After 34 years, Don Larson, executive director for enrollment services and registrar, is retiring from the Office of Registration and Records. Friday will be his last day.

“Deciding to retire is a difficult process when you enjoy your job,” Larson said. “If you love your job, as I love my job, then it’s a more difficult situation.”

Larson began as associate director for registration and records in 1971 and moved up to director about 10 years ago, prior to getting involved with enrollment services about three years ago.

According to Larson, one of the major roles of his position has been “creating functionality” within the current student information system. Larson has made it a goal during his tenure to create greater online accessibility for the department.

As for current faculty and staff at NIU, Larson will miss them; he said he chose to retire because of his age, not necessarily because of the job.

“I am envious of the people who are staying, because there are a lot of good things that are going to be happening here at NIU over the next decade,” Larson said.

Larson said the search to replace him will encompass the next several months.

“He will be missed,” said Peggy Safford, administrative aide for Larson who is also retiring at the end of this week. “From his knowledge to his person, there are some large shoes to fill.”

Sheri Kallembach, director of registrar support services, will become acting director during the interim, beginning Monday. Kallembach said since the position oversees other departments such as financial aid, retention and admissions, candidates must possess the capability to implement the university’s “vision and mission” accurately, including some developments already in motion.

“Don has certainly provided us a great map in terms of where we’re going, and there’s all types of technologies we’re working to advance,” Kallembach said.

Current projects recently implemented with registration and records include electronic signature forms and document imaging. Kallembach said the department also seeks to improve DARS report accessibility in the near future.

As for Larson, however, his future is a lot less complicated.

Larson used to play instruments such as the five-string banjo and dulcimer and he hopes his fingers are still nimble enough to pick them up again. While he laments he has not kept up in his musical pursuits, Larson does not regret the path he has taken.

“Sometimes life is like a river,” he said. “Every once in while you have to row and every once in while you have to go with the flow.”