In this post we recognize Christopher Ayers, HVAC Electrician, for his 25 years of Service to Middlebury. Christopher shares his favorite spot on campus, his love of golf, and some advice for new employees. Read on to learn more about Midd from Christopher’s point of view.
What did you do prior to work at Middlebury College and where were you located?
I operated my own Electrical Contracting business. I lived in Bristol Vt.
What job titles have you held while working at Middlebury?
I started in 1993 in the Electric Dept. as an Electrician A. I then in 1999 was offered a position in the newly formed HVAC Dept. which I accepted and have been there until present.
Take us back to your first year as an employee at the College. What were the most significant things happening in your life outside of work then?
Figuring out how to put my 2 children through college.
What are the most significant things happening in your life outside of work now (that you’d like to share)?
Planning the next phase of my life away from Middlebury College.
Have your interests/hobbies/athletic endeavors changed over the past 25 years? Have any of these been influenced by your work at the College or due to your association with others who work here?
After starting work here at the college with the college benefit at the golf course I played a lot more golf. This included playing a lot with other staff members.
What is your fondest memory or experience that you’ve had while working at Middlebury?
The memory of working with so many wonderful co-workers.
Many people change jobs/careers multiple times in their working life. Something must have kept you here for 25 years. Is it anything that you can put into words?
The fact that I liked my job and still do. Of course the benefits were great and the opportunity to work with so many exceptional people was truly enjoyable.
What are your plans for the next 25 years?
Play a lot more golf with my wife and try to hang out with my children and grandchildren more.
Do you have a favorite place on campus?
I would have to say on the roof of MBH (McCardell Bicentennial Hall) looking back across campus.
Is there any person on campus (or retiree, former employer) that mentored you, or you feel helped you grow into your job, grow to enjoy your work and your time at the College?
As a new employee Tom Ball helped me navigate through the different ways of the college. Art Thorne helped me take on more challenging work.
If you could give one piece of advice to a new employee at Middlebury, what would it be?
Take advantage of any training the college is willing to offer. Then apply it to your job you will be rewarded.
Is there anything else that you would like to share about your time at Middlebury?
It has been a great place to work and I am happy to have been afforded the opportunity to work here.