After 44 years of service at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Kate Shaner, financial manager in the Department of Chemistry, will retire in February.

A Zoom retirement reception celebrate Shaner’s career will start at 2 p.m. Feb. 5. Colleagues and friends are invited to register online to receive the Zoom information.

Shaner joined the university 1977 as the chair’s assistant in the Department of Educational Psychology. In 1979, she transitioned to a role in the Polar Ice Coring Office as the project assistant. Shaner joined the Department of Chemistry in 1989, where she has served as the financial manager for the last 32 years.

As a part of Polar Ice Coring Office, Shaner was part of a team that traveled to Greenland. Polar Ice Coring Office drillers worked alongside scientists from Denmark and Switzerland. The team successfully drilled through the Greenland Ice Cap in 1983.

“It was one of the greatest experiences of my life, flying in a military aircraft to transfer materials for building a geodesic dome at Dye 3. I was able to hike to the end of the ice cap and take in the beauty of a massive ice sheet,” Shaner said.

In appreciation of her logistics work with the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a weather station in Greenland was named the ‘Cathy Site’ after Shaner in 1989.

Shaner has many fond memories at Nebraska, including participating in the 2006 and 2007 homecoming parade. The Department of Chemistry staff and faculty served as chauffeurs, driving the king and queen candidates.

“I will remember the many friendships and working relationships throughout the university community. I will miss working with the staff and faculty in Chemistry. I hope the best for all,” Shaner said

In retirement, Shaner looks forward to continuing volunteering with Wachiska Audubon Society, tackle home projects, visit family and relaxing.