Romney served for eight years after being elected in 2000 and Gonzales served for 16 years after joining the board in 1993.

“I’ve enjoyed very much the opportunity to serve the university,” Romney said. “I love Michigan State and it’s been an honor to be on the board and to be able to be of some service to the university.”

The MSU Board of Trustees will meet at 9:30 a.m. Friday in the Administration Building.

In November, Romney ran for re-election but lost to Woodard and Byrum. Gonzales wasn’t selected to run by the Democrats at the state convention.

During the duo’s time on the board, they selected Lou Anna K. Simon as the university president, Kim Wilcox as provost and helped manage the MSU budget as state appropriations have dwindled in recent years.

Although coming from different backgrounds, Gonzales and Romney both have distinct voices and ideals that helped advance the board and the university, Simon said.

“What you have to have on a board is people who look at things differently but at the same time, put Michigan State University first,” she said. “And I think both of them have done that.”

Fellow Trustee Colleen McNamara said Gonzales will be remembered as the students’ trustee.

“I think Dorothy has been the conscience of the board when it comes to equal treatment … and really standing up for students in every situation,” she said.

Gonzales agreed with McNamara, and said she’d miss the students the most once her time on the board is finished.

“We have a great university and we have these kids that are coming in and they’re just way ahead of the game,” she said.

While Gonzales focused much of her attention on student issues, Romney will be remembered for his ability to understand and deal with budgetary issues, Trustee Melanie Foster said.

“I’m going to miss his business perspective,” Foster said. “Especially in the financially challenging times that are occurring, he brought a lot of insight for the fiscal viability of the institution.”

Although Romney said his business knowledge was beneficial to the board, he prides himself on understanding every issue that came to the board.

“I ask a ton of questions in order to really understand what’s going on,” he said. “I’m proud of the fact that I really try to get to the bottom of what the issues are.”

Gonzales, who lives in East Lansing, said she plans to remain active in the MSU community. Romney agreed with her and didn’t rule out a second stint as a trustee for himself.

“I plan to (be active with MSU),” said Romney, who lives in Birmingham. “There’s a chance I’ll run again.”