“”Everyone Has a Story”” is a weekly segment in the Arizona Daily Wildcat that aims to tell the story of an interesting person on the UA campus. This week, the Daily Wildcat interviewed John Marchello, an animal sciences professor who was awarded Wednesday at the Annual Service Awards Luncheon for 45 years of serice at the UA.

Marchello tells his students that life begins at 40.

“”I’m not talking about humans, I’m talking about bacteria,”” said Marchello, also a food safety specialist. “”If we keep a perishable food item under 40 degrees, that eliminates a lot of foodborne illnesses.””

Marchello’s second food safety slogan is, “”When in doubt, throw it out.””

Because of allergic reactions that many people have to certain foods, Marchello advises, “”Take a minute to see what’s in it.””

Marchello earned an Annual Service Award for 45 years of service to the UA, the most of anyone currently working.

“”It was very exciting to be awarded,”” Marchello said. “”I was the only one who got an award for being on campus for 45 years.””

Marchello received a mirror with a picture of Old Main on it.

In 45 years, Marchello has seen significant changes on the UA campus.

“”The construction here has been truly amazing, but traffic is a real pain,”” Marchello said. “”That’s why I’m glad I work in the meat laboratory.””

Marchello has worked under six university presidents during his time on campus.

“”Unfortunately, the student work ethic is not as studious as it was in the past,”” Marchello said. “”One thing that really bothers me is lack of attendance in class.””

Marchello has also been coaching the Rodeo Club since 1967.

“”We have the distinction of having the oldest collegiate Rodeo association here,”” Marchello said. “”A lot of young ladies want to come and race. The ones coming back to this club are usually daughters and sons of former collegiate competitors.””

Marchello got into his field of study at a young age.

Having been raised in the small town of Bearcreek, Mo., Marchello’s father owned a butcher shop, so they fed and harvested their own cattle and learned how to process animals and fabricate carcasses.

“”Bearcreek, which probably had about 500 people living there, was a mining community,”” Marchello said. “”We raised a lot of cattle, and I had the fortunate opportunity to go into the Future Farmers of America program while I was in high school and that enhanced my interest with regards to production and livestock.””

Marchello went to Montana State University for his undergraduate studies and master’s degree before going on to Colorado State University, where he ran the meat laboratory, for his Ph.D. He came to the UA in 1965.

The College of Agriculture built a new meat science laboratory off campus in 1988, where Marchello presently works.