RELEASE: CONTACT:

IMMEDIATE Jeff Caldwell 804-524-6179 richmondinfo@VirginiaDOT.org Sara Cross 804-524-6387

RICH-55c July 23, 2004

VDOT Toll Collector Turns 80

RICHMOND—The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) celebrates the 80th year of the “nutty professor”—no not Eddie Murphy’s nutty professor—Bill Armstrong a VDOT toll collector. Bill Armstrong turned 80 in June and has worked at VDOT for 32 years.

Armstrong has earned the nickname “the professor” both by education and disposition. He brings a quiet professionalism to the department and says he owes the organization his very best. He also was a scientist, minister and teacher at different times in his life and has a degree in Chemical Engineering. Armstrong encourages younger people to pursue their education, much like he has.

“Eighty feels just like 20, with a few more aches and pains,” said Armstrong. He attributes feeling young to the two-mile walks he takes every day, rain or shine, during his work breaks.

When asked if he plans to retire anytime soon, his response is always in one word “NO!”

“I take each day, one day at a time, without any big plans for change,” said Armstrong.

Armstrong says not much has changed at his job since he began his tenure at VDOT, except for improvements due to Smart Tag and better equipment. He does feel however his years of experience earn him the right to offer some advice.

“When I come to work and accomplish my tasks to the best of my ability, I have done my job,” said Armstrong. “No matter where you work, so many people believe they are owed something extra, just for doing their job. When a supervisor tells you to do something you should just do it and not fuss and complain.”

He has survived his wife and son, also a VDOT toll collector. He has helped raise his granddaughter and great granddaughter.