[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/years_of_service04.jpg” caption=”Barbara Cave, an accounting clerk in the Department of Finance, receives an award from President Peter George for 40 years of service to McMaster University.”]Cumulatively, they have worked at McMaster for 4,890 years.

On Monday, McMaster President Peter George hosted a luncheon for 250 McMaster employees who have dedicated between 15 and 40 years of service to the University.

“Today, I want to thank you on behalf of everyone at the University,” said George at the luncheon, attended by approximately 225 employees and about 30 special guests, including faculty deans, vice-presidents and associate vice-presidents. “It's very easy to become preoccupied with the issues of the day but on a special day such as this, it is important to take a few minutes to think back over the past 15 or 40 years and to remember with pride the accomplishments both big and small that have been part of your time at McMaster. You have made a positive difference.”

Of those recognized, 135 employees have worked at McMaster for 15 years; 66 have worked here for 20 years; 35 employees have worked at McMaster for 30 years; 13 have worked here for 35 years and one employee has had 40 years of service at the University.

“As you continue your professional lives here at McMaster, let me make a few commitments to you,” said George. “Refining Directions will continue to be our guiding document and I am committed to its goals, principles and its promise to “make a McMaster that closes the gap between our concept of what we want to be and our experience of what we are.

“I am committed to continuing to build an inclusive community that provides opportunities for everyone to reach their full potential. I am committed to building McMaster's national and international reputation and to maintaining McMaster's planning culture and spirit of innovation. These are ambitious but not unreachable goals. I look forward to working with you and your colleagues across the University to make them a reality.”