HR&APS Congratulates Jim Stemach on his Retirement!

Jim Stemach has been a vibrant and vital member of Human Resources, now H-RAPS, since August 2008. Jim initially was hired as Training and Human Resources Specialist. He was quickly recognized as a team player and quick learner who exhibited a genuine commitment to help employees enhance their skills and knowledge and navigate the often-opaque world of the CSU. In 2010, Jim moved into the role of Human Resources Generalist with an emphasis in recruitment and compensation. In 2013, he became the Associate Human Resources Director – his HR service expanding to include labor relations and employee relations, along with his continuing support to members of search committees and hiring authorities with all aspects of the recruitment process – from Form 1 to Form 5!

Along the way, Jim, wife Ronda, and sons Justin and Tyler volunteered as puppy raisers for Canine Companions. Every assistance dog starts as a puppy that needs a loving home – and the Stemach's have provided such a home so that children and adults with disabilities could live more independent lives. Human Resources and others in Siemens Hall and across campus also benefited from Jim's volunteer work raising canine companion puppies – sweet lab Nicky became a familiar soulful face in Jim's office. Many staff volunteered to walk Nicky during the day to acclimate her to varied surroundings and people. Moreover, Nicky the puppy was already making her own canine companion contribution – students, staff, and faculty simply lit up when they saw Nicky. If you were having an off day, just going into Jim's office and petting Nicky had you smiling in no time.

In his spare time, Jim is an avid angler, a creative cook, and an expert cultivator of succulents – activities he also shared with his co-workers. We will miss Jim's delectable fresh caught smoked salmon and the always-unexpected tray of unusual succulents that occasionally would appear in HR for his co-workers to take home and nurture.

Jim will be missed. You could always count on Jim to take the time to listen and empathize; he was also the go-to person when trying to find solutions on those very rare occasions when issues pop up in the world of human resources. We recognize and thank Jim for his significant contributions to the University, we congratulate him as he moves into a new life phase of life, and we hope that we can keep him on our speed dial, at least for a while!

Enjoy, Jim!