May 31 will be the end of a 30-year journey for Recreational Services director Fred Perez.
"I don't want to wear out my welcome," Perez said. "I always want to be vibrant, to finish like a runner running through the tape. Thirty years is plenty. It's time to do something else."
Since 1974, Perez has been director of Recreational Services. He and his staff initiated Welcome Back Days, helped bring nontraditional recreation to students, implemented Getaway Adventures, Natural High and a program for gifted and talented children.
"They have gone above and beyond recreational services to serve not only our students, but our community," said Eliseo Torres, vice president for Student Affairs.
Perez grew up in the South Valley and used to sneak into Lobo football games by climbing the fence because he couldn't afford a ticket. He served in Vietnam and then realized there is more to life than being told what to do.
Though his career at UNM spanned 30 years, Perez will be leaving the University after 38 years. Attending UNM on a wrestling scholarship, he received his undergraduate degrees in biology, physical education and recreation because he knew he had to be a teacher to be a coach.
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"I thought I wanted to be a coach for football, wrestling - the whole world," he said. "Recreation was a better fit for me. You re-create people outside their jobs."
He recalled going to work for the first day and all of a sudden, it felt like 30 years had passed.
"Sometimes I feel like I should be wearing a mask," Perez said. "I feel like I've robbed the University because they paid me for this. It's so much fun, and it's just been a joy.
Growing up in the '60s, Perez said it became important to him for making an impact on others' lives.
"I really have a servant's heart," he said. "Servitude and fulfilling people's needs is what it's all about."
Perez said as he counts down the days to his departure, he is considering three job options, all relating to customer service.
"He has been around a long time, and there's a lot of folks out there that will be looking at his position," Torres said.
An interim director will be named after Perez leaves and it will take anywhere from six months to a year to find a replacement, Torres said.
"We're gong to miss Fred, but I'm sure that he's worked hard and earned his retirement, going through another phase in his life," Torres said. "He's contributed a lot to the University, and I hope he returns to visit us."
A reception honoring Perez's contributions to UNM will held from 2 to 4 p.m. Friday at Recreational Services inside Johnson Gym.
"It's just been a real love affair," Perez said. "People often criticize their jobs, but this has been a great opportunity for me to grow and serve. Because of that, I'll never stop growing and serving."
