John Wilson is the one person Southwestern College cannot replace. In December the college is going to have to try.
Wilson is hanging up his hats Dec 30, a process that could take a couple hours since he wears so many. More than a journey-man relief pitcher. Until then he is working like an over-caffeinated air traffic controller trying to bring some big projects in for a landing.
Wilson has been at SWC for 37 years and began working here while he was still a student at SDSU. His current title, senior director of business operations and facilities planning, barely gives a glimpse into everything he does. He is responsible for everything built, purchased, maintained, repaired, refurbished, installed, planted and removed. Not long ago he was also in charge of the campus police. He loves his work, he said, but he is ready to hand it off to someone else now.
"It's never easy leaving something that you love, but it is time to move on," said Wilson. "You reach a milestone in your life, where you say maybe it's time to do some other stuff."
Wilson has left giant footprints on the campus and positioned SWC to serve students for another half century. He was also instrumental in promoting and implementing Proposition R and Proposition AA, the ambitious reconstruction bond measures that have reshaped the campus over the last decade. He also led the construction of SWC's centers in National City, San Ysidro, and Otay Mesa.
"My intent was always to provide an environmentally friendly place for teachers and students," said Wilson. "A college campus should be a safe, welcoming place."
Wilson was in charge of purchases, district and non-operational areas, faculty planning, construction and new models for the school. Many accomplishments were reached thanks to Wilson.
Jenny Freeman, administrative secretary, said she has seen Wilson work with everybody since June of this year. She said he is a very nice, fair and caring person, and very supportive. He has a great sense of humor, she said, but is very focused on his work.
"I cannot imagine this place without him," she said.
Freeman said Wilson is very respectful of all of his employees and all college personnel
Wilson tries to make time for everyone.
"He's willing to listen to everyone's concerns, and tries to make SWC a better place," she said.
Linda Hernandez, planning and facilities coordinator, was Wilson's secretary from Sept. 1998 to July of this year. She said it is hard not to work with him. Hernandez said she is glad that he retiring and deserves a chance to catch his breath after all he has done for SWC.
"He has taken a lot of the history with him and I am sad to see him go and will miss him," said Hernandez.
Wilson said his retirement plans include spending quality time with family and friends, as well as sailing, one of his favorite hobbies.
Wilson said his favorite memories are all the people he worked with, and the things they accomplished as a team. He is also proud of his role in maintaining the architecture of the campus, he said and seeing new students enter SWC.
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