In his 55-year career, James Van Etten, William Allington Distinguished Professor of plant pathology, has been part of many major research initiatives at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, including the Nebraska Center for Virology.

As he explained to Nebraska Today, research wasn’t as much of a priority for the university 50 years ago, but it’s grown exponentially since then, and he’s helped nurture it. Van Etten is one of 977 employees being recognized at the Celebration of Service Nov. 18.

This year’s Celebration of Service is a hybrid event and will include an open house with a lunch for all employees from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Coliseum. Honored employees can pick up their service awards, and an all-star photography booth will be available. Access to the Coliseum will be through doors on the south side of the building, and parking for campus permit holders will be available in the 14th and Avery garage. Additionally, the videos honoring award winners, along with the program, “Milestones and Memories” by Rick Alloway, is available for viewing online.