In Town & Gown on March 19, the numbers spoke loudly at the 24th annual Retirement Recognition luncheon, where 70 newly retired USC staff members in attendance have provided a combined 1,548 years of dedicated service to the university.

“The average length of service is 22 years, with most careers lasting more than 20 years,” said Staff Retirement Association president Carole Gustin. One staff member had logged 42 years of service, another 41 years.

Gustin encouraged the retirees to join the association, the organization that advocates for staff retirees and plans group events such as theatre parties and day trips. In July, for instance, the association has scheduled a trip to the Nethercutt collection of vintage cars in Sylmar.

Staff retirees automatically become members of the USC Emeriti Center, as do faculty retirees.

The event was sponsored by the Office of the Senior Vice President, which was represented by Todd R. Dickey, senior vice president, administration.

The luncheon was planned and executed by the Staff Retirement Association, led by vice president Louise Ball and her committee.

The list of retirees will be available when the Emeriti Center newsletter is posted on the center’s Web site in June.