There are people in every organization who hold things together quietly, consistently, and with a level of care that is hard to put into words — Elise Rodriguez is one of those people. As she embarks on her retirement, we want to recognize the meaningful impact she has had on our campus community.

Since joining Fresno State in 2005, Elise has built a legacy of service spanning nearly two decades and reaching across the university. From the Office of the Provost and the Academic Senate to the Linguistics Department and the Division of Technology Services. In every role, she brought the same unwavering qualities — thoughtfulness, integrity and a deep commitment to the people and the mission around her.

What sets Elise apart is the breadth and depth of her impact across this campus. Colleagues in academic affairs, student services and administration alike know her by name, trust her judgment and have relied on her steady presence time and again. She is a collaborative partner, a resourceful problem solver and someone who has genuinely earned the trust and respect of this institution.

As executive assistant to the vice president for information technology and chief information officer, Elise has been instrumental to the success of this division — navigating complex matters with professionalism and grace, and serving as a trusted resource to leadership and staff at every level.

Elise has also been the voice of Technology Services communications — possessing a rare ability to translate complex technical concepts into language that resonates across our campus spectrum. That contribution, though often behind the scenes, has had a meaningful and lasting impact on how this division is understood and valued.

Elise, on behalf of this division and the many lives you have touched across this university — thank you. Your dedication, your professionalism and your genuine care for this institution have made a difference that will be felt long after this chapter closes.

After 26 years of exemplary service, Michael Garvey is stepping into an exciting new chapter in retirement — leaving behind a lasting impact on the Fresno State community that will be felt for years to come.

Mike has served at Fresno State in the combined roles of director of networks, operations, classroom technology and unified communications and has been an integral part of an incredible amount of change and growth across campus. Over these many years, he has helped the campus transition through multiple generations of email and phone platforms, supported several network refresh cycles, and was the linchpin to many major construction projects — JARC, the RSU, Affordable Student Housing, CUPR, Campus Point and more. Mike has had a front-row seat to how much this university continues to evolve.

Mike said that what’s made this journey truly fulfilling, though, isn’t just the technology — it’s the people. “I’ve been fortunate to work alongside smart, dedicated and deeply professional individuals who turned into outstanding teams. They are the reason Fresno State is such a special place, and being part of that has meant everything to me.”

As he looks ahead, Mike and his wife are excited to travel the country by truck and trailer, spending much of their time in Tennessee while returning to the Fresno area to visit their children. He is looking forward to more time for woodworking and relaxing on the beautiful lakes in Tennessee and California. According to Mike, “No matter where I go or what I do next, I’ll always be a Bulldog at heart.”

To Mike we say, thank you for the dedication, professionalism and heart you’ve given to Fresno State. You leave a legacy that will continue to shape our campus, and you will be greatly missed.

Join us as we honor Elise and Michael in a combined TS Retirement Celebration, members of the campus community are welcome to attend. Refreshments will be provided.

Date: Thursday, May 14
Time: 2 - 3 p.m.
Location: Resnick Student Union, Room 207

For more information or questions, contact April Navin at aprilnavin@mail.fresnostate.edu or call 559.278.1817.