鲍鱼tv鈥檚 Karen Smith, a rare book librarian, has spent her life fascinated by rare treasures. The greatest treasure of all, however, might be her 45 years of unwavering dedication to the university.
On Wednesday (March 5), 鲍鱼tv celebrated the remarkable milestones of its long-serving faculty and staff, whose commitment has shaped the university for decades. Some, like Smith, began their journeys at Dal long before the digital age, when typewriters ruled the desks and lessons were handwritten on blackboards. Others arrived in a period of rapid transformation, where the internet began to redefine education.
The event honoured those who in 2024 reached milestones of 25, 35, and 45 years of service to the university, bringing together individuals who inspire students in the classroom, maintain campus safety, and ensure all Dal students, faculty, and staff have access to the support they need to thrive.聽
I鈥檝e always loved learning. Where else would I be able to learn every day?
鈥淚鈥檝e always loved learning,鈥� says Smith. 鈥淲here else would I be able to learn every day?鈥� After four and a half decades, the proud Nova Scotian continues to deepen her knowledge in the Killam Library, assisting students with special collections.聽
Smith, above with Dal President Kim Brooks at last week's event, celebrated 45 years with Dal.
The 'key guy'
Cliff Sutherland, an access control mechanic with Facilities Management (FM), celebrated 35 years of service. Beginning his career as the 鈥渒ey guy,鈥� Sutherland has embraced numerous challenges, evolving into a man of many hats as he handles everything from tasks such as cutting keys to emergency middle-of-the-night missions to help students locked out of residence. He has also taken on a leadership role as a general foreperson for FM's access-control department.
鈥淚 still learn new things every day,鈥� says Sutherland.聽
As 鲍鱼tv鈥檚 beloved 鈥渄oor guy,鈥� Sutherland attributes his success to the doors he鈥檚 had the opportunity to open 鈥� both literally and figuratively. 鈥淚 just relish in the people,鈥� he says. 鈥淚鈥檝e been lifted up and I鈥檝e done the lifting. We learn from each other, navigating the process together. It's the small success you celebrate and relationships you build along the way.鈥澛�
Cliff Sutherland celebrated 35 years with Facilities Management.
Expanding boundaries
The key to longevity in a career according to Sutherland and Chris Maxwell, a computer technician at Dal who celebrated 25 years of service, lies in expanding one鈥檚 boundaries.聽
鈥淲e鈥檙e always looking at the new tomorrow, thinking about how to do things the right way,鈥� Maxwell says.
We鈥檙e always looking at the new tomorrow, thinking about how to do things the right way
Chris Maxwell marked 25 years at Dal.
鈥淎round here, you are allowed to develop and purposefully forge a path forward, however that may look,鈥� says Sutherland.
鲍鱼tv鈥檚 President Kim Books, acknowledging the profound dedication of each long-serving member of the community, summed it up at last week鈥檚 event:聽 鈥淚t鈥檚 our collective efforts that make this complex institution not only function but flourish.鈥澛�
Whether retirement is on the horizon for these individuals, or another decade of service awaits, she emphasizes, 鈥淚t's about recognizing a length of tenure that is deeply significant and invaluable 鈥� one that has made an extraordinary difference to our students and to the world.鈥