KBS celebrates Stu Bassett and his four decades of service

Head shot portrait of Stu Bassett. — Stu Bassett at a KBS volunteer event

When Stu Bassett began working at KBS, President Jimmy Carter was entering the final months of his term, Mount St. Helens had recently erupted, and The Shining and The Empire Strikes Back were newly released films.

On Jan. 25, W.K. Kellogg Biological Station staff, faculty, students, retirees, and other family and friends of Stu gathered in McCrary Hall to celebrate a career that leaves an enduring impression.

Stu Bassett

Stu graduated from Michigan State University through the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources’ landscape and nursery management program. He was hired at KBS in October 1980, at 22 years old. Since then, he’s been involved in countless projects, large and small, many of which are immediately recognizable to visitors to the Kellogg Manor House, Bird Sanctuary and around the Station’s academic campus.

“I always liked to call Stu ‘the Hustler’ because he’s always trying to find ways to get funding from different areas to pay for projects,” said Andy Widner, KBS assistant director for finance and operations. “To his credit, he’s been successful many times and as a result completed a lot of large projects by being entrepreneurial and forming good partnerships. He’s been a great partner over the years!”

If you’ve ever searched for frogs in the Light Memorial Water Garden or peered over Wintergreen Lake through the telescope on the deck of the Overlook Building at the Bird Sanctuary; or, if you’ve ever spent a quiet moment in the Pergola Garden—at the base of the steps leading up to the Manor House—or attended a wedding there, you have appreciated Stu’s work (along with the work of of many, many hardworking temporary and full-time grounds staff throughout those years).

Stu Bassett poses with a shovel in hand after digging what would become the Light Memorial Water Garden at the Bird Sanctuary.

Whether it’s been mentoring and working alongside volunteers, fixing broken equipment, conducting prescribed burns, catching fish, paving pathways, burning brush, planting countless trees and shrubs, or any one of the many other things he’s done — Stu’s stewardship of KBS will long be seen, felt, and appreciated.

“Stu’s smile and happy nature has always brought me joy,” said Nicole Kokx, KBS conference center manager. “Thanks to Stu for making our workplace a beautiful place for us all to enjoy!”

Join us in congratulating Stu on his retirement.