RETIREMENTS

Floyd Ross Retires After More Than Four Decades at Sonoma State

- Tribute courtesy of the Center for Performing Arts

"For more than 40 years, Sonoma State University Arts Administrator Floyd Ross has strode across Campus countless times on his way to another meeting. Or, locked himself into his office pounding out countless emails or juggling budgets. On any given day he might be strategizing with a director or designer about an upcoming show or concert. Catch him on a Tuesday afternoon and he is giving tours to donors, students and interested guests inside of the new Green Music Center. Pouring through blueprints, arranging for fireworks, handling flooding issues, booking talent, arranging contracts, designing costumes..... the list of his duties goes on and on. But not for much longer. Floyd Ross is retiring in early June after more than 40 years of service to the University and the place just won't be the same.

A celebration of Floyd's career will take place on Fri., June 5 in the Arbor at the Lakes from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. Friends and colleague alike are invited to celebrate Floyd's long and successful career at Sonoma State University. In Floyd's own words, "it's been a good long run that rivals the run of "The Mousetrap" in London, having spent my entire adult life here at SSU. That's 44 glorious years. I just might write a book!"

As the Executive Director of the Center For Performing Arts, he oversaw up to 150 performances per year. He was on the ground floor of the building of the Evert B. Person Theatre. Somehow, for years, he was able to make Ives Hall work for music, theatre, jazz and dance classes, trying to keep everyone happy with his juggling act of room schedules. He worked with community members when they were seeking a performance space. On this Campus, in his position, he's just about done it all.

When given his most difficult assignment, being named the Executive Director of the Green Music Center by President Arminana in January 2000, on top of his duties as the Executive Director of the Center for Performing Arts, he dove into the project with zest and extraordinary commitment. For the past 13 years he has traveled the country seeking information and advice. He has spoke to countless people, from architects to acousticians; stagehands to house managers; from Executive Directors to donors. His mission was to do his part in making the Green Music Center the best space that he could for all the University. A place where faculty, students, guests, artists, patrons, donors and the greater community could share in the vision of a continuous workshop for teaching and learning where music, performance and education can thrive.

A University is often defined by the quality of its academics, the excellence of its athletic teams, the latest grand building or reputation built through the years. Rarely is a University defined by contributions of a staff member, but in the case of Floyd Ross and his career at Sonoma State University, it would be appropriate. An alum of SSU, Floyd Ross never left the place he had grown to love. The passion, heart and loyalty that he brought to this institution are unmatched. He was more than an employee of Sonoma State University, he defined and embodied the spirit of which it was built.

Never one to sit idle, in the next chapter of his life Floyd will be spending time during the summer months on the East Coast sharing his passion for architecture and history leading historical tours using the Segway Personal Transport.

So after 44 years of roaming the halls, it is time for this great friend of the University to move on to the next chapter in his life. What he leaves behind is a legacy that goes far beyond work contributions."

Floyd Ross' retirement celebration takes place Fri., June 5 from 2 p.m.-5 pm. at the Commons North Patio. There is a no host bar and light refreshments. To contribute for a gift, contact Ashley at 4-2235.

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