The halls of South City Campus will be a little emptier and a little quieter now without the infectious laughter of Sheri Scott, who retired Friday, Sept. 27.
The well-loved porter had started her janitorial career with Salt Lake Community College over six years ago, making quite an impact on students and staff during her tenure. While she enjoyed her time at the college, Scott says she is excited to now enjoy her retirement.
“I’ve got a lot of books I need to get caught up on,” says Scott. “And I’m going to go work out with the seniors at the Silver Sneakers locations. I need to tighten things up [laughs].”
Because of her evening shift, Scott says she’s missed out on a lot of events and activities with neighbors hosted by her apartment complex.
“While I’m here [at South City] they’re off playing volleyball, or having a cookout or something, so I didn’t get to be involved in any of those things,” says Scott.
While originally from Philadelphia, Scott moved here, in part, to care for her ailing sister, who passed away four years ago.
“I like it here. I don’t think I’ll move again,” says Scott.
While reminiscing over her time at SLCC, she recalls some of her most memorable moments being the student events that brought free food — and the time she got to see a cadaver while at Jordan Campus.
“Those nursing ladies would always feed me,” Scott says. “And then they brought a cadaver in one day, and I stayed way in the back!”
Scott left an impression on several students and faculty.
“That’s a hard-working woman right there. You can always count on a smile,” says Matt Merkel, assistant professor of journalism and digital media.
Merkel says he knew Scott for about five years and that she’ll be missed.
“We used to count the days to the weekend,” adds Merkel. “As long as she’s retiring, she’s earned it.”
With her signature laugh, Scott concludes with a final word for students and staff.
“Congrats to the students who are going to be graduating this year. And to the high schoolers, keep up the good work, you’re getting a lot cleaner than you used to be; I used to go in there, see food all over, and wonder: how do people miss their mouth that much?”
