DON RUNYON RETIREMENT PARTY TO BE HELD TODAY

Don Runyon, assistant vice president for auxiliary services, has announced his retirement from Old Dominion University, effective July 1, 2007. Sue Mitchell, director of Webb University Center, will assume the role of interim assistant vice president until Runyon's permanent replacement is named.

Runyon, who came to Old Dominion University in 1992 from George Washington University, manages most of the auxiliary operations of the institution, including Webb University Center, parking services, monarch dining and catering, the university bookstore, the card center, mailroom operations and the Ted Constant Convocation Center.

During his nearly 15-year career at Old Dominion, Runyon oversaw the privatization of campus dining and bookstore operations, and was instrumental in developing the highly successful management contract with Global Spectrum for the Constant Center.

Runyon also introduced the Wacky Olympics, a daylong, annual event for students, a tradition that will continue in his honor. He and his wife Lin will remain in the area and will continue their affiliation with Old Dominion, most notably through their avid support of the Monarchs and Lady Monarchs basketball teams.

"Old Dominion University has been fortunate to have had the experience and knowledge of Don Runyon at the helm of our auxiliary services during a time in which the university has contracted with third-party contractors to provide greater service and value to our students and the broader university communities," said Bob Fenning, vice president for administration and finance.

Mitchell arrived at Old Dominion University in 1989 as assistant director of student housing and was appointed director of Webb University Center in 1991. Additionally, she has also accepted the added responsibilities as interim director of housing.

The university community is invited to a reception honoring Don Runyon on Thursday, May 10, from 3 � 5 p.m. in the lobby of the Ted Constant Convocation Center.