After 35 years of working in the Division of Administration - Physical Plant, Kevin Fogarty realized he got to take advantage of many of the benefits available to employees. He used the tuition reimbursement program to take classes in construction technology at Hudson Valley Community College and to aid two of his three daughters as they pursued their college degrees. He also was able to provide coverage for his family through the institute’s health insurance program. However, one benefit that Kevin took advantage of in 2007 literally may have saved his life.

Kevin participated in a routine cancer screening event on campus and during that screening prostate cancer was detected. As is often the case, that early detection led to a very successful outcome for Kevin. He received treatment and has since done very well. He credits that free screening and the resulting treatment with giving him the ability to continue leading a healthy life, one that allows him to enjoy spending time with his grandchildren.

Kevin considers himself fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with Rensselaer employees from departments all over the campus. One of the most enjoyable parts of his work was his participation in preparing for special events such as Commencement. One Commencement in particular stood out as a highlight for Kevin. In 2003, he was there to watch his older daughter, an RPI biomedical engineer, walk across the stage, a memory he shares with great pride.

Through his 35 years of service at Rensselaer, Kevin made lifelong friends. “I like the people I worked with; some have become good friends,” Kevin says. He also says he enjoyed advising his younger colleagues in the Project Construction and Maintenance Shop, who looked to him for advice. How fortunate they were to have a longtime colleague like Kevin to learn from.