How will you spend your Thanksgiving break?
It's easy to see why some students considered NYU security guard Carl Daniels "the most popular guy on campus."
Armed with an unfailing and infectious smile of pearly white teeth, Daniels proudly served NYU for over 12 years, befriending faculty and students alike by always remaining cordial and affable. Daniels retired last Friday, in order to return to his native Trinidad.
Daniels started working at NYU in 1997, four years after immigrating to the U.S. He began at Broome Street residence hall and shuffled around to other dorms for some time. In 1999, Daniels transferred to the Kaufman Management Center, and in 2001 he settled at Stern's Tisch Hall.
"Honestly, seriously, I only have good memories of this place," Daniels said. "This is such a nice place, with so many nice people to meet, so many different people to learn from."
Last Wednesday marked Daniels' retirement party, held at Tisch Hall. As Daniels gave out handshakes and hugs, a large crowd of professors, administrators and students gathered to say goodbye and wish him well. Next to tables filled with cupcakes, cookies and candy stood two life-sized cutouts of a smiling Daniels; signs reading "We will miss you!" were posted throughout the lobby.
"He truly cares about us," said Lizzette Hernandez, executive director of New York initiatives at Stern. "He embodies the spirit of community at NYU and makes us feel welcome in a city where that is a really unique experience."
Susan Stehlik is a Stern clinical assistant professor of management communication.
"He was the first person to call me professor," Stehlik said. "I turned around [and] said, 'Are you talking to me?' "
Stehlik said Daniels, usually the last person she would see before leaving the building, would bid her good night every evening.
"I'm going to miss him a lot," she added.
Daniels also made a connection with many students. During the reception, several asked him for his e-mail address in order to keep in touch, while others reminisced and discussed future plans. One student asked to take a picture with Daniels.
Stern junior Rich Lipman said Daniels' trademark optimism always served as relief.
"During a bad day, he's a real pick-me-up," Lipman said. "Every time I see him, I know I'm going to get a big smile and a high-five."
Despite such praise, Daniels remains modest.
"Working here was a really humbling experience," he said. "I never realized I touched so many people by just doing my job."
After about an hour, the crowd slowly dispersed, and Daniels returned to his 3-to-11 shift for one of the last times. He would retire two days later. But, as he said:
"I will always have my heart close to NYU."
