On the eve of his retirement, College of Fine Arts Dean James Major picked up the baton again to conduct one more singing of Illinois State’s “Alma Mater.”

Major conducted the “Alma Mater” at the Choral Collage Concert on April 26. Watch video of the performance. It was familiar territory for Major, who previously served as director of choral activities and director of the School of Music before becoming dean of the College of Fine Arts in 2007.

Major will retire May 31. A reception celebrating his career was held April 23.

A search process is now underway to choose the next dean of the College of Fine Arts.