Answering away the years

Wildcat File Photo Arizona Summer Wildcat Jennifer Etsitty/Arizona Summer Wildcat Information desk receptionist Pat Porfirio sits in front of her computer where a coworker has left a good-bye note for her. Porfirio retired last week after 13 years of employment at the UA.

The sparkle was still in longtime information desk receptionist Pat Porfirio's eyes Ð even as they filled with tears Friday.

Porfirio retired last week after seven years of answering questions at the Memorial Student Union information desk, where there was "never a dull moment," she said.

"I loved it at the desk. I always felt like I had the best job at the university," she said.

Porfirio worked at the University of Arizona for 13 years Ð first at the Union post office until it closed two years ago. The post office relocated, but Porfirio had since made her move to Student Union information guru.

"You didn't treat me like a number," read one thank-you note Porfirio received from a young man that she helped.

It was part of her job to be approachable, she said

"If I went somewhere and I didn't know what to do, I would want to be able to approach somebody people-friendly," Porfirio said. "That's why I'm here."

She said she was occasionally stumped by inquisitors though.

"I know more about the university than the average person," Porfirio said, adding because the UA is constantly in flux, she sometimes didn't have all the answers.

"If I didn't know something, I'd try to find out," she said. "Or I'd give the student several places where they could find out themselves."

Yet information was only the first step for Porfirio.

"When you're at the desk, you're seeing everything Ð funny things, sad things. There is a constant kaleidoscope of humanity," she said.

Although bathroom queries were frequent, clever students would joke with Porfirio by asking more difficult questions like, "Can you tell me the circumference of the earth?"

"It's kind of a joke they have with me, because they know darn well I can't," she said, adding she will miss dealing with the students, faculty and staff on a daily basis.

Those who know Porfirio said she would always smile and try her best to help everyone with their questions and problems.

"Her friendliness, concern, and organization were always appreciated and served as a model for all employees at the university," said James Uhrig, a library specialist.

With all the responsibilities and people to help, Porfirio had a lot to juggle.

"It could overwhelm you," she said, "but it never did."

With her retirement behind her, Porfirio said she plans to take a number of cruises with her husband and make a trip to Korea in 2000. The couple also owns a small sign painting business Ð which is good for a few days of work per week, she said.

The distribution of sick leave upon retirement has been an added bonus for many retirees, but Porfirio said she would have to stay an additional two years because she did not have enough hours of sick leave left to cash in.

All in all, though, Porfirio said she felt ready to leave the info desk.

"I believe there's a time for everything, and as much as I loved working there, retirement feels good," she said. "It feels right."