Add this to the list of jobs that no longer exist: addressographer. In the 1970s, an addressographer would operate a machine to prepare address plates, which involved feeding a mail piece into a machine and using a foot pedal to stamp the address. In 1973, Gwen Griffin applied for this job in the Admissions Department at the former St. Paul University Hospital, having just given birth to a son two months prior at Parkland Memorial Hospital. She did not get the job; the position had been filled.

But I needed a job, so I became a housekeeper, Ms. Griffin says. She grew up in Arlington Park, a small community behind St. Paul, so she intended to work at the nearby hospital after having her son, Christopher. She stayed in housekeeping for about six months, then went on to become a unit secretary there.

Gwen Griffin

Today, she is a Surgery Scheduler at William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital, which replaced the later UT Southwestern-owned and shuttered St. Paul facility. She conducts her daily work largely over the phone.

I like interacting with people, even on the telephone, says Ms. Griffin, who now has two grandsons, Christopher Jr. and Maximus. You learn to ‘meet’ people over the phone, and still have a nice conversation even though you never actually see them in person. Now – when I get home, I don’t want to see the phone.

She keeps working at UT Southwestern for the challenges and the movement it provides: “I like to interact with people and be out and about. It’s great to meet new people, work through problems, and learn new things. I’ve gone to different departments and worked in different buildings, so things stay interesting.”

Ms. Griffin goes by many names among her co-workers, one being Mama Gwen, “since I’m the oldest in the group.” Another: “Ms. Stylish,” as she points to the flower in her hair. “I love pins, and I enjoy dressing up.”

She credits UT Southwestern’s excellence to its people. Despite the institution’s changes and accelerated growth, she believes the bonds she has made with the people at work have never changed.

Colleagues and co-workers come and go, but things that remain the same are the bonds of friendship and family, she says. Whether we speak of St. Paul or UT Southwestern, strong relationships and leadership have been at the core of what makes this place special to me. It has fueled 45 challenging but wonderful years.

What has enabled me to continue for 45 years has been the grace of God for good health, an open mind to learn, and understanding change,” she adds. “We’re expanding all the time. When I grew up here, St. Paul was the only building on the hill. Now, you come down Harry Hines Boulevard and it’s an entire Medical District. It is just booming – so everything looks great for the future of UT Southwestern.