"There are people who come into our lives who have a lasting impact. Mike Reilly is one of those people for me. His welcoming smile, recognizable laugh, and generous heart made him perfect for the job as AACRAO Executive Director. He made everyone in the association feel important. My time serving on the Board was made more rewarding by having Mike in this role. I will forever call him a friend and consider myself blessed to have rubbed shoulders with him." - Tammy Aagard
"Mike-best of luck in your future endeavors! We will miss you at AACRAO and thank you for your thoughtful leadership. Not too shabby from an Iowa State guy-but hey, no one is perfect! You will be missed." - Brent Gage
"Mike, I will miss you everytime i see the letters AACRAO. You're smile and support you have given the Black Caucus over the years will not be forgotten. Enjoy your life and know you are loved." - Kristy Goodwin
"Mike - Congratulations on your years of service to higher education and specifically to AACRAO! Your leadership was timely and welcomed by all. While there are many memories I cherish the following few come to mind: sitting in Rep. Guthrie's Office discussing the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act when all of a sudden the conversation turned to DBT. I don't know how far we got with Rep. Guthrie that day but I know a relationship was developed beyond advocacy. When I served as President-Elect of SACRAO you not only attended the meeting but served as a plenary speaker. To tell those who followed behind me, they know I was able to score the Executive Director of AACRAO as an attendee and speaker which places me in a regional hall of fame. A final memory I'll share was when we visited a beer garden outside Nats Park in Navy Yard and you introducing me to a variety of brewed grains. You willingly took the Atlanta Braves cap wearing Southern Man under your wing and made me feel like I was at home. No matter the time or place, you've always been a beacon of hope for this young, aspiring enrollment manager. You served the membership by giving your utmost, by inviting us into your NEW offices, and by sharing with us all you could to best equip us. I can honestly say you never "Piss[ed] off the boy from Alabama..." ($1 to Hood). Thank you, Mike, for all!" - Andy Green
"Mike, Thank you for your passion in higher education! You have been an exemplary leader for our organization and I, personally, will miss seeing your smiling face at various meetings. Thank you for your support and development of my roles in AACRAO - I truly enjoyed them because of you. Go enjoy Washington and your next adventures - they are well deserved!" - Sarah Harris
"Congratulations Mike on your well deserved retirement. Thank you for your outstanding leadership of AACRAO! I will miss your updates at the AACRAO leadership meeting. Best wishes and I hope to buy a pint from you someday at your brewery!" - Carol Harrison
"Mike, Congratulations on your retirement! You've done a lot of good things during your tenure at AACRAO and you will be missed. We first met when you came to Illinois ACRAO's Annual Meeting and you dressed up as "the Dude" for our costume party! You played the part so well. We also had the opportunity to connect through AACRAO's Leadership Meetings in DC. I wish you all the best on your next chapter. I will keep an eye out for your brews in a local grocery store. All the best. Chris" - Chris Huang
"Thank you for all you have done for AACRAO over the years Mike – it was my honor to work so closely with you over the years – and truly appreciate our friendship. Best of luck and enjoy your retirement, Steve" - Steve Kappler
"Thank you, Mike! And congratulations!" - Julia Kent
"Hi Mike, Congratulations on all you've accomplished and all that lays before you. I sincerely thank you for all you've done for AACRAO. The organization is amazing, and your leadership has been critical to it--advancing us as individuals and as a collective profession and industry. Your work is appreciated and you leave us better because of your passion and leadership. Best wishes and hoppy retirement (pun intended-- if you didn't get it, I'll wait a little lager)... Cheers!" - Erin Mason
"Congratulations on your retirement, Mike! I want to thank you for your service over the years. It was such a pleasure having you attend our state IACRAO conference when I was President-Elect. Your advocacy for higher education and passion for helping us develop our staff to better serve students has been extraordinary. Enjoy your next phase." - Jennifer McClure
"Best wishes Mike, you provided great leadership and was a mentor to me! All the best, Patrick" - Patrick McLaughlin
"Dear Mike. Time flies and before we know it we are all in retirement and starting a new life. This happened to me (even though I am still active in EWP and SGroup) and now it is happening to you. Congratulations. I will always remember these meetings we had in Washington with GDN: the visit to the Space museum, the beer tasting, the wonderful lunches and dinners, and generally the hospitality you have always provided for GDN. Also you practical nature, your view on life and your drive to find solutions as a member of the GDN board will always stand out for me. Please let me know when you come to Belgium and we can arrange something here as well. All the best and enjoy life! With my very best wishes." - Valere Meus
"Thank you, Mike for your incredible leadership. I will always remember your kindness and humor. When I was part of the AACRAO caucuses, you always stoped to say hello and ask me about our cause. I wish you nothing but the best. You will be missed." - Giuseppe Salomone
"Mike, you have been the best. A good friend, colleague, and a supporter throughout the past decade. Your support for AACRAO Consulting and the SEM Conference have made all the difference. Of course, I will miss your smile the most. Bon voyage mon amis!" - Clayton Smith