Things at Sacramento State sure looked different when Richard Englefield just came to campus.

A lot can change in nearly 40 years.

After a successful career at Sacramento State, Richard Englefield, facilities manager of university computing and communication services will retire in December 2002.

He began his career at the university in spring 1965, after graduating from a local community college with a degree in environmental studies.

“I was part of the first graduating class of Sierra College. My first semester here I was a photographer for The State Hornet as part of a class I was taking. I had taken two photography classes at Sierra and I really enjoyed them, so I worked on the paper to keep doing that,” Englefield said.

Englefield also helped start Delta Chi Fraternity that is still a major part of campus life, before signing up for a volunteer program that got him a job as a smoke jumper.

“I had a lot of fun doing that kind of work. I began to work with the forest service in Nevada City, which led me to get a job as a smoke jumper in Idaho. It was here where I received the letter that said, ? Greetings, you?ve been drafted.? That was in 1966 and then I was sent to Vietnam for combat,” he said.

After returning from Vietnam, Englefield was stationed in the Presidio in San Francisco where he took an aptitude test, and uncovered his hidden career interest.

“This test said I would really do well if I worked in computers. So I took an evening intro to computer science course through the extension of San Francisco State and I really liked it. Well, the Army wanted me to stay with them to train in computers but I didn?t want to, so in August 1968 when I was discharged.”

Instead, Englefield tried to return to Sac State, but because the school quotas were filled on this campus, he couldn?t enroll until spring 1969.

“I went back to Sierra to take a data processing class and then I returned to Sac State. I was still majoring in Environmental Resources with a Business minor. For that minor I was required to take more computer classes and I really enjoyed them,” Englefield said.

Upon return to Sac State, Englefield was offered a place to stay in the Delta Chi house.

“It was so nice that they let me stay at the house because I didn?t have anything or any place to stay so I really appreciated this,” he said.

Then a position for a student assistant opened in the computer center in Sequoia Hall and Englefield got the job setting the ball in motion for a lifelong computing career.

“I got a permanent position as a computer operator in September 1970 and since then I?ve moved up the promotional ladder. I?ve been here since my beginning in1965 and after I graduated in 1972. This campus has been extended three-fold and is now a pleasure to walk around,” he said.

Gary Dunham, manager of systems, network and operations, has known and worked with Englefield for 25 years and has always enjoyed his easygoing manner.

“Rich is just one of those people whose goal is to try and make people laugh and feel at home. I know that he made me feel comfortable when he was training me and while we were working together. We?ve became friends outside of the work place and have been friends for over 20 years,” Dunham said.

Larry Glasmire, director of special programs appreciates Englefield?s helpfulness and commitment to his work.

“I?ve known him for 26 years and he?s always been extremely helpful. He?s always committed to having everything in order and in tiptop shape, which is always helpful when working with him. He?s a great person,” Glasmire said.

Even with all this encouragement and friendship, Englefield is ready to retire and end his career at Sacramento State, but that doesn?t mean he?s just going to kick back and relax.

” I?m 59 1/2 years old and ready to retire in December. I might go back to work at the Forest Service or something. I will definitely do something outside. Basically, I can do anything I want to do,” Englefield said.

Englefield has two children. His son, Ashley, is graduating from Sac State with a degree in management information services and plans to go into law enforcement. His daughter, Amy, is graduating from UC Davis with a degree in Anthropology.

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