Photo by Christina VanHorn,
UNH Human Resources

Fredric Henry Taylor doesn't take much for granted. Growing up in Jersey City, New Jersey (called Chill Town by many), he saw many close friends and relatives pass before their times, taken by the tragedies of disease, drug overdoses, and violence. "Everyday, I realize life is a gift," Fred said. "And I realize how fortunate I am now more than ever. After losing so many friends, and to see it up close, it really makes you take pause."

Fred first came to the Seacoast in 1981 as a Sergeant in the Air Force, taking residence at Pease Air Force Base before marrying his partner of ten years, Karen. The couple then moved to Dover, and while she took a job at the Shipyard as an Industrial Engineer, he returned to UNH to finish his degree.

While taking classes, Fred took a job as a copy operator for Printing and Mail services, and eventually moved into the Offset Printing operation. Around the same time he received his BA in psychology, he was offered the position of Copy Center Supervisor, a title he has held since 1991. According to Fred, the ever-changing landscape of printing keeps his job interesting. "Technology keeps it fresh," he said. "We always have new things coming along; we have to change with the times." New services at the Copy Center include large format copy and document-scanning, which allows departments to store and organize large files. We will refill a variety of ink cartridges and have them available next day. We have updated our course packet copyright clearance service and you can purchase computer storage media, blue books and more. Visit www.printing.unh.edu to place online orders.

Fred currently oversees six full-time employees, as well as work-study students, who vary in numbers from 2 to 5 a semester. "The work study students are here for an education, but they're also here to get some life skills," he said. "I help teach them those skills, and I treat them with respect, as young adults."

Fred lists his mother, sister, wife and mother in-law as key life influences. "They made me sensitive to others and opened me up," he said. "My father died when I was fourteen. He taught me that man is not measured by his fists, but by his humanity. That's what pops taught me. My father and father in-law also taught me that a role model is someone who takes care of their family. That family can be primary or extended. All of that was reinforced by the women in my life."

He names Paul Roberts from Printing Service as a major career influence. "Paul helped me navigate and learn the business, and gave me ideas on how to deal with staff members."

Fred's outside interests take on a musical shape. He plays trumpet and drums, and has a deep passion for jazz and funk music. "I love Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie. They did things with instruments that most people can't even think of or create." While growing up, Fred witnessed many shows in New York City. "One of the benefits to living in Jersey City is that you've got the world right across the river," he said.

Moving from Jersey City to New Hampshire was a major adjustment for Fred. He had this to say about his experiences: "My friends would say, 'how can you move from one of the blackest areas in the country to New Hampshire?' I haven't really seen it as an obstacle. A lot of people are interested in the environment here on campus, as far as trying to fit in from a racial standpoint. People say things have changed, but I don't necessarily agree. There's more acknowledgement about the differences, but people still have prejudices built on fear and ignorance. There are lots of little slights that I believe are mostly unconscious. It's not anything necessarily intentional, but they're still there. Much of the majority population feeds into a lot of attitudes that some people attribute to blacks. The fact that some feel there is a "black attitude" helps to make my point. There is no handbook on blackness. We are not a monolithic people. Many say, ' why are you so uptight?' It's tough for people who see themselves as individuals to understand how group identity takes over, because they don't experience the flash of fear or uneasiness when they walk in a room. Although, I think a lot of younger white kids, because of their Hip-Hop style dress, are starting to get a very small taste of culture clash. But you know, they can take off the hip-hop clothes, and they're right back in there, invisible. I could be dressed in a three-piece suit, with manicured nails, and I'd still get the same response as if I was wearing the b-boys clothes with an attitude. How can you change that? How do you make people feel more secure? Personally, my mother raised me from day one to believe that people are people, and that everyone is created equal. I respect people even if I disagree with where they're coming from. All I ask is that you come to me...and be who you are."

Fredric currently lives with his wife Karen in Rollinsford, where they have resided for eighteen years the couple is now in their twenty-fourth year of marriage. When asked where he feels most at home, he replied, "with my girl. And that is basically wherever we are."