The college bid farewell to Paul Tucci, retiring vice president for administration, at small gathering held Monday afternoon, Nov. 30, at 2 Union Ave.

Tucci devoted 36 years, nearly his entire career, in service to SUNY and, for nearly the last decade, to SUNY Empire.

“Pin a ‘stash’ on the Tucci” provided an entertaining way for fellow employees to share their thoughts on his retirement.

The Empire State College Council and the Empire State College Senate provided him with framed copies of their unanimously adopted resolutions of appreciation. The Empire State College Foundation provided him with a college rocking chair in honor of his retirement.

When asked if he would have difficulty transitioning to retirement, Tucci said, “I informed President Hancock and the cabinet about my decision in January, so I have been dragging out my retirement longer than (retired New York Yankees shortstop) Derek Jeter.”

He also praised his staff for their hard work, support and dedication to the college throughout the years.

Tucci said that while he and Kim, his wife of nearly 30 years, will travel south for a short time this winter, they will not make any significant decisions about the future for at least three months.

Image caption: Paul Tucci, retiring vice president for administration, left, and Anthony Esposito, member of the college council, at the Nov. 30, 2015 honoring Tucci.