Guy Jeudy retires after 40 years of service at Yale

Nearly 50 Yale Facilities staff members retired in December 2021, including Guy Jeudy, who worked at Yale for 40 years. We caught up with him via Zoom as he reminisced about his time at Yale and how he looked forward to many years of active retirement.

Guy spent most of his career at the Yale School of Medicine’s campus as a plumber. He worked on broken or leaky pipes, clogged drains, ceiling or steam leaks, and more. He also maintained heating, cooling, and chilled water systems in these buildings. Guy grew up in Haiti and after graduating from high school, moved to Florida to live with his brother. On the advice of a friend, he moved to Connecticut in 1981 and soon after got a part-time job at Yale.

What was your first job at Yale?

I worked part-time as a custodian at the Yale School of Medicine. Two years later, I transferred to Pierson College as a full-time custodian. I loved it there; the students were great. In 1987, Yale started a new program for employees interested in learning one of the trades. I applied to the program, and for the next two years, I rotated every three months, getting experience in a different trade—plumbing, electrical, masonry, and carpentry. I chose to continue in the plumbing program. For the next four years, I was a plumbing apprentice at Yale during the day and attended Eli Whitney Technical School in Hamden in the evenings. I then took and passed the state examine to become a licensed plumber.

What is your best memory?

Probably my best memory is when I was able to take a class two nights a week to improve my English. This was through a program Yale offered. My native language is French, and I also speak fluent Spanish. When I first came here, it was difficult as I did not know the language. This program was a great help to me, and because of it, I was able to have a lifelong, successful career here at Yale.

What will you miss most?

I’ve met many good people over the years—coworkers, people from the departments I serviced, students, and managers. I will miss working with them and seeing them regularly. When I first started here, I met someone who became a lifelong friend and my son’s godfather. Yale is a great place. I tell anyone willing to listen if you have a chance to work there, do it.

What are you planning to do during retirement?

It’s an adjustment. But I love to travel, and I’ve always dreamed of seeing all 50 states. I’ve been to 10 states so far, and the plan is to visit the rest!

Any parting words?

I’d like to personally thank everyone I’ve met over the years during my career. Yale gave me an excellent opportunity to work and learn a trade. I raised my kids gave them a happy life and education because I had a good job. For that, I’m very grateful.