Q. What is your official title?
Officially it is “Telecommunication Facilities Technician IV”
Q. When did you begin working at ENMU and what is/was your retirement date?
I began on July 26, 1999, and am retiring on July 1, 2016.
Q. What are the main duties of your job?
Installing, adding, moving, troubleshooting the fiber and copper plant on campus.
Q. What have you enjoyed most about your job, and what have been the biggest challenges?
Getting to meet and work with some wonderful folks here at Eastern. Challenges…Getting to meet and work with some “other” folks here at Eastern.
Q. Who are some of the people and experiences at ENMU that stand out the most?
From Dr. Gamble down. Eastern has some of the best faculty and staff I have had the pleasure to work and learn with.
Q. What were you doing before you came to ENMU, and what other jobs have you held?
I entered the Air Force in July, 1973, right out of high school (the draft was still on and I wanted to choose what military branch I went into). After retiring in 1997, I started coming here full time to finish my degree while working graveyard shift at the Curry County Detention Center. After receiving my B.S. in December, 1998, I took a rest from work until this position opened. I figured I could work here to get back some of the money I spent to get my degree.
Q. What are your degrees and majors, and what activities did you participate in college?
A.A- General Studies, ENMU-Clovis
A.A.S.- Mechanical and Electrical Technology, CCAF
B.S.- Sociology, ENMU
Was either active duty AF or too old for college activities.
Q. Where were you born, raised, and what was your life like growing up?
Born and raised in Elmira Heights, N.Y. Have four brothers and four sisters. Normal upbringing in a hectic household. My dad worked hard to feed all of us and my mother was the “hold down the fort” mom. Growing up in the 60s/70s, I was your typical “hippy.”
Q. Tell us about your own family?
I am happily married to Michelle who currently works in the Cashiers Cage in the Administration Building. I have one son, Richard III, currently stationed at Dyess AFB. He is a Tech. Sergeant in weapons. I also have two grandchildren that I hope to be able to spend more time with.
Q. What are your hobbies?
I have far too many. Ham radio, woodworking, gun building, the list goes on. More than enough to keep me busy after I retire.
Q. What gives your life meaning?
My wife and family. I am planning to go back to NY for a while at the end of July/August (I’ll be able to take time off in August after quite some time).
Q. What is your general impression of Portales, and ENMU?
Love it here!! When it was time to leave Panama, I asked to come back here to retire.
Q. What are some of your plans for retirement?
Hobbies and time on Ute Lake. I also have some part-time work lined up.
Q. Other thoughts?
I have truly enjoyed my second career at Eastern. I will miss seeing many of the people I have been around every day. But nor am I going to blow away. You will see me on campus occasionally annoying folks.
