Paddy Dishington began her 38-year career with the University of Regina in 1982. Her first position was an Accounts Payable Clerk I in the Business Office, now known as Financial Services. When a new Clerk II position was advertised in 1983, Dishington says, “I decided I would apply thinking if I got it, great, but if I didn’t, I would go ahead with my plans to go to England to visit my mom’s family and also travel through Europe.” When Dishington heard she didn’t get the position, she packed her bags for England. “I got one of the best adventures of my life, traveling to eight European countries and then staying with my family in England.”
One month after her return, Dishington was offered a new term position: “The University was setting up a new financial system and wanted to know if I would help. I accepted and never looked back.” After this term, Dishington returned to her former position as an A/P Clerk. Dishington quickly worked her way up to the Accounts Payable Supervisor, a position she held until March 1999 when she joined the Faculty of Education as Senior Finance & Administrative Assistant.
“Over those years in Accounts Payable, I dealt with Reta Common from the Faculty of Education frequently and she always had good things to say about the Faculty,” says Dishington. Common made a good impression, and Dishington determined that if she moved to a new position on campus, it would be to the Faculty of Education. When a position was posted in 1999, Dishington applied and was hired.
Dishington says, “During my 22 years in the Faculty of Education, I worked with three Faculty Administrators and six Deans, plus many faculty, sessionals and others all coming and going. Meeting and interacting with all the different people over the years was both very enjoyable and fascinating.”
Dishington was able to make some lifelong friendships in the Faculty.
Dishington is now settling into a well-earned retirement. She plans to focus on time with her husband and children, and “Chewy, our furbaby.” When the pandemic restrictions are over, Dishington hopes to travel again. “I would like to return to England to visit family especially my aunt who will be 94 this summer.” There are also plans to travel to Montreal to visit a son, and to travel and explore at leisure.
Dishington says, “As we were not able to have the typical gathering for my farewell, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you for your kind words, retirement wishes, and for the wonderful gifts I received. Hopefully we will be able to see each other soon and in the meantime keep well and stay safe!!”
