Profile

NAME: Bill Lowe
OCCUPATION: Material Handler, Campus Mail

Through treacherous weather, illegible addresses and rush hour traffic, Bill Lowe has been delivering MSU's mail accurately and on time for 14 years.

Lowe, who marked his 25th service anniversary at MSU this year, has become a familiar face to the people along his route.

"I try to get to know people on my route and develop a relationship with them," he says. "It makes any questions or problems they have simpler to deal with because they are comfortable asking me for help."

Some of the biggest challenges are incorrect addresses or misspelled names, says Lowe, noting that his office does everything possible to make deliveries.

Lowe says he also tries to educate MSU units about the rates for sending mail via different postal classes. Earlier this month, he says, his advice saved a department $500 in mailing costs.

"People appreciate the little things you do to make their lives easier," Lowe says.

"Our bosses have given us the leeway to make minor decisions on our own that save time and money for our customers."

Away from work, Lowe is a record-holding state champion in weightlifting for his weight and age class and has competed in powerlifting meets since 1975. He has also taught weightlifting classes for community education in Williamston, Holt and Lansing for 17 years.

Lowe and his wife, Carol, have three children, including one who will be attending MSU in the fall. His family attends University Christian Church, where Lowe is an elder.

-- By Joel Haist, Student Intern