Since 2011, James Putnam, better known as James the bus driver, has offered a welcoming wave to all of the USI community. Now, a new change is on the horizon for the friendly bus driver.

Putnam has watched the university change in front of his eyes. New buildings have risen, paths have changed and generations of students have come and gone. Yet through it all, one thing has remained the same: his humble role in making the USI campus feel a little more like home.

Although he has spent 29 years with the City of Evansville, driving city routes, Putnam has had the same route on campus since 2011—and he says it is one of the best decisions he has ever made.

“You guys are the best part of my job,” said Putnam, referring to the students.

Putnam said that one of his favorite moments from driving the campus route was when he was able to arrange a special trip around campus for the children attending the campus daycare.

“I miss when they had the old daycare. The kids would sit outside, wait for my bus and wave to me multiple times a day,” Putnam said.

The gesture of a wave might seem small, but for much of the USI community, it has made a lasting impression. 

When one student found out that James’ route was switching, she was “outraged.”

“James has created a welcoming community on campus and I look forward to his wave every morning,” Maddy Anderson, sophomore art design major said. “When I found out that he was switching routes, I was saddened. He is the friendliest person I have ever met and I think it is unfair to him to switch a route that he has been on for 14 years. Sometimes, a smile and wave is all you need to brighten your day.”

Monday will be Putnam’s last day on his route, but you might still see him on campus from time to time. Though his time on campus will be less, James will make the most of driving the West Connection bus starting in September.

If you see him, make sure you wave back–and if you catch him before Monday, wish him a happy birthday.