Dr. Jim Krudop counts himself a blessed man. Krudop, who was honored with a retirement reception at Lurleen B. Wallace Community College’s Greenville campus Friday morning, praised his family, colleagues and members of a community that has become like a second home to him.

“I said a long time ago—this college is not about the buildings; it’s about the people. And the people here are the best,” Krudop said.

“I so appreciate my wife Holly, who has been a great support to me over the years–she did all these beautiful flowers for us today–and our lovely daughters Ashley and Hadyn who are here with us.”

Krudop acknowledged several familiar faces as he looked around the room, sharing stories of their time as students and supporters of the college.

“I truly have enjoyed these past ten years in Greenville. This is a community that cares . . . with a mayor who is a go-getter and gets things done,” Krudop said. “And the chamber of commerce director Francine Wasden is an absolute dynamo—I don’t know when she sleeps. Thank you, Francine, for co-hosting this event today, I am just delighted.”

Krudop also gave thanks to the faculty and staff of LBWCC-Greenville, saying that an addition had been made by him to the Circle of Honor with their names.

Dr. Herbert Reidel, president of LBWCC, described Krudop as “the face of this campus.”

“Dr. Krudop has spent almost 40 years with this college. Not only has he served the Greenville campus so well for the past decade, he has also been very active at our Andalusia and Opp campuses,” said Reidel. “In fact, at one point he was the acting director of Reid State Technical College, too.”

Krudop now holds the title of LBW’s vice president emeritus—a position which is unique in the state, Reidel says.

“We believe Dr. Krudop is the only person in Alabama who holds this rank.”

Krudop received another honor Friday morning when Dr. Arlene Davis of the Greenville campus presented him with the final medallion to complete the campus’s Circle of Honor. 

“It just seemed fitting that the very last one to complete the Circle campaign would be one in your honor,” Davis told Krudop.