by Abby Totten, Student Public Relations Writer
Retirement looks different for everybody – travel, rest, hobbies. For Michael DiCuirci, retired member of Cedarville University’s music faculty, it means reconnecting with his former colleagues. 
The former music faculty decided to create a way for retired employees of Cedarville University to continue their relationships. He founded RECONNECT in the fall of 2021, a monthly luncheon that allows former Cedarville employees to meet over a meal on campus.
“Working at Cedarville was a big part of my life and when I retired, it was a drastic change for me and for my former colleagues,” said DiCuirci, who retired in 2016.
Each RECONNECT event includes lunch, a short program and time for prayer and worship. The next RECONNECT event is set to take place February 7.
“The program has been well received by the former Cedarville employees, as it’s been a way for my former colleagues to stay connected with one another,” added DiCuirci. “RECONNECT is meeting an important need among the retirees.”
Sherrie Wood is one of the many retirees who attends RECONNECT’s monthly luncheon. Wood served as an administrative assistant at Cedarville University from 1988 to 2011.
“RECONNECT gives the opportunity to hear about new opportunities for Cedarville students, learn about the outstanding Greene County Parks, hear informational presentations on how to leave a legacy with our retirement funds and many other interesting programs,” said Wood. “But the best part is the time of catching up with former faculty and staff from years past.”
RECONNECT has helped keep local retirees in touch but also has brought in people who live hours away, from places such as Fort Wayne, Indiana, or Wooster, Ohio. Some former colleagues have also traveled from Florida to attend the luncheon.
“I hope RECONNECT will continue for many years and future retirees will have this opportunity to stay connected,” said Wood.
RECONNECT is open to all retirees of Cedarville University as well as their families. For more information on meeting dates and times, contact dicuirci@cedarville.edu.
DiCuirci joined Cedarville’s staff in 1979 after an eight-year teaching career in New York and Michigan. During his time at Cedarville, he started the first jazz band, which, according to DiCuirci, was “a difficult thing to do in that time.” He also founded the symphonic band and developed the pep band, which was the impetus to DiCuirci being inducted into the Cedarville University Athletic Hall of Fame in 1999.
Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is an accredited, Christ-centered, Baptist institution with an enrollment of 5,082 undergraduate, graduate, and dual enrolled high school students in more than 175 areas of study. Founded in 1887, Cedarville is one of the largest private universities in Ohio, recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, high graduation and retention rates, accredited professional and health science offerings, and the #4 national ranking by the Wall Street Journal for student engagement. For more information about the University, visit www.cedarville.edu.