After nearly 5 decades, WSTM Anchor Laura Hand says she is retiring.

Hand began her career 47 years ago on Election Night in 1972 as one of the nation’s first female TV journalists.

“I never thought of it as being a pioneer,” Hand said on Monday. “I just came in because I knew I wanted to do the job and so I did. Although I must say I really worked at mentoring others, both men and women, to be good journalists and to have a bent for my passion, which is community involvement.”

“Laura is one of the hardest working journalists on our team and what many do not know, is how she has mentored hundreds of young journalists over the course of her career,” WSTM News Director Sean Carroll said in a statement. “I thank Laura for the guidance she’s provided me and for the role model she is to so many in this community.”

She signs off in October.

Wait! October?! Not November and the book?

H/T Syracuse.com