On Thursday, Aug. 30, members of the SUNY Oswego campus community joined me at a reception to bid a fond farewell to Howard Gordon '74 M'78 – an alumnus, employee, trusted colleague and dear friend, who will retire this week after 42 years of service to students, faculty, staff and alumni at SUNY Oswego.

Howard has been an integral part of the fabric of SUNY Oswego for nearly half a century. He has had a profound effect on our campus and has impacted many of us both personally and professionally. Since his days as a student in the early 1970s to the current position from which he retires—executive assistant to the president—Howard has consistently served as a role model, mentor and voice for students and colleagues across the entire campus, bringing his unwavering commitment to equity and social justice to bear in all his spheres of influence. With his insightful analysis and unblinking honesty coupled with respect and compassion, and dedicating enormous amounts of time and energy over and above his “day job,” Howard has moved us forward as an inclusive and connected community.

Howard has the true attributes of a mentor and guide: he listens and hears; he focuses his care and concern; he doesn’t judge or dismiss anyone’s needs; he is wise. Yet any description of Howard must include the full picture of the man he is. We all know that, at his core, Howard assuredly lives his ethics and values in every situation. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to be in his life at SUNY Oswego know that his heart and his humor infuse our work with laughter and love. Howard has been a powerful force in my professional life and will always be my deeply treasured friend.

Thank you, Howard. We wish you every happiness and the complete fulfillment of all your hopes and dreams for the future. Remember, you will always be an honored member of the SUNY Oswego family.