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I’m so sad but excited for you in this adventure. I am so thankful for you and all the times I came into your office. I really loved you. Aimee and I looked up to you so much. I will never forget your response when I asked you why you left teaching to be a principal . You said so you could touch more children’s lives. It really made me think about how I wanted to impact children. You are truly amazing and I will miss being able to email you and set things up .... for student teaching and etc... good luck in your next adventure until we speak again! Ashlee smith- from summit christian academy 14-20

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Congratulations on your well deserved retirement!!! It has always been a pleasure to talk with you.  You'll be greatly missed.  Wishing you the best in your retirement!

Sunshine Wolfe

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Congratulations! Thank you for always answering my questions and always trying to help me! I hope your retirement is great and you will be greatly missed! You have been such a blessing in my life and the lives of so many others.

Grace Werner

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You have had such a big impact on the education department that it’s going to be so different without you in it. I’m thankful for someone who was always willing to help each & every student in every way possible that you could. You always had answers to my many questions and knew how to make my anxieties go away without even knowing it. Thank you for caring for us & getting us to where we are now, we seriously could not have done it without you!
- Raegan Edwards

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I pray that this new season of life will be filled with joy and family. Thank you for helping to guide us on our journeys to become educators. You will be dearly missed!
Blessings,
Ashley Scott

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The EDU department will not be the same without you in it.  You have helped so many of us on our journey to become teachers.  I am so thankful that I could always come to you with questions or concerns.  We are going to miss you next semester! Thank you for everything you have done for us! I hope retirement treats you well.
-Tiffany Hartzler

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Mr. Spurgeon,

Congratulations on retiring. You have made such an impact on the education system through the lives of the many students you have guided and educated. That impact will continue for years to come. You were a great help to both my husband and I, in finding teaching jobs. Thank you for all you have done for us and so many.

Sincerely,

Ashley Chabrecek (Lawson)

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Mr. Spurgeon,
Congratulations on your retirement! I can't thank you enough for the positive impact you have had on me (and Katie when we'd come bug you). You always provided great insight and encouragement and made us feel like a part of your family. Enjoy those grandkids!
Thank you,
Caroline Drury

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Ken,
I could probably write a book about all the ways you've helped and supported me over the years, but I will try to keep this short!  A few years ago I set out to pursue my dream of becoming a teacher with no idea how to get there!  I spoke with an advisor at another university and left in tears.  I decided to talk with SBU and was directed to speak with you.  I walked into your office nervous, lost, and scarred from my last meeting with an advisor.  I had enough questions to last a lifetime and you sat with me as patient as I've ever seen anyone, and answered every single question for two hours!  You made me feel welcomed, appreciated, supported, and honestly, like a family member from day one!  I will never forget leaving your office that day in tears, but tears of joy this time!  I immediately called my husband and told him I did not care what it cost us, SBU would be my college of choice and it is all due to the amount of support and dedication you had for me and my education from the minute we met.  I will say time and time again that God has blessed me every step of the way while attending SBU and He placed you in my path for a reason.  I've enjoyed every moment I've spent with you talking about our families and life in general.  You have always been the rock and support that I needed to get through any challenges.  I could never fully put into words how much you have meant to me through my journey.  I wholeheartedly appreciate you as a person and will be deeply sad to see you go.  Thank you for being who you are!  I wish you so much joy and happiness with your family during retirement and lots of fishing!  We are family now, so keeping in touch is not an option!

Sincerely,
Kylie Steverson

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You always pushed me to be a more responsible man. I've never forgotten how you helped me apply for my sub certificate and helped me work through some of my past problems during that process. Your faith in me has made me better and I've grown from the wisdom you've shared. I appreciate all you've done in my life and all the butterscotch candies that you've provided me. Thank you!
- Brandon Delmont

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You have helped each and every one of us throughout our journey to become teachers. Thank you for always offering your support and guidance! I personally don't know how I would have handled everything without you, and I want to thank you for looking out for all of us and trying to help us be the best we can be. THANK YOU MR. SPURGEON!!!

