The careers of 46 retiring faculty members were honored at the annual Provost’s Faculty Retirement Luncheon at Town & Gown.

Natalie Cohen, president-elect of the Retired Faculty Association, announced the newly retired faculty who collectively “represent 1,232 years of service, averaging 26 years each.”

Each retiree in attendance received a copy of The Trojan Gallery, a photographic history of the university, and an invitation from Emeriti Center executive director Janette Brown to join their retired colleagues by taking part in Emeriti Center and Emeriti Center College opportunities and activities.

Steb Chandor, past-president of the Retired Faculty Association, welcomed the 2007-08 retirees which included representatives from nine USC schools, as well as the libraries and the provost’s office.

Elizabeth Garrett, vice president for academic planning and budget, addressed the gathering in November, noting that USC has made phenomenal gains in quality and reputation during the past two decades. This growth, Garrett said, “happened through the tireless commitment and countless contributions of those individuals who have served USC during these pivotal years. And I can think of no better representation of those individuals than the faculty we are honoring in this room today.”

Garrett told the retirees that the Emeriti Center would enable them “to be a teacher to the wider community while serving as an ambassador for USC.”