He has been the director and associate director of the college’s library, curator of the museum, a professor, and a loyal servant. After nearly 30 years on campus, Richard Muntz is retiring from Corban College. With his fellow employees surrounding him, May 10, Muntz was recognized for his service.

“God’s used Richard in a mighty way on campus,” said Dr. Bryce Bernard, Vice President for Academics. “Our credibility as Christian liberal arts college has been strengthened by Richard’s dedicated work and broad academic background.”

When Muntz began working at Western Baptist College’s library in August 1975, the total numbers of books, magazine subscriptions, and periodicals were much less than what they are today. At the time some 30,000 books were available. Today the total has risen to 100,000 as the Internet allows access to additional books, plus some 12,000 magazines, journals, full text e-journals and periodicals titles.

Bernard also announced that to honor Muntz’s loyal service, the College will be naming a section of the library after him—calling it the J. Richard Muntz Reference Center. “This is most fitting because reference materials to support our liberal arts and professional programs were non-existent when Richard arrived,” Bernard added. “Because of his academic background, Richard was most qualified to build the library’s collection to support those programs.”

Seldom at a loss for words, the soft-spoken Muntz thanked the college for the honor while expressing appreciation to his wife, Marietta. He also gave special thanks to his friend and colleague of 22 years, Connie Edgar.

“It’s been my honor to work here. The college has been most gracious to allow me to remain all these years and I’m very thankful for that,” he said. “I'm privileged. Being a servant to the servants of God—that’s what I always wanted to be and I thank God that He’s allowed me to be that.”

Muntz has agreed to work part-time through part of the summer until a new assistant is hired.