Thirty-one years and four months is a long time for anything.

For Estell Branham, Residence Life materials and supply controller, it was the end to a life-long career.

A reception for Branham's retirement was held at Kaibab-Huachuca Residence Hall Friday, and more than 50 co-workers and friends attended.

Featured speakers at the reception included Ray Corral, associate director of Residence Life, and Jesse Hargrove, assistant dean for African American Student Affairs.

Corral called Branham a "fine, outstanding employee."

Hargrove presented Branham a certificate of recognition and a traditional cloth of honor on behalf of the Office of African American Affairs.

Branham, who has spent half his life working at the University of Arizona, began work for the university in 1965 as part of the custodial staff at Pinal Residence Hall. For the last 20 years, he has been delivering materials from storage to staff all over campus.

Angelina Alvarez, a co-worker, said Branham was her guardian angel.

"I could always depend on him when I was in a bind," she said.

Branham said the highlight of his 31 years at the university was the chance to put both of his daughters through college.

He said he plans on spending his next 31 years fishing at Silverbell Lake.

Patricia Gastelum, another co-worker, said she would miss Branham's sense of humor.

"He makes work fun," she said, "and we are all going to miss him. He was always there with his sense of humor to liven things up and brighten your day."

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