Happy 75th Birthday Rod Hurd

This edition of the blog is dedicated to wishing Rod Hurd a very happy 75th birthday

Canadian Universities Travel Services, Travel CUTS, TCUTS, or just plain CUTS would not have been what it was without him. Not only did he provide a fantastic place to work for hundreds (most probably thousands) over the years, he kept prices low and flexible for travelling students with creativity, connections and vision.

CWT (Canadian Wilderness Trips) which introduced countless people to canoeing in Algonquin Park and SWAP (Student Work Abroad Program) which helped Canadian students secure work visas and jobs in countries around the world.

What was truly remarkable about CUTS is the people. CUTS isn't anymore but the people still are. Many of us are in regular contact and even if we're not, we are comfortable enough to pick off where we left off, no matter how many years it's been. We are spread across Canada and the world. It's like having extended family everywhere, some closer than others, but family all the same.

A lot of this had to do with meetings which brought us together often and even events including our families.

Personally, I was hired in 1981. It was a crazy, vibrant, exciting, busy and smoke filled place to work. Students lined up, often for hours, to book their flights, usually to Europe. There were no computers, no credit cards, we knew all the airline phone numbers by heart, dialed them, booked with a live person, attached the customers cash and booking form together and threw it into boxes under the counter. Already, there were people working there who would stay throughout their careers, including Rod at the helm. All the students travelling inspired me to hit the road and I left, 6 months in, after the summer rush. When I returned to Canada 6 years later, I dropped in to see Rod after the interview at GOWAY. He ended up hiring me to work in the office on the spot and although I got an offer from GOWAY I had to say no. I was thrilled that CUTS would want me back. I loved all the opportunities to grow and was lucky enough to stay from 1988 until a downsize in 2007.

There are many people are missing from the pictures (for the life of me I can't find one I had of Simon dancing, I've definitely lost photos during all the moves), the quality of some are questionable and there are a so many more people you know from your own experiences, but they are not forgotten.

Rod, my hope is simply for you to enjoy memory lane.. bring a smile to your face as you see the smiles on so many faces. Wishing you a wonderful birthday.

Once again, Happy Birthday and I hope you enjoy a wonderful summer.