When Erich Sawyer first walked into the Continuing and Professional Education office on Nov. 3, 2014, he was “green” and eager, stepping away from the Hotel Roanoke and into a world of planning diverse and dynamic professional experiences. What began as a role as a program manager would transform into a remarkable decadelong journey of connection, learning, and service.

Starting Jan. 3, 2025, Sawyer will take some time off to enjoy the outdoors, “conferencing with the insects” while sitting around a campfire with his grandchildren. He said he’s looking forward to relaxing but will always look back fondly on the many “yesterdays” he spent as part of Outreach and International Affairs.

Over 10 years, Sawyer led 467 programs, becoming a master of adaptability. From Department of Education training programs to medical conferences with topics like “Death by Explosion” to chamber music festivals in Switzerland, his work painted a vibrant assortment of professional development and collaboration.

“Each program was more than just an event — it was a chance to learn, to connect, and to make a meaningful impact,” he said.

His career has been defined by unforgettable moments that he said feel “just like yesterday,” including:

  • Timing a steel bridge construction competition on a football practice field.
  • Supporting medical examiners as they explore the many ways a person could die, including by parachute fall.
  • Zooming across the world as the pandemic raged and CPE moved to virtual programming.

The COVID-19 pandemic became a pivotal moment in Sawyer’s CPE career. While many organizations struggled, CPE’s team transformed challenges into opportunities. They pioneered virtual conference planning, creating a sustainable model that would carry them through unprecedented times. Sawyer speaks of this period with profound pride, a testament to the team’s resilience and innovation.

But he said his greatest treasure isn’t the conferences or the programs, but the relationships he’s built and the memories he’s created. “The strength of a person is bound by those who surround them,” he said.

CPE Director Shelly Jobst said Sawyer doesn’t just manage programs, he creates opportunities for growth, connection, and discovery.

“For a decade, he’s transformed complex conferences and meetings into seamless experiences that connect diverse groups around a wide variety of topics,” she said. “His ability to pivot during the pandemic and create innovative virtual programming epitomizes the adaptability and team spirit that defines CPE. Our team will deeply feel his absence, but the impact of his work will continue to resonate through every program he’s touched.”

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