Freddy Vidaud spent the past 35 years traveling and walking around the campus of UT Southwestern and the Medical District while working as an Office Assistant in the Department of Pathology, where he daily delivered mail and confidential materials. It’s a steady role that allowed a sense of calm.

“I like that I got to move around a lot, but after 35 years it takes a toll on your body. Yet, I am glad I didn’t have a desk job,” he says. “I enjoyed working at UT Southwestern because I had a lot of friends and saw different people on my runs and liked seeing experiments in the labs.”

In 1985, Mr. Vidaud joined UT Southwestern on the recommendation of a family friend who had been a doctor here. Over the years, he’s seen many changes across campus, as well as among faculty and staff.

“I like everything I see around here and have seen many buildings go up with additions of new clinics – so many changes that I can’t remember them all,” he says.

Recently retired, Mr. Vidaud is honored to be recognized for his contributions to making things at UTSW run smoothly.

“It feels good that I accomplished being here for so long, and I felt like I was part of a family because other people helped me a lot,” he says.

His former supervisor, Linda Jones, says Mr. Vidaud was always dependable.

“Pathology had complete reliance on Freddy to handle this needed service to the Department, and he was extremely dedicated to his role, as exhibited by his continued 35 years of service to our Department,” Ms. Jones says.

Mr. Vidaud has some simple advice for staying committed to one role for so many years: “Keep at it, don’t give up,” he says.