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Congratulations on your retirement!  When I first transferred to Bolivar I was a little nervous okay I wondered what had I gotten myself into, but God knew what He was doing by leading me to a Christ filled school.  Thank you for your part in my College degree.  I had many who didn’t give up on me during my time at SBU and you were one of them.
Thank you,
Jenna Beth Kiser
SBU 2019

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Mr. Spurgeon,

I’m not sure where to start. I could say something about how much I enjoyed taking courses that were taught by you, or how much my day was brightened when   you shared pictures of your adorable grandkids. However, I think what sticks out in my mind the most is all the times I went to your office upset and aggravated, but came out feeling confident. Being a transfer student, for the longest time I always felt like I was just thrown into the mix without knowing what was really expected from me. After visiting your office a time or two I realized I was wrong in thinking no one on campus was concerned about my success. Thank you so so much for giving me the confidence I needed to get though school. Congratulations on your well deserved retirement!

Sincerely,
Sareena

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Congratulations! What an exciting day. I want to thank you for all that you have done for all education majors. Your gentle, kind approach to all situations proved invaluable. Even when I forgot education passwords and other things, you helped me along the way. I enjoyed learning more about your family! Your educational practices are truly one in a million. I hope someday to teach as well as you do. Thank you again for your valuable time and your commitment to cultivating educators that care. Enjoy your retirement and this next exciting chapter in your life.
Sincerely,
Hannah Smith
Biology Ed.
Class of Fall 2020

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Ken,
I've appreciated working with you over the last several years. Your dedication and service to our education students has been such a positive example of servant leadership (to both the students and your colleagues). Congratulations and enjoy every minute of your retirement!

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Every time I walked into your office I was nervous and did not know what to do. Leaving your office I felt not just confident in my course work, but more confident in my ability to teach. The special way that you had to calm the nerves of a students were incredible. You have been a valuable asset in education, SBU and in my life, and I could not tell you where I would be today without your input! Congratulations on retirement, and your next stage of life, enjoy your days with your family, especially them grandbabies!
Much Blessings,
Jordan Ashford

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Congratulations on your retirement. I have enjoyed working with you and having you as a teacher and mentor through my coursework at SBU. It has been a joy. Thank you for your committment to students and education. It is greatly valued. Enjoy retirement!
Sincerely,
Debby Dryer

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Dear Mr. Spurgeon,

Congratulations on retiring! Thank you very much for pouring your all your heart and hard work out to each and every future and present educator. Thank you for showing us how we can share the love of Christ to our students and fellow colleagues. I pray you enjoy each and every moment of your retirement, and love on those precious grand babies!

Thank you for helping myself and others to become successful educators.

Blessings,
Savannah

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Dr. Spurgeon, congrats on retiring after these many years of being an amazing person in the education world! You will be greatly missed! My favorite memories come from the many conversations we had in you office and the time we spent together while I helped my uncle lay rock on your house! I really enjoyed having you by my side as I walk through the adventures of a future teacher and will carry all the lessons you taught me in my career!

Sincerely,
Tyler Goatley
SBU 2021
Class of 2021

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Mr. Spurgeon,
You make people feel known, and that is one of the many reasons that we will miss you in the EDU Department! I have seen what a blessing you have been to those around you in the short time I’ve been here, and it’s inspiring to me as a future educator. Thank you for all your encouragement and guidance. I pray that your retirement is filled with joy!

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Mr. Spurgeon,
Congratulations on your retirement! I know it has been some time since I was there, but I could not miss the chance to thank you for your kindness and guidance during a difficult time in my life. I am so thankful for all you did for me!
One thing I remember well about you was your love for your wife and your kiddos. I hope that in your retirement you will be able to spend lots of time with them!

Sincerely,
Moriah (Carnahan) Sprague
Class of 2014

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Congratulations on your retirement! Not only have you had an amazing teaching career, but you've influenced so many teachers who are currently influencing others! I'm so thankful for all the wonderful advice and direction you've given me. Happy retirement!!

Taylor Morrow
SBU 2019

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Congratulations on your retirement!  I want to thank you for all you've done throughout the years to motivate beginning teachers like myself.  I hope you enjoy this next phase of life to its fullest!

