Professor McLaughlin announced his retirement in late 2002, officially retiring in December 2002, which made it impossible to hold a retirement party for him at the annual NYSAPLS Conference in January. So, it was decided to hold a party for him in the Spring of 2003. The party was arranged by Herb & Ellen Ehrig - with Cindy McLaughlin' help, and was held in the President's Banquet Room on the Alfred State College Campus on March 21, 2003.
Although the size of the room did not allow for open invitations, still more than 70 alumni, colleagues, and friends attended Art's party. The buffet dinner and cash bar for the party were provided by the Alfred State Auxiliary Campus Enterprises & Services. Unfortunately, Art was "tipped off" about the party a week or two in advance, so it wasn't truly a surprise, but I think he was surprised at the number of people who attended.
People started arriving at the party around 6:30 PM, mingling, talking, and availing themselves of the bar. Soon, Art arrived and was greeted by the milling crowd. Attendees included Alfred Alumni, many of Art's students from the past, surveyors from the Allegheny Plateau, Genesee Valley, and Southern Finger Lakes regionals, and several of Art's teaching colleagues from over the years. Attendees came from as far away as Eastern New York, Virginia, and Maryland.
Herb Ehrig arrives - it was a RAINY night!
Dick Meese Arrives.
Ron Nichols arrives.
Art arrives and mingles with friends.
Bernie Shmieder, Tom Merrill, Dave Hanley, and others.
Joe Kilbury.
Joe Kilbury, Al Kowtun, and their wives.
Adam Sholly, BS Alumnus 2000.
Rod McConell & Jim Ball
Soon, everyone sat down for dinner
Art & Cindy McLaughlin
Herb & Ellen Ehrig
After dinner, the Toast/Roast of Art began. First, Herb Ehrig took the podium to let Art know he was about to be toasted (and roasted!). Before the evening's speakers began, Herb issued Art with his very own note pad (for taking notes on what the various speakers had to say), and a package of tissues (in case the roasting got too hot for him)!
The speakers in order were Kurt Heiss (one of Art's former students), Steve Hubertus (a Land Surveyor from Hornell), Jim Ball (a Land Surveyor from Wellsville), followed by Herb Ehrig himself. The speakers recalled many funny incidents, good times (and bad times), memories of their careers with Art, and many good things to say about Art's wife Cindy and her influence in his life.
Kurt Heiss, BS Alumnus 1999
Steve Hubertus LS
Jim Ball LS
Art's reactions to the speakers.
Herb Ehrig speaks.
Of course, when the roast/toast was over, Art had his
chance at a rebuttal!
But first, Herb presented Art with a dinner gift certificate
for him and his wife, and a card - gifts from everyone in attendance.
Also, during the toast, Art was presented with a card from the Allegheny
Plateau Association of Professional Land Surveyors.
Gifts for Art.
Art takes the podium.
The crowd listens as Art refuses to rebut any of the roasting (admission of guilt?), and talks about his own memories from the past, his opinion on the future of surveying education in New York, and his own plans for the future.
Finally, Art was treated to a well deserved standing ovation!
The party was a success, and a good time was had by all !
HAPPY RETIREMENT ART ! ! !
