Education
Updated

College community walks 2.5 miles in Hubbard's shoes

UNITY (May 8): It's often said that people would understand others better if they "walked a mile in their shoes."

Unity College Professor Sari Hou gives Jimmy Hubbard an orchid,

a kiss and a hug. (Photo by Tina Shute)

At 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 8, about 200 Unity College students, faculty and staff members did just that. They walked 2.5 miles in honor of retiring custodian Jimmy Hubbard. The college community congregated on Stagecoach Road, outside Hubbard's home, and walked with him to the college on Quaker Hill.

Jimmy Hubbard (Photo by Tina Shute)

Hubbard, who has worked for 25 years at the college, will be hanging up his mop after commencement May 12. During his tenure at Unity, rain or shine, blizzard or heat wave, Hubbard has always walked the 2.5 miles to and from his home to work.

Unity College President Mitchell Thomashow, center,

is among the 200 walkers. (Photo by Tina Shute)

Long before global warming became an international concern, Hubbard walked. He has never owned a car or held a driver’s license. It is estimated that Hubbard's treks to and from work amount to walking the Appalachian Trail some 16 times.

Jimmy Hubbard leads nearly 200 Unity College students and staff

on the 2.5-mile walk from his home to Unity College. (Photo by Tina Shute)

For many years, Hubbard has filled the offices of faculty and staff celebrating birthdays with balloons and gifts. His personal mantra is that people are what matter most in life.

Unity College alumna and cafe cashier Cheryl 'Momma' Montana

joins the walk to work. (Photo by Tina Shute)

Hubbard, an avid animal lover, keeps a small zoo at his home. He is deeply respected by students, who will again honor him at commencement this weekend.

The procession. (Photo by Tina Shute)