Stephen Miller
Stockton High School 2006
SBU 2010

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Mr. Spurgeon,

You started your job at SBU in the middle of education. I’ll always remember your helpfulness in helping prepare me for after college and the advice you gave. Thank you for your dedication to educating students and helping us get ready for when we entered into school to be teachers ourselves. I hope you have a happy retirement!!

Lelia (Seabaugh) Spaeth
2010

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Thank you for all that you have done to ensure that your students succeed in the real world of teaching! Thank you for instilling in us to have a good work ethic, good attitude & a Christ-like example, especially during our student teaching semester. I wish you the best of luck in your next chapter.
Congrats! 🎉
Brooke (Bland) Miller

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Congratulations on your retirement! Thank you for all that you did to help and support me during my time at SBU. I enjoyed taking in all your knowledge and I'm sure you will be dearly missed!

Amanda Porter SBU 2017

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Congrats on your retirement from SBU! I want to thank you for your help during my student teaching. You were a big part of the reason why I got my teaching job in Marionville. I appreciate it so much! I have loved my time teaching here and it would not have been possible without you.

Enjoy your retirement!
Katelyn Youngsma (Hicks)

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Thank you for being my advisor. I remember bonding over same acquaintances in I believe Coach Godfrey and Coach Hummel. Good luck in all that you do!

Katie Hodge (now Stahl)

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Mr. Spurgeon,
Your support meant everything to me! When I was a student at SBU, you were a voice I needed and a support to finish my degree. I’ll never forget the respect you gave me. You were my advisor your very first year at SBU. Thank you for your years of service! Congratulations on your retirement!
Erin Crawley SBU 2011

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Mr. Spurgeon,
I hope that you enjoy your retirement with those wonderful grandbabies!  Thank you so much for guiding me during my education journey at SBU.  You were always so patient and answered my many questions over the years!  Congratulations!

Lora Beth Walker

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Ken,
Congrats on your retirement!! Thank you for helping me with my student teaching experience! I wouldn't have the job I have, if it wasn't for you setting me up with this school! Enjoy retirement!

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Ken,
There are people in life that you look at and simply respect. You are one of those people. Your life shows what a Christ Like life should look. I appreciate and respect your opinion. Thank you for being consistent and caring.
You make people around you better!!!
KP

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Ken, it is difficult to know where to even start on this note to you because I feel overwhelmed with things I want to say! We have been abundantly blessed in the EDU department to have you as part of our team! Your knowledge in the field and relationships with public school administration was such an asset to our department. Further, the fact that you are a loving father and grandfather made you a natural fit for loving on and supporting our students throughout their journey at SBU. You know how to love them with a tough love when they need it, and with a gentle spirit at the same moment. I have so very much appreciated your wisdom and insight at meetings around the conference room table. But more importantly, I've appreciated the orange shirt and tie, the jellies, and those jugs of apple cider!!! (grin) Please keep in touch with us, and give us a call when you and Stacie want to meet up for a double date at the Squeeze! God Bless YOU!!!!

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Ken, I can't thank you enough for all of the countless hours you have trained me, encouraged me, listened to me vent, and helped me in the transition into my new position (well....your job....).  You have VERY big shoes to fill, so I'm not even going to try.  I hope that I can have as much of an impact on the students with whom I interact as you have had in your time here at SBU.  As I sat in on each and every class that you taught this semester to get a feel for teaching those courses, I was reminded of the Godly role model you are for our teacher candidates and the vast experience that you have shared with them through the years.  I'm glad you have said I can keep your number on speed dial because I will need it A LOT I'm sure!  Congrats on your second retirement!
Jennifer

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Ken,
Congratulations on your retirement. You have worked so hard and have accomplished so many great things. Thank you for all that you do. We will miss you! God Bless you and your family.

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Ken,
Your witness for  Christ is what I will miss having around. Your dedication to students is amazing.
May the Lord bless you and keep you and your family.

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I pray that you enjoy retirement.  You've been a great colleague and have had an impact on many, many young teachers.  Thanks for all you have done.  You will be missed!
Bob Glasgow