MOSES LAKE - Big Bend Community College President Bill Bonaudi retires June 30 after 17 years at the college.

Bonaudi was hired as Big Bend's President in May 1995. Before coming to Big Bend, he was Vice President of Academic Affairs at Northern Nevada Community College.

His wife Karen Bonaudi's decision to step down from her position with the Washington State Potato Commission to start her own consulting business influenced his decision to retire, he said. His retirement will give them more freedom to spend time together.

Bonaudi plans to travel with his wife, but the couple doesn't intend to leave Moses Lake permanently.

"I've had a wonderful career and have been blessed to complete it at Big Bend," said Bonaudi. "Moses Lake has been a wonderful home for my family and me, and I will remain here in retirement."

Bonaudi worked 47 years as a community college instructor and administrator. As an instructor, he taught microbiology and anatomy and physiology to general science and pre-nursing students.

"I've been blessed to be continuously employed in community colleges all those years and I think the most special recollections are of all the students that I've taught," he said. "But I'm particularly honored to have been able to finish my career at an institution as great as Big Bend is."

A special Board of Trustees meeting is at 1 p.m. on Friday to discuss the search for a new president. The trustees will continue the discussion during a regularly scheduled study session Feb. 23.

"I've been so fortunate to have found this community and this part of Washington state and so it's been just a really positive experience for me all around," said Bonaudi. "And I hope I've been able to contribute to this institution."