Binghamton University’s Deborah Bundy retiring after nearly 20 years with School of Management
Bundy started working at Binghamton University in 1986
Deborah Bundy has occupied the same office in Academic A for almost 20 years. As she prepares to retire at the end of the year, she’s been taking time to reflect on the memories behind the many photos, pieces of art and knickknacks that decorate the space. Each holds a story.
“If these walls could speak …” she laughs.
Bundy started working at Binghamton University in 1986. After positions in Physical Facilities and the Harpur College advising office, she came aboard as an administrative assistant in the School of Management in 2001.
It didn’t take long to acclimate herself with the faculty, staff and students that make up the school.
“I’ve grown very close to a lot of people here who I would truly call my friends and extended family,” she says.
Bundy is known for her honesty and tough love, and believes it’s one of the primary reasons students have turned to her for advice over the years. She makes it a priority to stay in touch with many of them after graduation, even attending some of their weddings.
“Each student who comes into this office is an individual. They are important, and sometimes they just need to hear that,” she says. “Watching them all go on to grow, get jobs, get married, have kids, come back to visit — these things make me so proud.”
Bundy notes that while the world has changed over the past 18 years, the “essence” of SOM students has not.
“They come in their first year and think they know who they are. But then you watch them over the course of a few years and find out who they really are, and the fact that we get to play a role in that never gets old,” she says.
At the end of each school year, graduating seniors often stop by Bundy’s office to talk about their anxieties and excitement about life after Binghamton University.
After years of giving advice, Bundy finds herself in a bit of a role reversal, now reaching out to the same people, as alumni and friends, to discuss her anxieties and excitement for life after Binghamton University.
“I don’t know what life holds. I have no idea. But whatever it is, I am looking forward to finding out,” she says.
“I may be leaving this office, but I won’t be leaving the friends, the family and the memories I’ve created here. Those will always be with me.”