Focus on the Academic Health Center Campus With Dick Beuke

Three things you can count on: death, taxes and the UC shuttle service. Dick Beuke drives the Main Street/Eden Avenue route, which puts him in front of Eden Garage several times an hour five days a week, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Passengers are treated to a few minutes of Beuke’s favorite Big Band selections on the radio and some pleasant conversation if they’re in the mood, plus a cheery, "Have a nice day, folks!” at the end of the ride. Earlier this week, Beuke turned down the radio and answered a few of our questions.

How long have you been driving at UC?
Seven years, all on the same route. Before that, I drove at the airport.

What do you like about your route?
The people. I was a little skeptical coming over here—I didn’t know if I could deal with the kids or not. But once I got over here, it’s been great. The students treat me very well, and they’re very polite and nice. With this route, you get all phases—you have office people, you have the professors and naturally the students, but they have all treated me well … I’ve loved every minute of it.

Do you have any hobbies?
I’m a train buff, so I have a lot of electric trains that I quote-unquote "play with.” I also enjoy yard work.

What radio stations are you listening to?
I change back and forth depending on the time of day between 89.3 FM (WMKV) and 88.7 FM (WOBO), both public stations. Those are the two that I listen to all the time, and many of the students actually enjoy it.

And the others?
I tell them, "If you ride an old man’s bus, you gotta listen to an old man’s music.”