Auburn Hills, Mich. (WXYZ) – Five decades is a long time for anything. Think about it, exactly 50 years ago Lyndon B. Johnson was president. There have been 11 presidents between then and now.
Therefore, a person stays in one place for a long time, especially in the field of higher education. Well, this is something.
A lot changes in just 50 years but some things still matter from that change.
“This is my first real job,” said Gerald Kelly.
More than that, the things that make life really special never change.
“I think if I was awake and I wasn’t coming here, there would be something wrong with my life,” Kelly said.
Oakland Community College and Gerald Kelly are both institutions.
“Switchboard operator, right? Library technician, AV technician, secretary. The first male secretary here in college,” said Kelly, describing all the work he had done.
The campus really won’t last as it has been here as a college for quite some time. Member of the first graduating class in 1967.
“There are very few people who stay in a career who make it to 50, why? How?” asked Brian Abel of WXYZ.
“It was convenient, and it made a living for me that when I’m away from college. I’m looking for a college type of thing, things I can use,” Kelly said.
He never stopped being a student of life. Learning technologies evolving in college over the years.
His knowledge and infectious personality captivates the students or maybe it’s just the coffee and donuts he put out.
Somehow, he stands here while the faces around him have changed.
“It is scary because 50 years ago when I walked not through this door, but in buildings, through this door, we had that time. And I go out, it’s like 50 minutes. You know, it’s absolutely it doesn’t even seem like 50 years. It’s like I turned around and here I am,” Kelly said.
But if you think she’s ready to be one of those things that will change. You’d Be Wrong Fifty years after the makeover, Gerald Kelly plans to stay at Oakland Community College and in the classroom.
We also put pressure on them because 50 years is a long time to keep working.
“When you finally rest your hat, what are you going to miss the most?” asked Abel.
“Students are finally talking about being there. Even if I retire, I still want to teach after I retire,” Kelly said.
“This is not retirement, Jerry,” said Abel.
“That’s right. You’re right. You’re right there. I do. I really don’t want to retire. It’s the sum total,” Kelly said.
He is not ready for that change to come. Congratulations Jerry on your career so far.