The Retired and Pre-Retirement Faculty Group (formerly, Retired and Retiring – ‘R&R’) hosts events and programs to support retired faculty and faculty considering retirement. The Group is dedicated to exploring paths toward meaningful retirement, supporting community among retirees and retiree engagement in lifelong learning, and enhancing ongoing connections between retirees and the University.
The R&R Faculty Group is led by Retiree Liaisons:
- Eileen Elrod, Professor Emerita, English Department
- Diane Jonte-Pace, Professor Emerita, Religious Studies
To enhance campus-wide support for retired and retiring faculty, the Retiree Liaisons consult with a Leadership Team consisting of representatives from Faculty Development and the Provost’s office, Human Resources, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, the Ignatian Institute for Jesuit Education, and Alumni Services.
Diane Dreher and Dave Feldman, speakers at 'Finding Hope in Difficult Times' (February 2026)
Diane Jonte-Pace, Laura Ellingson, Chris Bachen, and Eileen Elrod (left to right) at 'Finding Hope in Difficult Times' (February 2026)
Patti Simone and Andrew Evans, speakers at 'Aging and Cognitive Health' (October 2025)
Audience at 'Aging and Cognitive Health' (October 2025)
Retiree Liaisons
Diane Jonte-Pace, professor emerita of Religious Studies, has served as Retiree Liaison since 2022. At SCU she taught psychology of religion and gender studies, and served as both Associate Provost for Faculty Development and Vice Provost for Academic Affairs. Her research and publications are in the areas of psychoanalysis and culture, Jesuit education, and best practices in support of faculty retirement. She is a founding member of the AJCU Retiree Associations Network.
Eileen Razzari Elrod, professor emerita of English, joined the Retirement Liaison team in fall 2025, and is happy to be partnering with Diane Jonte-Pace! In her 33 years as a SCU faculty member she taught American Literature, Women's and Gender Studies, and Composition. Her research focuses on US writers, religion, gender, and race, and life writing genres. She served as Associate Provost of Faculty Development from 2010-2024.
Photo: Eileen Elrod (left) and Diane Jonte-Pace (right)