Dr. Joseph Grunenwald has been president of Clarion University for many years, and now he is stepping down from his role.

“After 40 years of public service, including the last 32 here at Clarion, I am going to enter a little more relaxed phase of life,” said Grunenwald.

“I am very much looking forward to having more personal time and schedule flexibility,” said Grunenwald, “a luxury that I have not enjoyed for many years.”

Grunenwald is leaving behind many things at Clarion, including the new Eagle Commons dining facility and Science and Technology Center, projects completed during his time as president.

“I hope that people remember me as a guy who gave his very best, working hard to advance the university that he loved,” Grunenwald said.

The university president has had many experiences, and the most memorable was his arrival and inauguration.

“I remember clearly driving down Wood Street to the university for the first time for my interview for a faculty position,” said Grunenwald.

“I remember participating in the ceremony that made Clarion a university rather than a state college,” said Grunenwald, “and I will never forget the inauguration ceremony, when I became president.”

Grunenwald remains modest about his contributions as president.

“The university has had many important advances over the last 30 or so years, but none of those were my own,” said Grunenwald.

“Projects and programs that advanced academic excellence, new and up-graded facilities and highly effective university fundraising were all things that our university community did together,” said Grunenwald.

“Certainly, I played a role in some of these, but the achievement belongs to all of us,” he said.

Grunenwald noted that working for Clarion has changed him.

“I have been fortunate to be able to grow and develop as a professional under the guidance of senior faculty members past and present, who have been my role models,” said Grunenwald.

“I have been blessed in being able to draw limitless energy and expansive dreams from all of the students that I have met,” Grunenwald said.

“I have become a person who believes that by working together, we can do just about everything.”

Grunenwald has left an impression on many in the university community, including students.

“It’s very sad,” said Jonathan Winkler, a senior advertising major, “I’d like to see him give me my diploma rather than someone unfamiliar.”

“He’s really transformed this university into something great,” Winkler said, “and it will be even greater after the construction is finished.”

Junior accounting major Nathan Yost also had positive things to say about Grunenwald.

“He’s an excellent leader, speaker and speech writer,” he said.

“He is a phenomenal individual,” said Yost.

Yost added that the phrase, “Fly Eagles Fly,” a staple in Grunenwald’s speeches, has inspired him through much of his college career.

“I remember crying at my orientation when he said it,” said Yost, “He’s an awesome motivator,”

“I have nothing but the utmost respect for the man,” said Yost.

Junior biology major Dharm Patel said, “I woke up educationally when (Grunenwald) said ‘Fly Eagles Fly,’ I realized where my life was going.”

Patel pointed out Grunenwald’s contributions to Clarion’s student community.

“He’s done much good for Clarion’s Greek life,” said Patel.

Grunenwald does not plan to simply disappear from the Clarion University campus and the community.

“I intend to stay active in economic development and university fundraising,” said Grunenwald, “as well as remaining close to the university.”

“I would like to play some golf and think that I still have a little game left,” Grunenwald said on a more personal note.

“And most importantly,” Grunenwald said, “I am looking forward to spending time with my wife, who has made my life the most joyful of journeys.”