By Alexa Dunson, Director of Strategic Communications
Special from UTPB
Terry and Richard Gantenbein are part of UTPB’s history. Since the University’s inception, there have only been 10 years without a Gantenbein on staff. Richard will celebrate 40 years in September, and Terry is right behind him at 38 years.
The two have held several roles on campus over the years. Terry worked in the bookstore from 1985-2010 before joining her husband in Physical Plant as the Warehouse Coordinator. Richard has always held a role on our Physical Plant team and has worn many hats over the years: carpenter, planner estimator, senior crew leader, supervisor for 20 years, locksmith for 39 years, draftsman, and he also did facilities inventory back when it was still manually sent in.
The Gantenbeins say they have really enjoyed watching the campus transform through the decades.
“It has been awesome to watch the University change and grow since we started. Seeing all the buildings we have acquired over the years, and all the people who have come and gone, whether they were faculty, staff or students, has been really incredible. When we started there were 12 buildings and now we have 60 buildings,” Terry and Richard said when reflecting on their decades of service to the University.
While celebrating Valentine’s Day, these two UTPB lovebirds are shared what makes a great relationship. After all, they’ve been married for 40 years, have three children, seven grandchildren, and six four-legged babies, so it’s safe to say they’ve got it figured out.
“Communicate—marriage is a mutual effort! Be their best friend. Don’t go for the night mad at each other, and find common interests.”
We are thankful for the Gantenbiens’ hard work and commitment over the last four decades. Thank you for all that you do. Wishing you many more years of happiness! #TimeToFly #UTPB50
