When I started working at the university, there were three Linda Millers on campus. We sometimes received each other’s emails, and we met for coffee on campus. They have retired from the university, and I’m soon retiring. I started in June of 2000; at that time, the Physical Plant was changing the department name to Facilities Services, and in my 23 years, the department changed names to Campus Operations and changed again to CPFM, Campus Planning, and Facilities Management. Working for the custodial department, I have seen a lot of changes over the past 23 years. Starting with only having one graveyard crew, and now expanding to having three crews working graveyard, swing, and days.

I am currently the custodial program assistant. I spend the university’s money! I order all the custodial supplies and equipment for the department and keep track of work tickets and attendance. I pretty much give support to the custodial department. Cleaning and sanitation are a vital part of our functions on campus.  I work with the custodial management team to illuminate the difficulties and accomplishments of our personnel administrating the building assessments using the APPA cleaning criteria. (APPA—formerly the Association of Physical Plant Administrators—provides resources for educational facilities professionals).  Additionally, I serve the lock shop, managing our electronic key boxes on campus and giving them some administrative support.

Before working at the university, I worked 20 years for Eugene-Springfield Multiple Listings, now RMLS. While raising a family, they allowed me to work part-time. Steve and I have been married for 43 years, and we have two wonderful children and two adorable grandchildren, which I plan to see more of when I retire. I have been associated with Golden Bond Dog Rescue for over 15 years, fostering retrievers and retriever mixes from Oregon.  They have now started working with the non-profit group "Together for Animals in China" and have been rescuing dogs from the meat markets in China. I also volunteer as secretary for our church and have been working with Square One Village on building affordable housing on our church property on River Road.  The low-cost housing will be named “Peace Village" dedicated to our church name.  It is a fantastic concept for low-cost housing. I’m also part of an organization that helps women receive scholarships, grants, and loans for higher education.  I have been a member of PEO since 2019,  a philanthropic educational organization.  We have many fund raisers, and it is a great organization to meet a diverse group of women and have fun helping women.

I don't anticipate slowing down once I retire. I enjoy experimenting with different recipes and cooking. I enjoy hiking and gardening and all my other volunteer work.  We are also planning on doing some traveling.  Our first trip we will be camping and hiking in Joshua Tree National Park, Death Valley National Park, and over to Arizona and Utah.  I have had a wonderful time working at the university, and I shall miss all the people who have made an impact on my life. But I must keep in mind the words of Fred Rogers: "Frequently, just when you think something is over, something new is just getting started."

(September 2023)