Always an Honor to Attend the Celebration of Retiring Faculty after the Last General Faculty Meeting @FairfieldU .. The Inspiration & Wisdom Are Insightful

I planned on rushing home to writing and dog care after yesterday's General Faculty Meeting, but the lure of attending the retiree celebration has quickly become one of my favorite rituals. For years, I watched dozens of teachers and principals retire from my K-12 teaching days and remain mesmerized by last-minute advice, words of wisdom, and celebrations of those who have dedicated an entire career to the work of educating others. 

Last night didn't disappoint, and faculty sang accolades of individuals with 20-30+ years of work giving of themselves to the profession, the passion, and the joy in what they do. Rank & Tenure taught me much about the excellence of faculty I work with, but the retirement ceremony, with last words of outgoing faculty has always been a highlight, too. I'm amazed at how individuals wrap up all the days of writing, research, teaching, and service to have a final good-bye to what they've dedicated their lives to accomplish. 

Nursing, Accounting, Economics Religious Studies, Theater, and Marriage & Family Therapy. Here was a celebration of many giants whose shoulders I stand upon, with collaborative work, advice, and absolute wisdom (knowledge we seldom share with one another). 

Pictured above is Marty LoMonico, who has done a fabulous job mentoring the thespian, play-writing, stage hand communities of campus, and devoted a lifetime to storytelling, performance, staging, and quality theatrics on our campus. I was also mesmerized by the kindness and grace of Paul Castor, and the absolute brilliance of Paul Lakeland. It's hard to imagine a campus without them.

I was sad that my own colleague, Maryanne Labella, was not in attendance to have her final shout-out, but I know her well and she's never been one to seek attention from others. Instead, she dedicated her life to our students, the hard work of marriage and family therapy, and many of the behind-the-scenes day-to-day activities that keeps the place running. I have over a decade of high school teaching under my belt, with another 13 years of campus teaching. The work is tireless, the battles are enormous, but the choice of academic excellence, drive, and a love for students remains central.

They make it known that everyone is replaceable, but I counter this notion that this is not true. I've become a better human being because of the individuals who were honored last night, and all they invested in me will be carried forward in the work I hope to continue to do. 

Such brilliance, simply makes me sit back, applaud, and have nothing but honorable respect for the dedication it takes from those who do incredible work. 

I say to each and every retiree...thank you for leading the way for exactly how it should be done.