Gue Pardue Hudson, Agnes Scott College's dean of students, is retiring next month after 34 years with the Decatur school.

The timing gives Hudson, who has been dean since 1984, one last graduation to "hood" students, or to drape the ornamental cloth over them once they have earned their undergraduate degrees.

The college's 2008 commencement is Saturday, and like the 33 graduations before, Hudson will "hood" students with a hug and personal message as they walk off into the world.

"I am one of the first people to welcome them during orientation and one of the last to see them go off," Hudson said. "I really get to see the remarkable transformation that takes place at Agnes Scott College."

Hudson will step down June 30, just weeks after her 62nd birthday on June 14. But it will not be a quiet retirement.

The college has presented Hudson and her husband, Bill, with two kayaks and a mountain bike for their outdoor adventures. The pair also have trips scheduled later this year to France, Italy and Turkey.

Hudson then plans to become an advocate for children and adults with special needs, to encourage more state funding for various programs. Her youngest of three sons, John, is legally blind, mildly mentally challenged and a kidney-transplant recipient.

Retiring when she is able to take on new challenges is important to her, Hudson said.

"I think it's a good thing to leave when you're doing a good job," she said. "It's a bit of professional pride."

Hudson graduated from Agnes Scott in 1968 and earned a master's degree from Emory University in 1971.

She taught high school math before becoming the assistant dean of the college in 1974. In 1988, she took on the duties and full title as dean of students as well as vice president for student life and community relations.

"She's going to be missed," said college spokesman Lee Dancy.