The public is invited to a retirement reception for longtime vo-tech and Seward County Community College instructor Steve Merz at 2 p.m. Sunday in Room T155, at the Industrial Technology Division building.

Merz taught drafting for 24 years, first at the Liberal Area Vocational Technical School, which later became the Southwest Kansas Area Technical School. When Seward County Community College assumed management of the tech school, Merz continued for another eight years.

Hosted by SCCC President Dr. Ken Trzaska, the come-and-go reception will be open from 2-4 p.m. Sunday, and offer former students, friends, and coworkers an opportunity to thank Merz for his contributions to drafting and technical education in the region.