Bowling is what first brought John Garetson into the Kansas State Student Union more than four decades ago. Years later, it is still what keeps him there.

“If it wasn’t for bowling, I don’t think I would have ever graduated from college,” Garetson said.

Garetson attended K-State from 1978 to 1982 and was a member of the K-State men’s bowling team. What started as a sport he enjoyed growing up quickly became a major part of his college experience. Through bowling, he found community on campus and even met his wife.

After graduating, Garetson began working at the K-State Student Union in November 1982 as an assistant manager. Part of his role included supervising the Union’s engraving services while also managing the bowling center.

Over the years, Garetson took on many roles at the Union. In addition to overseeing engraving services, he coached the K-State men’s and women’s intercollegiate bowling teams and served as an advisor for the K-State Bowling Club. Today, he works with the Union’s Engraving Services department within the Marketing Office and serves as the instructor of record for the Beginning Bowling classes offered at K-State.

Even after retiring in 2016 following nearly 35 years working in the Student Union, Garetson’s connection to campus did not end. When the Union needed help restarting engraving services after disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, he returned in 2021 to work part-time.

Part of what keeps the work interesting, he said, is that there is always something new to learn.

“And for somebody my age, that’s kind of exciting.”

Today, Garetson spends part of his time engraving plaques, desk stands and name badges for departments and organizations across campus. The engraving service is open not only to the K-State community but also to the public.

However, teaching students on the lanes is what he said he enjoys most.

“The kids is what makes it fun,” Garetson said.

For Garetson, the most rewarding part of teaching comes when students begin to understand the small adjustments that help them improve their game.

“I really like it when somebody goes, ‘Oh, I never thought of it that way,’” he said.

After decades spent in the Union as a student, full-time employee and now part-time employee after retirement, Garetson has seen generations of students pass through the bowling center.

Through it all, bowling has remained a constant in his life and a way to connect with students. Helping students learn something new is what continues to make coming back worthwhile.