UW News

May 29, 2014

Retirees honored for more than 10,000 years of service to UW

News and Information

10,332 years.

That’s how many years of service were amassed by the University of Washington retirees invited to this year’s retiree recognition reception in their honor.

Man waves in acknowledgement

Michael Hadjimichalakis, professor of economics, worked 44 years at the UW.M Levin/U of Washington

Some 480 faculty and staff members retired between spring 2013 and spring 2014 and were invited to the event earlier this month at the UW Club. UW Retiree Relations together with President Michael K. Young revived the annual event three years ago after it had been on hiatus for a number of years.

Between 30 and 40 supervisors attended this year’s event, along with 100 retirees and guests, according to event organizers with the UW Retirement Association.

Thirteen retirees had 40 or more years. John Pariseau, formerly with the recreational sports program, topped all retirees with 49 years working at the UW.

UW retirements slowed during the years following the financial crisis with people holding off and waiting to see what was going to happen with the economy. Now retirements are on a record-breaking roll for 2014, according to the UW benefits office.

Unlike the tally of retirees being invited to the reception, totaled spring to spring, the benefits office tallies retirements for the full calendar years. It is estimated that 700 faculty and staff will retire by the end of 2014.

Two men shake hands

President Michael K. Young greets guests during the reception.M Levin/U of Washington

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