Farewell to our Retirees
At Michigan Ross, we’re happy to celebrate the staff and faculty in our community who are retiring. After contributing years of service and impactful work to the school, the following individuals are departing for retirement:
Paula Caproni, lecturer of management and organizations (Effective Sept. 1, 2024)
Andy Lawlor, lecturer of entrepreneurship, lecturer of strategy (Effective Aug. 29, 2024)
Dong Hong Xu, information resources assistant intermediate, Kresge Library Services (Effective Oct. 31, 2024)
Below, two of our retirees have shared reflections on their time at Michigan Ross and their plans for the future.
Paula Caproni, lecturer of management and organizations
After 35 years at Ross, I am retiring to explore what the future holds beyond the wonderful Ross community. Joining Ross in 1989 was undoubtedly one of the best decisions of my life. My career at Ross, especially with the management and organizations area, has exceeded my expectations for what a career could be. I have had the pleasure of working with wonderful colleagues, students, and staff. I have made friends to last a lifetime. I have had many opportunities to create new courses, teach with Executive Education Programs in multiple countries, and participate in Multidisciplinary Action Projects and other innovative Ross programs. I have always been proud of the Ross mission — building a better world through business — and I hope I have served Ross well in this regard. And, living and raising a family in Ann Arbor has been a joy, and I plan to stay in Ann Arbor for a long time.
Looking ahead, I plan to simply enjoy and explore life — to live with an open mind and without specific goals. I will spend more time with my family, travel to places that are dear to me, and explore new parts of the world. I will continue to be part of the Ross community because I will be teaching a few courses in the MBA Program and Executive Education. All in all, the future looks very good!
Dong Hong Xu, information resources assistant intermediate, Kresge Library Services
As I approach my retirement as a Ross Kresge Library Services staff member, I find myself reflecting on the journey that has defined my career and enriched my life. It has been 25 years since I first stepped foot into Kresge Library. Through these years, I have worked with so many dedicated and passionate colleagues which has been one of the greatest joys of my professional journey. Together, we’ve tackled challenges, celebrated successes, and built a supportive community within our library. The camaraderie we’ve shared and the mutual respect we’ve cultivated have made my time here truly special. I am deeply grateful for the countless moments of collaboration and friendship that have defined my career.
Looking ahead, I am excited about the new adventures that retirement will bring, particularly the opportunity to spend more time with my grandkids. I am also looking forward to the opportunity to travel and explore new places. I’ve always had a passion for discovering different cultures and experiencing new landscapes, and now I will have the time to indulge this interest. Whether it’s wandering through historic cities, enjoying scenic landscapes, or immersing myself in diverse cultures, I am eager to embark on this next chapter.
As I close this professional chapter, I do so with a heart full of gratitude for the incredible colleagues I’ve had the pleasure of working with and an enthusiasm for the adventures that lie ahead. To all of the colleagues I’ve met throughout my career at the university, I do hope that our paths will cross again in the future.
