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University president to retire

LOCK HAVEN — Dr. Michael Fiorentino Jr., who has served as president of Lock Haven University since July 2011, on Wednesday announced his intention to retire March 16.

A national search for a successor to Dr. Fiorentino will be announced at a later date, the university said in a news release.

Fiorentino made the announcement in a message to the campus community.

“It is with many mixed emotions that Pam and I announce that we will be retiring from Lock Haven University,” he wrote. “It is time for us to shift our focus to spending more time with cherished friends and family and to enjoy the time for new adventures that retirement provides.”

Fiorentino said he is looking forward to beginning the new academic year — his last at the university — later this month.

“Over the next seven months I pledge to work each day to continue to move our university forward, developing new advocates and continuing our focus on enrolling students who will be successful,” he said.

George Durrwachter, chairman of the university trustees, said he received the announcement with “mixed feelings and emotions.”

“He has led us through some challenging times and is leaving us on a solid foundation that will serve the university well into the future,” Durrwachter said, citing the completion of several major projects during Fiorentino’s tenure as president that transformed the university.

Those projects included the construction of a new science center, which houses the biology, chemistry, physics, geology and nanotechnology departments, and a 686-bed, suite-style residence hall; the renovation of Ulmer Hall and Parsons Union Building; and the development of the University Commons with an amphitheater, green spaces and pavilions in the center of campus.

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