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Colleagues and friends wish Garry Milton a fond farewell 

By Russ Cooper

On May 12, dozens of friends and family of Garry Milton gathered for a cordial gathering at the Montefiore Club to celebrate his retirement. The commemoration of Milton's 36-year service to Concordia was full of fond reminiscence and praise from the moment the evening began, hearing tributes from former President Frederick Lowy, current President Judith Woodsworth, former Interim Rector Charles Bertrand, Provost and Vice-President Academic, David Graham, Vice-President Services, Michael Di Grappa and a video message from former Vice-Rector, Academic, Jack Lightstone.

"When so many people attend your retirement party, you never know if it's a good thing or a bad thing. With you, Garry, it's because we'll truly miss you." said Di Grappa in a sentimental moment during a lighthearted speech. "You had the longest answers to the shortest questions, but I always came out smarter," he added.

Lowy, with whom Milton worked for a decade, conveyed his admiration for Milton's sense of duty and their close friendship. "If I needed to know was what up and what was down at Concordia, I asked Garry," Lowy said. "He made things run."

"I always looked forward to coming into work each day," said an emotional Milton during his speech. "I am very proud to have been a part of Concordia for so long. Where else could I work with such an amazing cast of characters?"

Starting in 1972, Milton held various positions in Computing Services and the Office of the Vice-Rector and Principal of Loyola, and played a role in the amalgamation of SGW and Loyola. He then served as Director of Institutional Planning and Research from January 1992 to May 1994. In June 1994, he was named Executive Assistant to the Rector, as well as Director of Institutional Planning and Research. From June 1996, he served as the Executive Director, Rector’s/President’s Cabinet. In April 2006, Milton was appointed Director, Office of Research.