University spokeswoman Tracy Schario resigned last week from the University’s top media relations spot to pursue other professional interests, she confirmed on Friday.

Schario, who directs GW’s media relations department, came to the University in June of 2004. Her departure comes in the midst of a wider external relations overhaul, which began with the consolidation of all University external relations under one vice president.

“You move on from anywhere with mixed feelings,” said Schario, whose last day is June 12. “At the moment, I’m looking forward to enjoying the summer.”

Schario’s work at the University was wide-ranging and included the often thankless job of damage control after a GW gaffe. She especially recalled student mayhem on campus after the Boston Red Sox won the World Series in 2004, soon after she had taken the media relations position.

“Lord knows GW has thrown me my fair share of issues,” Schario said. “But it’s been mostly rewards.”

Vice President of External Relations Lorraine Voles said Schario was “a real professional” and that the search for a new spokesperson was not yet underway.

“We are just looking at the job description now,” Voles said. She added that she would look for a replacement who could “deliver a message.”

Schario said she would advise her successor to be flexible.

“You’ve got to have passion and energy,” she said. “It’s always dynamic at GW, which makes it fun and exciting.”