My Last Article

By Brian Nielson
Associate Director Buildings and Grounds, University of Utah

After 40 years with the University of Utah it really comes down to just a couple of more months. At the end of September, I will close a major chapter in my life as I venture into the retirement phase with a whirlwind of diverse emotions. With the budget cuts and the early retirement incentives it seems the most prudent thing to do. It is amazing how fast this decision has progressed once the paperwork was submitted to make the commitment to retire.

I began my career in the fall of 1969 as the Building Manager of the Huntsman Events Center which was in the process of just opening. We had every concert and event that could be scheduled along with a variety of NCAA caliber athletic events. The last major event I helped coordinate in the Huntsman Center before moving into Facilities Management was the 1979 NCAA Basketball game featuring Larry Bird & Magic Johnson. This championship game is still rated as one of the NCAA’s best all time games.

In 1979 I was accepted to the position of Division Manager overseeing Grounds, Transportation, Special Services and the Motor Pool. A few years later I had the opportunity to become Associate Director of Buildings and Grounds, where I presently will finish my stint with the University. I have been involved in all aspects of facilities management and have really enjoyed it. Reflecting back I can really say the “U” has been very good to me and my family.

Participating in the two years it took making the 2002 Winter Olympics the most successful games ever; being part of the back to back football championship seasons with the story book ending win over Pittsburgh to capture the Fiesta Bowl BCS series championship; throw in 39 University Commencements and it seems like I have experienced it all. Maybe I have had way too much fun along the way!

Being part of the new campus growth has been phenomenal with both new facilities and older historic buildings refurbished to state of the art technologies. I have worked through the growing pains of outdated utility systems and adjusting old landscapes to the new water wise approach to meet the next generation’s needs. Before sustainability was the new buzz word, we used the word conservation and already practiced re-cycling.

It would be neglectful on my part not to say “Thank You” for all the associations I have encountered being a member of RMA & APPA. The younger generations are definitely ready to move on and take the steps necessary to be successful. With the present state of affairs we will need some new dynamic thinking to get her done! I have appreciated all the opportunities along the way.

To all the great people along my 40 year adventure I extend my warmest regards. When I started with the University I was just looking for a job. I told everyone I didn’t know what I wanted to be when I grew up - before I knew it I had found my place and the “U” became my home.

I do have to be honest about one thing, I will not miss, snow calls 24/7 !!!!!!!!!!!

Editor's Note: Brian has been a prolific contributer to Rocky Mountain Views and is a past recipient of the Val Peterson award. I and all of my RMA collegues join in wishing him the best in his retirement and hope that we will see him from time to time in future RMA and APPA meetings.