When they first arrived to work at the George Washington University in 1980, Ernest Hayes and Marcus Jackson developed a rivalry on the basketball courts at the Charles E. Smith Center during lunch and afterwork hours.
But in the four-and-a-half decades since, they’ve become fierce teammates and friends working together in the Division of Safety and Operations. And on Wednesday, GW jointly honored them for their 45 years of service to the university in the annual Career Milestones luncheon for staff, held this year in the University Student Center’s Grand Ballroom. Those celebrating 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 and even 50 years were honored Wednesday, while staff marking 15, 10 and five years were celebrated Thursday.
It was fitting for Hayes and Jackson to be recognized together, because they have appeared together at GW since the Jimmy Carter administration. Despite Hayes working in housekeeping and Jackson working transportation, they still made a point to see each other every shift.
“We didn’t miss a day,” Hayes said.
And they still have a laugh to this day about overcoming their initial competition against each other on the hardwood, even cracking each other about who won more often.
“We’ve had our ups and downs to start, but we’ve been best of friends,” Hayes said with an ear-to-ear smile.
They’ve seen a lot during their time at GW, including the construction of countless new buildings, the introduction of new academic programs and six university presidents. And they’ve also seen thousands of students become professionals, as senior Vice President and Chief of Staff Scott Mory, B.A. ‘96, J.D. ‘99, told the audience Wednesday that he vividly remembers being an undergraduate resident at Thurston Hall and interacting with Hayes.
But for Jackson, one thing stands out in particular about his lasting and lifelong friendship with Hayes: “Watching our children grow up and talking about watching them getting grown–and still dealing with them,” Jackson said.
These are the kinds of stories President Ellen M. Granberg frequently hears anytime she meets with staff and asks them what has kept them at GW all these years. It’s not just their sense of commitment, and it’s not just because of the job. People stay, she said, for the mission of the institution, for the students they work with and for the colleagues they work alongside every day.
“This is an institution where relationships matter, where teams become families and where a shared belief in this university can keep people rooted here for decades,” Granberg said.
She then specially recognized those staff members in attendance celebrating 40 years or more of service, including Andrew Moskowitz of GW Information Technology for 40 years; Hayes, Jackson and Vivian Waltson of the Office of the Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer for 45 years; and Carl Bryant of the Division of Safety and Operations for 50 years. These recipients received a commemorative pin.
Granberg led all honorees in a toast, expressing her appreciation for the staff members who have dedicated their professional careers to moving GW’s values forward with people-first approaches. “Standing here, I’m struck not just by the number of years but by the depth of commitment, purpose and community this remarkable group represents,” she said.
Mory also delivered welcoming remarks on behalf of Vice President and Chief People Officer Sabrina Minor and similarly expressed gratitude for the longtime service honorees have provided to GW, noting that all have used their own strengths, skillsets and expertise to push the university forward.
“Each of you has contributed something unique here,” he said, looking out at the honored staff. “Some of you have supported students through moments that shaped their futures; some have built programs that strengthened our mission; some have created a safe and beautiful campus; and some have helped this university navigate change and uncertainty.
“All of you are the heartbeat of GW.”
And for years and decades, that beat continued for the staff achieving milestone anniversaries.
“I love GW with my heart and soul,” Hayes said. “I love the students. I love my coworkers. That’s what’s kept me staying.”
GW Today photographers William Atkins and Sarah Hochstein captured images of the two events:
