by Christopher Sanchez
Daily Lobo
When Elliot Bailey first started working at UNM, he packed boxes for the physics and astronomy department.
Forty years later, he is still working with the department, but his job description has changed.
"I do just about everything from running a bulldozer, running a network, to testing radiation," said Bailey, operations manager of the department.
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Bailey was among about 200 faculty and staff members honored for their services with the University on Wednesday in the SUB.
Jessica McKenna, an organizer of the event, said the service recognition event was for anyone employed at the University for 15 years and up in five-year increments thereafter.
McKenna said 459 employees were invited to be honored, but many couldn't make it because of conflicting work schedules. But, she said, this year's event had the highest turnout.
"It's a very good sign," she said. "It shows this is a good institute, not only for students, but for staff and faculty."
McKenna said the majority of the employees were awarded for 15 years, and only two were awarded for 40 years.
Each person awarded was acknowledged in front of a crowd of colleagues, friends and family. The awardees also received a gift depending on how long they've been employed.
Bailey received a NambÇ serving platter with "UNM" engraved on it.
McKenna said it was the first time UNM honored employees who had worked at the University for 40 years.
Spencer Layton, television transmission engineer at KNME, said people ask him how he has been able to work at UNM for so long.
"Before I knew it, it had been 40 years," he said. "I just enjoy it. UNM has been good to me."
Layton and Bailey are retiring after the spring semester but said they will miss UNM.
"There is a time to move on, but it has been a journey and adventure," Layton said. "I have seen all the buildings change since I've been here. I can say it's been a positive experience - it's been my life."
McKenna said there are other ways of recognizing faculty and staff, but the service recognition event is the largest. It has been happening for 25 years, she said.
"It's a good opportunity to take time out and give back to employees," she said.
Associate Provost Richard Holder was awarded for his 30 years of service. Holder, also a chemistry professor, said he came to UNM because he likes Albuquerque and working with people.
"It was a good job opportunity to teach and do some chemistry," he said.
The event was a nice way of thanking him, he said, but most of all he wanted to see who had been at the University for the same time he had been.
"Most of them I know, but I saw some I didn't know," he said.
Bailey said his time at UNM has been mostly positive.
"There were high times, and there were times I wanted to walk out," he said. "But I have enjoyed it for so many years."
Bernd Bassalleck, chairman of the physics and astronomy department, said Bailey's loyalty and accomplishments are remarkable.
"Life without him is so far unimaginable," Bassalleck said.
