UCSD held its 34th annual Service Award Ceremony in the Price Center Ballroom on Tuesday. The ceremony honored university staff who have worked at UCSD from 10 years to 35 years. Friends and family of those honored gathered to recognize the work of longtime UCSD staff.

Assistant Vice Chancellor of Human Resources Rogers Davis opened the ceremony with welcoming remarks.

Davis asked for applause to recognize UCSD’s committment to honoring their staff for the past 34 years.

“”The university deems you important,”” Davis said to the guests.

Chancellor Robert C. Dynes also gave greetings and opening remarks. Dynes said he was elated by the large number of honored staff at the ceremony.

“”This year’s ceremony is special for a couple of reasons,”” Dynes said. “”First, we have a record number of honorees this year. There are eight staff members who have served 35 years. You’ve built this place.””

The crowd greeted his remarks with applause. Dynes then mentioned his personal connection to the event. Dynes also received an award for 10 years of service to UCSD. He joked about his love of San Diego.

“”I moved here from New Jersey to become a professor of physics,”” Dynes said. “”What a change.””

Davis then surprised Dynes with a special 10-year award signed by UC President Richard C. Atkinson.

Dynes, who normally shakes the hands of honorees, joked, “”I guess this means I get to shake my own hand.””

Joan Turner, from the Division of Biology, was honored for her 35 years of service. Turner expressed her feelings about working at the university for the past four decades.

“”Most of my career has been in biology,”” Turner said. “”It really has been a truly awesome experience, not only at the university but in biology. It’s an honor to be a staff member here.””

Lucinda Rubio-Barrick, from the literature department, was recognized for 30 years of service but was unable to attend. Barrick was appreciative of the university’s acknowledgment.

“”It’s nice that the university recognizes landmarks,”” Barrick said later.

Those serving 25, 30 or 35 years received a special paperweight, a framed certificate and a picture with the chancellor. All other honorees received a certificate of appreciation.

There were 567 honorees serving 10 years. That number is 139 more than last year.