Letters

Moving On to
Retirement Land

After 29 years of exemplary service to Sonoma State University, Bill Houghton announced his retirement this week. A reception to honor his years as a friend, mentor and colleague will be held from 3-5 p.m. on Monday, July 31 in the Stevenson Hall courtyard. All are welcome to join in congratulating Bill and wishing him happiness in the years ahead.

Colleagues,
I have decided to retire from the University. My last day at the University is Aug. 1. I’m eager to get started on my list of Things I’d Like To Do: traveling with the love of my life, finishing the rejuvenation of our 1890 house, spending time in the shop frightening innocent pieces of wood as I attempt to make furniture, perhaps learning to play a musical instrument again…the list goes on.

In my years at the University, I have worked in all variety of human resource programs, learned more than I could have imagined when I started in 1976 as the receptionist in the Personnel Office, often had a lot of fun in the process – and made a great many friends.

I’m looking forward to the next part of my career, but know I’ll miss the people of this University. Y’all do dynamite work; take care and do well.

Bill Houghton
Director of Academic Personnel
Office of the Provost

(Bill Houghton’s career began in October, 1976 as a clerical assistant in the Personnel Office at Sonoma State University (which was known at that time as California State College, Sonoma). He progressed to a personnel management position in 1983. In 1995 he was appointed Director of Employee Relations in the division of Administration and Finance, and in 1996 he accepted the appointment of Director of Academic Personnel in the division of Academic Affairs.)

Wishing the Best

Terilynn Bench has accepted a position at The California Maritime Academy and her last official day at SSU is Friday, July 21. A party is being planned in her honor. For details, e-mail joyce suzuki@sonoma.edu.

Colleagues,

I want to thank everyone at SSU for making this such a wonderful place to work. I have really enjoyed having the opportunity to get to know so many of you in the campus community during the past six years. I wish all of you the best in your endeavors wherever they may lead, and I hope our paths will cross again. If you're ever at California Maritime Academy, please stop by to say hi!

Terilynn Bench
Employee Relations Representative/ADA Coordinator