The Office of the President, the Office of the Provost and the University of Georgia Retirees Association hosted a reception on April 26 to honor the 277 faculty and staff members who have retired since May 2017.
Speaking at the event, University System of Georgia Chancellor Steve Wrigley and UGA President Jere W. Morehead thanked retirees for their commitment to UGA.
“Our faculty, staff and students represent this institution’s most treasured assets, and you have applied your expertise and support to making this university a better place,” Morehead said. “On behalf of our students and our alumni, I want to thank you for your unwavering support for the University of Georgia. There is something very special about the University of Georgia, and I want to thank you for making it even more special by the contributions you have made to this institution.”
Forty-three retirees attended the reception, which recognized former staff and faculty members from several schools, colleges, departments and units, including the biochemistry and molecular biology department’s Daniel DerVartanian, who worked at UGA for 48 years.
“Listening to the range of positions and roles that were recognized today,” said Wrigley, “really captures the complexity of this institution and the many people who in so many ways contribute to making it a great place.”
Also recognized at the event were new UGARA board members Tom Jackson, Hugh Ruppersburg, Anne Sweaney and Floyd Downer. The new officers for the UGARA board are Nancy McDuff, president; Henry Hibbs, president-elect; Marilyn Huff-Waller, secretary; and Tom Eaton, treasurer. The new board members and officers will begin their roles on July 1.
Retirees were encouraged to stay involved with UGA through the relationship that UGARA provides and to try something new.
“I encourage you to get involved in your community and remain involved with this institution,” said Wrigley. “That really is what we’re here for—to make a difference, to leave things better than we found them. I congratulate you and wish you well in this next chapter of your life.”
McDuff echoed the chancellor’s sentiments.
“Our thanks to all of you for what you’ve done for the institution,” she said. “I hope that you enjoy retirement and the wonderful adventure that having a little free time on your hands may present: a chance to travel, to give back to the community by volunteering.”
