After stepping down as president on December 31, 1987, Lavery continued to serve the university, first as honorary chancellor, then as the William B. Preston Professor of International Affairs. After his retirement on Aug. 1, 1991, he was named president emeritus.
After leaving office as president on December 31, 1987, Lavery remained involved with the university in different roles, starting as an honorary leader and later becoming a professor of international relations under the name William B. Preston Professor. Upon his retirement on August 1, 1991, he was appointed a lifetime president.