For nearly twenty years, Shirley Whitfield’s smile was the first greeting a visitor received when arriving at IPST.  And her cheerful voice was the first greeting a caller heard.

Shirley began her work at IPST in February of 1991 as a central files clerk and, after a reorganization, became the receptionist and served in that job until her retirement in July.  In her service under six directors, she experienced many changes at IPST including the move to the Paper Tricentennial Building in 1993 and the merger with Georgia Tech in 2003.

Shirley describes IPST as a “full community, a place where everyone works together as friends and family.  Even visitors to the Institute were friendly.”  She says there is no other job she would have traded for her time at IPST.
In retirement, Shirley plans to be a homemaker.  She wants to become fully involved with her grandchildren supporting them in both their school and their out-of-school activities.

She does have one goal—one challenge—just for herself.  She plans to walk one thousand miles in one year.  Best wishes, Shirley, and thank you for your service and your friendship.