After 18 years of cheerful service, Jaime Reatiraza is retiring from his position of security officer at the Bowdoin College Museum of Art.
To recognize his service, Museum Director Katy Kline is declaring Friday, March 28, Jaime Reatiraza Day at the Bowdoin College Museum of Art. As part of Jaime’s send off, a “Farewell Portrait of Jaime and Friends” will be taken at 1:00 p.m. on the museum steps with all who wish to participate. A reception and refreshments will follow in the Museum Entry Pavilion from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Guests can visit Jaime and the galleries that have been his home away from home for almost two decades and add their names to a farewell scrapbook.
Katy Kline encourages the campus and museum community to join her in bidding a fond farewell to a friend and the longest-serving member of her security staff.
Jaime Reatiraza has been working for Bowdoin College Campus Security for over 18 years; most of that time in the Museum of Art. In that time, Jaime has become the most recognizable face of the museum to visitors from both on and off campus. From Trustees to housekeeping staff; from faculty to facilities technicians; and from students to museum volunteers, Jaime welcomes many of the museum’s visitors by name. Jaime includes all in his circle of friends…including favorite artworks he has been watching over for so many years, such as “my good friend, General Waldo,” as he affectionately calls Feke’s portrait of the same.
Jaime is known for his good nature as well as for his loyalty and thoughtfulness. He has spent solitary nights at the museum when storms and power outages required special security measures. And, he has found his way to the hearts of his co-workers, through his willingness to help out, as well as through his culinary skills. His homemade soups and Asian delicacies are legend. One co-worker’s recent lament, “Where would any of us be without Jaime’s spicy soups and ‘hello my good ladies,’” may soon be echoed by others. Jaime will be retiring on March 28, 2008.
