For the more than 37 years that he has worked in the state of Nevada, whether it was as a speech communications teacher and professional development trainer for the Washoe County School District, or serving for the past 20 years as director of learning and resource services for the College of Education at the University, perhaps more than anything else, Tom Sawyer’s time in education has been characterized by great professional accomplishment and memorable personal interactions with many on campus and throughout the state.

It hasn’t hurt that Sawyer has one of the campus’ most pleasant personalities. Over the years in the College of Education, it’s not an exaggeration to say that thousands of faculty, staff and students have benefitted from his expertise … and been warmed by his ever-present smile.

On Dec. 5, from 1-4 p.m. in the College of Education’s Learning & Resource Center (William Raggio Building Room 1021), Sawyer will be honored with a retirement party from his colleagues in the college. The event will be a complete chocolate fantasy retirement celebration of Sawyer’s career.

Sawyer’s time at Nevada since 1988 has been varied and notable. He is the faculty advisor for the University of Nevada Educator’s Association, a student organization that has one of the busiest calendars on campus, putting on nearly a dozen events each year, including Read Across America, statewide and national conferences, the Welcome Back Barbecue and Bowling with Professors.

Sawyer has also been responsible for recruitment for the College of Education, traveling to high schools in Las Vegas and across the state. In addition to serving as an instructor in the college, he also chairs the University’s Scholarship Committee and is president of the Friends of the College of Education, which sponsors the Tee It Up for Teaching Golf Tournament, an event which raises funds for scholarships and technology for the College of Education.

The campus community is invited to Sawyer’s retirement party.