| Assumption
College Honors Retiring Vice President
Francis P. Gurley, executive VP/treasurer,
enjoys his new rocking chair with wife Ana and son Patrick. |
February,
2005—More
than 200 well-wishers turned out on Thursday, February 5, 2005 to
celebrate the storied career of Francis P. Gurley, Assumption College’s
executive vice president/treasurer, at a champagne and dessert reception
in Hagan Campus Center Hall.
Gurley is retiring from his post at Assumption College after 25
years of exceptional financial service to the institution. During
his employment, he completed 25 years of balanced budgets; oversaw
seven major renovations and 17 new building projects; helped expand
the campus from 150 acres to 175 acres; grew the College’s
endowment from less than $1 million to more than $47 million; and
oversaw the increase of the net worth of Assumption from $7 million
to $72 million.
The reception event began with a moving media presentation, featuring
videos and photos of Gurley over the years with his colleagues,
family, and friends, and still shots of the numerous buildings and
additions to campus.
Janet Lambert, Gurley’s administrative assistant of six years,
spoke next. “I represent everyone who has had the privilege
of working with you over the past 25 years,” she told Gurley.
“You are a leader who encouraged us and promoted us to be
the best that we can be.”
Lambert then presented her boss with a wooden rocking chair emblazoned
with the Assumption College logo, advising him only to use it after
a long and fulfilling day of relaxing activities down in Orlando,
FL—his retirement destination.
President Thomas Plough then presented Gurley with a photo album
containing pictures of each building project and campus addition
that Gurley had overseen, along with a citation proclaiming his
appreciation for Gurley’s service. He then gave an embroidered
Assumption blanket to Gurley's
wife, Ana, in recognition
of her love and support for her hardworking husband.
Gurley spoke next, thanking the crowd and acknowledging the Assumptionist
founders of the College, who provided the foundation that greeted
him upon arrival in September 1979. After sharing a few memories
of his long Assumption career, Gurley thanked his managers and his
consistently supportive staff.
“Any successes we’ve had, we’ve done together,”
he said. “The College has a wonderful future.”
Gurley also honored his former administrative assistant of 19 years,
Mary Donahue, who was present at the event, as well as his partners
in the Worcester business community. Nearest to his heart, however,
was his family.
“I could not have done this without my wife, Ana, and my son,
Patrick,” he said proudly.
Click here
for more photos of the event.
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