On Tuesday afternoon, Human Resources Special Programs Coordinator Kathy Cooks and University President Dave Frohnmayer honored and recognized 106 officers of administration who have worked for the University for between 10 and 30 years.
The event, held in the EMU Ballroom, gave employees of 25 and 30 years the chance to address the crowd regarding their experience working for the University.
Julia Heydon, who has been working in the Oregon Humanities Center for 30 years, expressed her love for her job and the campus.
“I’ve dedicated literally my entire working and professional career to this amazing University, it is just a wonderful institution for staff and student alike,” she said.
She then joked, “It’s hard to believe they hire people at the age of 12.”
The event was formally catered with a freshly prepared buffet for all in attendance. Despite the formal setting, those in attendance dressed casually and the speakers had a relaxed tone and humorous manner.
“Its important to take your work and your students seriously, but not yourself,” said Elizabeth Bickford, who was celebrating 25 years of service in the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.
Frohnmayer introduced each honoree by reading statements they gave about their jobs.
Many of these statements were more traditional, such as the words from Susan Hilton, who has been working in Information Services for 30 years.
“My time here has been wonderful. Through all my experiences, I can say this is the best institution it has ever been my pleasure to know.”
A small number of the introductory quotes were more flamboyant and unique. Marilyn Mangus, celebrating 25 years with the University Health Center, quoted Helen Keller, saying: “With each large task that is completed, great strides are made, but also treat each small and seemingly insignificant task as if it is grand and noble.”
Frohnmayer, a former Oregon attorney general who is now in his 13th year as University president, expressed admiration for the people he has worked with in his time at the University.
“My time spent working as Attorney General has allowed me to meet many powerful and great people, but never have I met so many kind and inspirational individuals as I have in my time at this institution, people who work hard under the spotlight that do more for this University than most people can imagine,” he said.
Frohnmayer recalled his relationship with Dennis Reynolds, who has served the University for 30 years in the EMU, particularly in his work with students’ parents.
“I remember back in the ’70s before I was president and Dennis sleeping in my office, working his tail off to make his mark, he’s never been a shy or quiet guy, that’s for sure.”
After the ceremony the honorees took a group photo with Frohnmayer. Afterward, the entire crowd had the chance to socialize and congratulate one another on their accomplishments. When asked how he felt about receiving recognition for his services, Robert Melnick, who has worked for the University for 25 years and currently oversees the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, said, “It’s just plain fun to be recognized, especially by the people who know you and know about the dedication that each one of us has poured into this University throughout the years.”
With combined years of service that would extend back to the fifth century, the honorees explained the importance of acknowledging their dedication to the University.
“The students don’t get to see us every day like they would a professor, which sometimes causes them to not fully appreciate what we offer,” Heydon said. “I love every student here, and hopefully as this annual event grows over the years, more students will express their gratitude, not just the students we have connected with, but also students who may not know us as well.”
The last formal words of the afternoon belonged to Cooks.
“Thank you all so much, to all our colleagues who have achieved very important milestones this year.”