about the college, “I will miss my co-workers in the Admissions, Registration and Records Office as well as the many friends I have made across campus,” she said.

Christi Hart, the financial aid manager and a co-worker of Maas’ for almost 20 years, said Maas’ compassion and demeanor are what makes her stand out the most.

“Peggy is such a wonderful and caring person. She will go the extra mile to assist others and is always willing to help out where needed. She is also a lot of fun to be around and has such a positive attitude,” Hart said.

“The knowledge she has of MHCC and past practices is enormous, so that will be missed as well. I know I will really miss her,” said Hart of losing the longtime MHCC employee.

David Minger, the vice president of student success and enrollment services, said the college is already looking into finding a replacement for Maas’ position.

“We’re definitely going to replace (her position). It is actually already posted in several places online. We’ve got seven to eight applicants already,” he said.

Minger said that hopefully there will be an “overlap” between the new staff that will be hired and Maas before she retires so they can “do some sharing of information and cross training” to prepare for Maas’ departure.