Long-serving staff recognised

The University of Queensland will recognise 46 long-serving staff at a special function tomorrow, Thursday, October 21 at the University’s St Lucia campus at 4.30pm.

Chancellor John Story will present gifts and certificates to 28 staff who have worked for the University for 25 years, and 18 staff who have worked for 40 years at a ceremony at the Sir Llew Edwards Building.

Although the University recognises 25-year service recipients annually, this is the first time it has recognised staff with 40 years service, and was a special initiative for the University’s centenary year.

Among award recipients will be Daryl Reynolds and Glenn Reisenleiter both of the University’s Gatton Campus.

Mr Reynolds works for the Properties and Facilities Division and his colleagues refer to him as “The Man on the Run” as he services all of the facilities on the campus.

“I know the campus back the front. My job takes me all over the campus to the piggery, poultry unit, dairy and the horticultural fields, but don’t ask me to remember the building numbers,” Mr Reynolds said.

Mr Reynolds' first experience with the Gatton Campus was not as a worker, rather it was as a young boy learning to swim.

“I grew up in Gatton and have worked here since I was 19.

"Over the years I have met a lot of people who have been great to not only work with but to share the memorable moments. I am looking forward to more good memories,” Mr Reynolds said. "

Mr Reisenleiter began work in 1970 as a stockman when the Gatton Campus was then the Queensland Agricultural College. In 1980 he was promoted to senior stockman.

He worked as a stud groom for 20 years preparing the animals for show and sale. While in this role, Mr Reisenleiter had his proudest moment working for the Campus.

“In 1978 I had taken a mob of cattle to the Exhibition and they won the Junior Champion Heifer of Queensland, Senior Champion Cow of Queensland and the Grand Champion Female of Queensland,” Mr Reisenleiter said.

However, these moments aren’t the only reason he loves his job and the Campus has become such an important part of his life.

“Most of the enjoyment of working here is meeting students that I have influenced and taught over the year,” he said.

“Seeing students when they come back and to hear how they are still using the skills I taught them in industry is one of the most rewarding parts of my job.”

He has seen some dramatic changes to the Campus over the years, such as the $100 million relocation of the UQ School of Veterinary Science.

Mr Reisenleiter is just as enthusiastic to keep working for the place that he now calls home.

“I would like to stay on as long as I can. This place is a very big part of my life and I look forward to working for The University of Queensland as long as possible,” he said.

Media: Jan King 0413 601 248 or Erin Pearl (UQ Gatton Campus 07 54 601 229