After 40 years at Western, Mariz to retire

After more than 40 years at Western Washington University, George Mariz is retiring. He is leaving after the 2015 academic year to enjoy life and grandchildren, and to travel.

A celebration will be held in recognition of his service and achievements from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, May 15, in the Wilson Library Reading Room.

Reservations are requested by May 8. Those who are unable to attend and would like to share a personal message with Mariz may email melinda.assink@wwu.edu for inclusion in the memory book.

Mariz, with his wife, Linda, came to Western in 1970 as a member of the History Department. Along the way, he has gone through the academic ranks while serving as chair of the History Department, president of the Faculty Senate and director of the Honors Program.

In the time Mariz was at Western, the university has grown from a quiet regional institution to one with a national and international reputation.

"And it continues to be too modest about itself," Mariz adds.

"Professor Mariz's work as Honors Program director has enhanced Western's reputation for excellence in undergraduate education," said WWU Provost Brent Carbajal. "As a scholar, teacher/mentor and administrator, he has helped create unique and valuable learning opportunities for our students. His commitment to high standards, to academic rigor and to the values of a liberal arts and sciences education have inspired students and faculty alike. We wish him all the best in his retirement, appreciative of all that he has done to build a strong and exciting Honors Program. It is certainly true that he leaves a wonderful legacy."

Mariz leaves behind many fond memories and friends.

"I have had the privilege of working with a large number of outstanding people, far too many to mention, and on reflection, I think that academic life has been the best possible one for me," Mariz says. "Not every day has been wonderful, but most have been meaningful, and an inordinate number have been memorable."

He has no regrets, Mariz says, except that he won't be starting a new year of college in fall 2015.