Retired Faculty & Staff

When most people approach their 70s, they dream of retirement, but not Nicolas Loyo-Rivera, fondly known as Mr. Nick. In 2007, after a lifetime of experiences including service in the army, farming in Puerto Rico, and working for the Baltimore Orioles, he started a new career at the age of 71 as a member of McDonogh’s Housekeeping staff. Today, 14 years later, we celebrate his retirement last summer at 85-years-young. 

When Mr. Nick applied for the position at McDonogh, he had to change the question on the job application which read, “Are you between the ages of 18 and 70?” to say “Are you between the ages of 18 and 71?” 

Mr. Nick’s supervisor says he was the oldest person she ever hired and she was so glad she did. She says he was a quick, detailed, kind, respectful, compassionate, and happy man. Always willing to help others, his work ethic was amazing. In fact, he could run circles around most people as he took care of the Burke Center, the Field House, Rollins Hall, and most recently the Fader Innovation Center.

Many of the younger people on the Housekeeping staff thought of him as a grandfather. And the family feeling was mutual. On more than one occasion, Mr. Nick said that the most important thing about coming to McDonogh was that he felt like he had gained another family. Since he stopped working, he has truly been missed for all that he brought to this community.

There are many quotes about retirement on the Internet, but one by the American author J.A. West seems most appropriate for this member of the McDonogh family. West said, “Don't act your age in retirement. Act like the inner young person you have always been." 

Mr. Nick, thank you for your dedicated service to McDonogh and for showing us that age is just a number.

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