Honoring 40+ Years of Service at TCU
During the 2026 End of Year Employee Appreciation Celebration, TCU recognized employees across campus for their years of service and contributions to the university community. As part of the celebration, special recognition was given to employees who have dedicated more than 40 years of service to TCU.
These honorees represent decades of commitment, connection, and impact that have helped shape the Horned Frog experience across generations.
As part of this recognition, each honoree was invited to reflect on one question:
“What is your favorite moment or memory while working at TCU?”
Their responses and photos from the celebration are featured below.
45 Years of Service
Cathleen Dawson Jackson
[PHOTO PLACEHOLDER]
[QUOTE COMING SOON]
David Minter
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Tamas Ungar
[PHOTO PLACEHOLDER]
“It is difficult to state one special moment, but perhaps receiving in 2013 the news that ‘The Senate of Texas has also proclaimed me as a Distinguished Citizen in recognition of my lifelong dedication and service to the arts.’
But as a lifelong journey, perhaps the establishment in 1981 and the continual creation of PianoTexas International Festival & Academy presented by the School of Music, TCU, have become one of the most sought-after summer destinations for pianists from all over the world.”
Walt Redding
[PHOTO PLACEHOLDER]
“I have two favorite memories that I will always cherish. First, receiving the Honors Faculty Recognition Award in 1994 was especially meaningful since the students are responsible for that selection. I suppose everyone has their favorite sports memory, and mine is witnessing Jamie Dixon’s game-winning shot at the buzzer to beat UT in 1986. What a thrill!”
40 Years of Service
Art Busbey
[PHOTO PLACEHOLDER]
[QUOTE COMING SOON]
Chris Powell
[PHOTO PLACEHOLDER]
“The past forty-some-odd years have given me many wonderful moments, most of them include students. That's why I included the class photo. In the clay studio, we learn so much more than ceramics. With every new class, I have learned new ways of seeing myself and the world around me. I hope the students have received as much from me as I have from them and learned about ceramics along the way.
One memory does come to mind; in 2009 I was part of the TCU Green Pavilion Project. Working with several departments on campus, we built and placed a structure on the fairway of the Colonial Country Club that highlighted TCU's green initiatives. Tony Burgess was on the project. I can still hear him say, ‘Embrace chaos.’”
Donald Blackshear
[PHOTO PLACEHOLDER]
[QUOTE COMING SOON]
Laura Ruede
[PHOTO PLACEHOLDER]
“After several decades it would take time to think and select a ‘moment,’ but I can tell you my favorite thing about being here has always been continually having the opportunity to learn. I’ve literally spent my work life learning. When I’m learning is when I feel most alive, so that’s a great thing.
One sort of ‘moment,’ I guess, would be years ago when I was an archivist in the Special Collections division of the library, and I was processing some Civil War-era letters between a soldier and his wife, who was managing the plantation in his absence. It was like time-traveling; a very special experience. As an archivist, there were many other meaningful jaunts into the past, as well.”
Madge Thomas
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[QUOTE COMING SOON]
Martin Hernandez
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Ralph Carter
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Richard Galvin
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Robin Davis
After more than 40 years at TCU, it’s hard to choose just one favorite memory. What stands out most is watching the campus grow and evolve while the heart of TCU has remained the same — a place filled with collaboration, community, and students eager to learn. I’ve had the privilege of working with Starpoint students as they discovered their strengths and gained confidence, while also watching TCU undergraduate students grow into thoughtful, compassionate educators and professionals. Seeing both groups learn from one another and go on to do meaningful things has been one of the greatest rewards of my time at TCU.
Ron Sims
[PHOTO PLACEHOLDER]
[QUOTE COMING SOON]
Thank you to our 40+ year honorees for the lasting impact you have made at TCU and for the many ways you continue to strengthen our community.