Campus Ride drivers share community with students
Patricia Ellis, Photo by Taylor Baker.
From Bowdle O’ Bannon to the Communication Arts Building, Lee’s Campus Ride drivers shuttle students and faculty to each corner of campus.
With commutes beginning at 7 a.m., Patricia Ellis is the first driver many students see at the beginning of their busy day. Ellis, who has lived in Cleveland all her life, began driving for Campus Ride about a year and a half ago due to her love of driving.
“When we go anywhere on a trip or anything, I always drive,” Ellis said. “I just like driving.”
Beyond driving, Ellis spends her time traveling via bus with women from her church. She has taken bus rides to Texas, New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island and even Canada.
Charles Higgins, Photo by Taylor Baker.
In the afternoon, Charles Higgins handles the route. Higgins began driving for Campus Ride after he became bored four years into retirement. Originally from Oklahoma, he has traveled over the years as a pastor and has been married for 50 years this June.
Higgins said the students are the reason why he picked up the job and enjoys speaking with them daily as he drops them off. For students, the opportunity to connect with a familiar face leaves a positive impression.
“[The bus drivers] are really nice and super helpful,” said Leah Spahr, a freshman accounting major.
Bob McElrath, Photo by Taylor Baker.
Covering the end of the route, Bob McElrath has plenty of experience under his belt. After spending 42 years driving trucks, McElrath enjoys the opportunity to drive for Campus Ride.
“I was a real truck driver … I traveled all over the United States when I drove the truck,” said McElrath. “I guess California [was my favorite place I went] … it’s a beautiful place to visit.”
For McElrath, every route is a new experience where he has the opportunity to meet “interesting folks” and share a small part of his day with them.
To the Lee community, each Campus Ride driver offers a familiar face while students and faculty travel between classes. For more information about the Campus Ride routes, check out the Campus Ride tab in the Lee University mobile app.
