Every morning for 40 years, Michael Meyers has arrived at his job as a Groundskeeper at UT Southwestern before the sun rises.

“I’m an early bird, even on the weekends,” he says. “I get up at 2, take the train in every day, and I usually get to work at 3:51 or 3:52 in the morning.”

As soon as his co-workers arrive, Mr. Meyers gets busy doing what he clearly enjoys and takes pride in – keeping the UT Southwestern campus beautiful. He often can be spotted around the campus trimming shrubs, watering plants, pulling weeds, or somehow otherwise maintaining the property. He is dedicated to doing whatever he can to make the landscape lovely so people enjoy being on campus.

“I enjoy helping to keep the campus grounds looking good every day and seeing all my longtime friends who also work here,” he says.

Quick to greet everyone he meets with a smile, Mr. Meyers always asks others how they are doing. He’s known for his cheerful personality and willingness to help – in ways big and small.

For example, Mr. Meyers helps transport and install interior plants for use at various events. During the winter holiday season, he keeps busy delivering poinsettias, along with a big smile and holiday cheer throughout the campus.

For four decades, Mr. Meyers has watched the campus landscape change in many ways. He has also seen many UT Southwestern faculty and staff come and go.

As much as he enjoys maintaining the campus landscape, his favorite memories have more to do with people than plants. In particular, Mr. Meyers treasures the special celebrations with co-workers shared over cake and ice cream.

At the end of a workday, he takes the train home to his two-bedroom Dallas condo. In his spare time, he enjoys bowling, helping at his church, and spending time with his two brothers, who live in Dallas too. He also has three brothers and three sisters in Louisiana. In a few years, he plans to retire.

Even when off the job, Mr. Meyers’ dedication to hard work and helping others doesn’t end. He’s known for assisting his neighbors with home maintenance chores such as changing lightbulbs.

“I enjoy lending a helping hand whenever I can,” he says.