Jerry Sewell, a shop administrator in the University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Physics, is celebrating 59 years at UAB and 85 years of life.

Sewell was born on Feb. 15, 1938, in Gadsden. For nearly 60 years, he has been a devoted member of the UAB family.

“I’ve been here since some of the people the current buildings are named after were here,” Sewell said.

Before his time with the UAB College of Arts and Sciences, Sewell was immersed in construction at an early age. Beginning formally with an apprenticeship in carpentry, Sewell later attended a trade school in Gadsden where he learned metalworking.

UAB is helping Jerry Sewell celebrate his long and storied career. (UAB / Leah Clayton)

“I’ve always worked with my hands. At 12 years old, I was driving nails into houses with my daddy and uncle,” Sewell said.

Sewell started with UAB in July 1964. He was hired as a machinist working in the Lyons-Harrison building, which was a research machine shop at the time.

Sewell acknowledges the vast scope of his time with UAB working with machinery, noting the difference in each of the areas of research and departments he has worked for.

“I’ve seen it all, and I’ve worked with a lot,” Sewell said. “I’ve gotten to work on oxygenators and heart blood pumps to help develop the open-heart surgery research. I’ve dealt with machinery for laser research, X-ray and radiology technology, and fiber optics. I’ve touched medical, dental, biology, urology and many more departments.”

UAB recently recognized Sewell for his many years of employment and his unwavering dedication to the university during halftime of a men’s basketball game, presenting him with a plaque that commemorates his near six decades of service.

“I was caught off guard,” Sewell said. “My daughter, Kelly, told me to follow her to get popcorn and a hot dog from the concession stand. Next thing I know, she’s walking me onto the gym floor, and I had no idea what was going on.”

Sewell was presented with the award by Ilias Perakis, chair of the Department of Physics, and Mark Case, financial assistant in the Department of Physics. Sewell’s wife, Patricia, and family were in attendance.

“Jerry has been supporting the Department of Physics efforts to become famous for research and student training on Advanced Materials Under Extreme and Non-equilibrium Environments,” Perakis said. “Our faculty and staff are grateful for his service and expertise.”

In addition, Sewell recalled being named Employee of the Month more than 20 years ago and expressed his gratitude with being honored then and now.

“All I can say is I’m blessed and grateful,” Sewell said. “I’ve gotten to live my whole life doing what I love, every day, where I love. That’s a life not many people get to live.”

While Sewell’s position prepares to be transitioned out, Sewell affirmed he is not leaving immediately.

“I haven’t gotten to an actual date just yet,” Sewell said. “I’m part time now, but I still enjoy coming in here and working, so I’m going to enjoy it as long as it lasts.”

This story originally appeared on the UAB News website.