Senior Technical Officer John Pearson, from the Faculty of Science and Information Technology, will retire this week after working at the University of Newcastle for more than 37 years.

Mr Pearson's University career began on 29 March 1973, when he accepted a lab assistant position in the Physics department.

"I would often help the academics prepare for lectures but in those days there were no computers, photocopiers or printers. I had to print the notes for lecture handouts and take photos of diagrams with a camera," he said.

In his role as a senior technical officer, Mr Pearson has been responsible for ordering and distributing equipment and handling accounts for the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences.

"Technical staff are here to help people - from students and staff right through to researchers and academics. Although we don't get a lot of recognition, we play a large part in the day-to-day operations of the University," he said.

"It has been an absolute pleasure working at the University of Newcastle for almost four decades and I will really miss the wonderful people who work and study at this facility."

Professor John O'Connor, Head of the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, said Mr Pearson was a valued member of staff who had made many contributions to the School.

"John has earned the respect of his colleagues and the admiration of the many people he has helped during his time here. I feel fortunate to have worked with John over the years and we wish him well with his retirement," Professor O'Connor said.