A much-loved colleague of the University of Worcester has retired after 38 years of loyal and dedicated service.
Sue Hudson has retired after working at the University for 38 years as part of the catering and cleaning teams.
Sue Hudson, known as ‘Sue My Lovely’ to colleagues, students and visitors because of the friendly way she greets people, began her career at what was then the Worcester College of Higher Education in 1988 as a member of the catering team.
She later became a cleaner within the University’s facilities team and has most recently been looking after the Duke’s Building on the Severn Campus for Health and Wellbeing since it opened last year. Through her role she has become a familiar and much-loved presence for staff, students and visitors alike.
“I’ve got mixed feelings as I retire,” said Sue. “I’m looking forward to being retired, but I’ll miss seeing everybody around the University. I’m going to do as much as I can but not getting up quite as early as I always have!”
Working in public-facing roles across the University, Sue has long been a source or support and comfort for people on campus.
“If someone looks like they’re struggling to find something, or if they’ve been in the canteen and they’ve spilled a drink, I’ll say ‘Don’t worry about that, go and get yourself another one.’ Little things like that are the moments I’ve enjoyed most.”
Since starting her job, Sue has seen the development of the University including the building of the Severn Campus for Health and Wellbeing, the development of the City Campus, home to Worcester Business School and the Art House, and the expansion of the University’s Lakeside Campus, as well as the addition of the Three Counties Medical School and much more.
“I’ve seen lots of changes over the years,” she said. “It has been nice to see the University grow over the years and I’ve enjoyed working with everyone here.”
Sue said her career had been made up of tiny moments with individuals which made it all worthwhile.
“Everyone can have a bad day,” she explained. “But if you help someone, you’ll feel better because of it. Just seeing someone’s face light up and thinking ‘I’m glad I’ve made a difference to that person there’.”
She said helping the students who were feeling homesick was a particular highlight for her: “Especially the students who come to us who have left home, they might feel a bit lost, and a little magical moment, and having a chat and a laugh, it helps me when I’m down and it helps them as well.”
Professor David Green, Vice Chancellor of the University of Worcester, attended a farewell gathering for Sue where he presented her with flowers and a personal letter of thanks for her service.
He said: “Sue has made an immeasurable contribution to the University of Worcester over her entire 38-year career. Staff and students alike have held her in the highest regard because of the power she has to make us all feel good about ourselves and our day, simply by being her genuine, positive, outgoing self.”
“Sue’s positivity and love of people have always been infectious, and the atmosphere she brought to campus is something that will happily remain, even as we say a fond farewell,” he added. “We all wish Sue a very happy retirement with her husband, Martin, and we look forward to her returning to visit often and keeping us all in touch will her news on Sue's and the development of her next chapter.”