GENESEO, N.Y. - George Gagnier, Senior Associate Athletic Director, has announced his retirement after over four decades of dedicated service to SUNY Geneseo.

A 1988 graduate of Geneseo, Gagnier spent 43 years at SUNY Geneseo, working for the athletic department for 39 years. He began his service in the athletics as a team manager and assistant coach for the men's basketball program, where he helped lead the Knights to a record of 138-55 and three Sweet 16 appearances. In the fall of 1995, Gagnier began a 17-year tenure as the Sports Information Director, where he was responsible for covering all contests, publicizing Geneseo's student-athletes, coaches, and athletic administrators. During his time as the Sports Information Director, he saw the Knights expand to 20 varsity sports. Gagnier then moved to his role as an Assistant Athletic Director, eventually working his way toward his final title of Senior Associate Athletic Director. It is estimated that Gagnier has covered over 5,000 student-athletes and 7,500 athletic events during his time with the Knights.

"We are facing unchartered waters this year, the first in over four decades without George on campus," said Director of Athletics, Dani Drews. "His well-earned retirement leaves a gaping hole in Geneseo Athletics that will take a long time and many people to fill. I hope he felt all the love and respect we have for him this past year as we celebrated him and his career. We look forward to having him come back to enjoy games from the bleachers instead of the trenches."

"George has been an invaluable asset to our student-athlete community," adds Men's Ice Hockey head coach Chris Schultz. "He took pride in knowing every athlete's name and created a family atmosphere in the athletic department for 39 years. It will be difficult to replace someone who was so invested in Geneseo Knight culture."

When I came to Geneseo as a first-year student 43 years ago, I never imagined growing so much as a person, making such a fulfilling life, and becoming part of the fabric of this amazing, unique community," said Gagnier. "I've worn many hats over the years and have truly appreciated all the professional and personal relationships that have been forged along the way as a student, in Residence Life and Athletics and as a Village resident. I want to thank the 1000s of student-athletes and my colleagues; administrators, coaches, athletic communications, trainers, equipment issue and facility services personnel past and present for their friendship, comradery and unbridled passion for Geneseo and for providing me with a full, enriched and meaningful professional career. Finally, I want to recognize and thank my wife Tracy and my kids, Makenna and Jack for often sacrificing family time over the years so that I could live my Geneseo Knight dream. Retirement is bitter-sweet, but it's a new chapter that I am excited to take on with the same zest I've had the past 43 years."