Most students around Eastern’s campus do not know that 20 years ago buildings such as Coleman Hall did not have street signs identifying them.

At that time, the university purchased equipment to make vinyl signs and Bruce Sanders, staff member at the Eastern Paint Shop and Sign Shop, was chosen to make the signs.

“I have been making signs for over 20 years and it is nice to know that as people drive down the street they see that all of the buildings are identified with names and addresses,” Sanders said.

After working at Eastern for 26 years, Sanders is retiring this week.

From 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, more than 50 people attended Sander’s retirement reception in Klehm Hall.

Sanders said he acquired a lot of friends throughout the years.

“I never dreamed there would be this many people here,” Sanders said. “I guess with my job I basically meet everybody on campus because when new people move in, I make them a nameplate that goes outside of their door.”

Alan Baharlou, the Emeritus department chairman of geology/geography who retired in 2005, said Sanders put a personal sign on his door that he will never forget.

“He knew that I was a geologist so he put ‘Dr. Rock’ on my name sign outside of my office and I got so many compliments because it was a tremendously thoughtful thing to do for a geologist,” Baharlou said.

Baharlou said Sanders embodies what “I am EIU” means.

“He is a person whose character and personality really voices the great human values Eastern is known for, which he taught by setting an example to everyone around him,” Baharlou said. “We do not have courses on compassion, tolerance, understanding, caring and friendship, but we teach these human values by setting an example through our relationships, so it is important to have people like Bruce.”

Mike South, foreman of the Paint Shop, said he has known Sanders since 1972 when they both worked for Gossard Painting Contactors Inc in Mattoon.

“I am a little ticked off because we were supposed to retire together and he beat me to it, but this way he gets to do what he enjoys,” South said. “He deserves retirement and time to enjoy life.”

South said Sanders handled all of the signage on campus including the Lantz Arena, the Martin Luther King Jr. University Union and the fire safety signs in all of the residence hall rooms.

“He is very easy-going, and he is a good craftsman,” South said. “After so many years, we really got to know each other and become good friends.”

South said he will miss having someone as experienced as Sanders in the Sign Shop and he expects it to be much quieter without him.

Blake Sanders, the son of Bruce Sanders and staff member at Peace Meals Senior Nutrition Program in Charleston, said Sanders was always quick to make a joke and lighten the mood.

“The large turnout definitely speaks toward his personality and how much people like him,” Blake said. “Retirement will be a great chance for him to do things he always wanted to do like hunting and fishing trips overseas, and I am happy for him to have that chance.”

Sanders said he would like to continue traveling farther than he has ever been.

“I have been to Antarctica a couple of times and I would like to go to Africa and Russia as well,” Sanders said.

He said he plans to enjoy his hobbies such as fishing, hunting, camping and hiking.

“Most of all I think I have enjoyed working with people here the most and I will definitely miss my friends here,” Sanders said.

Baharlou said his relationship with Sanders was always collegial and friendly.

“We are a university with precious individuals who will invent the future,” Baharlou said. “One of Bruce’s greatest qualities is that he is reflective and truly treats people how they would want to be treated.”

Rachel Rodgers can be reached at 581-2812 or rjrodgers@eiu.edu.