Inspiration: I feel a sense of accomplishment when I see the students that I have worked with over the years go on to become leaders in their disciplines and in the community. I enjoy the challenges of my job and I am excited about coming to work every day to help make UofL a better institution.
Source of pride: The people are great to work with, the environment for learning and growing intellectually as well as socially are more than any one person could possibly sample, and the energy and enthusiasm of the students keep you young (at heart) and enthused about life. When you have been at the university as long as I have, you have grown to love the university and are fiercely loyal.
Significant change: I wish I could narrow it down to one but there are three things that I think altered the mood of the students and campus in general:
a. Winning the 1980 NCAA Basketball championship
B. The construction of the Student Activities Center
C. The construction of Papa John's Cardinal Stadium
Winning that first NCAA basketball championship really changed how students, faculty, staff and the community felt about the university. The perception was that UofL had arrived as a major player nationally.
The SAC provided a much-needed centralized gathering place for the students.
Papa John's stadium became the first major sports facility on campus and it really put the swagger in the walk of the students and the entire university family and supporters. It is a place where university and community comes together as one.
Cardinal clothes: I could wear Cardinal attire every day for three weeks and never have to duplicate any clothing.
Also: My official employment date was Sept. 25, 1969, so I've actually been on staff for 41 years. I came here in the fall of 1964 as a recruit for the football team and never actually left the university. When I graduated in 1968, I became a grad assistant in the football office while working on my masters degree. When I came on staff in 1969, I had intended to stay at UofL for two years and move on to something else. But I got totally hooked on the university atmosphere and never seriously searched for external employment. The years passed so quickly that it's hard to believe that I have been here soo long. The time between being a young man and a not-so-young one is shorter than I ever imagined. My journey has been a wonderful experience.

Rex Minks, electrician, Belknap Electrical Operations, 45 years

Source of pride: Being here for over 45 years. I guess I'll be here a few more, unless I win the lottery.
Fondest memory: Being able to learn something new every day. Every day my job is different and every day I get to experience new things and be with interesting people.

Fondest memory: Family styled potluck at Gardencourt and Cherokee Park after everyone worked together into the evening to meet a deadline. Lunchtime volleyball where staff titles or position level didn't improve your game.
Significant change: There have been so many physical changes in the campus - new buildings, refurbished older structures, facilities demolished, boundaries expanded and enhancements to the general beauty of the campus. The changes have been positive, inspiring and give hope to an even brighter tomorrow for the university.

Inspiration: It's good, old-fashioned work ethic, and I enjoy something that calls for special effort. I have lived 40 years of continuous challenges.
Source of pride: I have assisted many professors over the years and hope that I contributed to their success and that of the Department of Surgery. I'm grateful for all I have to give.
Fondest memory: When the whole department adopted families in need at Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Significant change: The obvious answer is the transition to computer technology. I frequently ask "the other generation" for help.
Also: It's been a great 40-year ride! I would do it all over again!