Working the aisles of the University Bookstore’s NU Market, Ian McLean goes to work arranging products on the shelves.
“I like everything to look good for the customers,” McLean said.
Candy. Batteries. Toiletries. All arranged neatly and ready for purchase, McLean turns to refresh an empty coffee pot as a customer walks in the door.
“Hakim, how are you my friend,” McLean asks. “Do you have any plans for the weekend?”
After a purchase and a brief conversation, Hakim Abdilahi walks out of the store with a big smile.
“When I met Ian, I was jamming out to some Bob Marley,” said Abdilahi, a sophomore undeclared major. “He asked me what I was listening to and it turned out that he loves Bob Marley. I came in for some snacks, had a great conversation and walked out with a new friend.
“I keep coming back because the genuine joy Ian shows is a great kick start to any day.”
McLean has worked at the University Bookstore for nine years. He’s had successful and rewarding careers — first in education, then as a minister — but McLean found contentment in the campus bookstore.
“I know people come in here to just get things like cupcakes or coffee, but I want them to have a good experience,” McLean said. “I love to interact with others and giving them great customer service brings me joy.”
Life has been good to McLean.
The son of an American embassy employee, he was born in Pusan, South Korea. His family traveled the world via embassy assignments — from South Korea and Guatemala to Brazil and the Dominican Republic — before settling in northern Wisconsin.
McLean attended William Penn University and transferred to Macalester College to finish a teaching degree. He specialized in English and social studies, instructing seventh to 12th grades in North Dakota, Wisconsin and Nebraska.
“I loved teaching and working with the kids, but I had this calling to join the ministry,” McLean said. “It was challenging and rewarding work. And I met my wife, Maggie, in Chicago while I was studying to earn a Masters of Divinity. So, it was worth it.”
In 2005, after 17 years with the United Church of Christ, McLean opted for another career change.
“I took a risk and left the ministry,” McLean said. “It wasn’t an easy decision, but it was necessary. But, like I tell students and coworkers, you never know where you are going to end up. Sometimes when doors open, you just have to step through.”
After a year working at a Lincoln grocery store, McLean applied for and accepted his job at the University Bookstore. The job has been ideal as it allows McLean the opportunity to interact with others and spend time with family — including son, Derek, who is autistic and works at Hy-Vee; and daughter, Eileen, who is a junior studying pre-law at Fordham University.
“When I started this journey, I never expected this is where I would be at 58 years old,” McLean said. “But, I’m very blessed. My family is doing well and I work at an amazing place where I get to meet many new and interesting people.”
Editor’s Note — “One of U” is a regular UNL Today series featuring the on- and off-campus interests and activities of UNL faculty and staff. Submit “One of U” story ideas to tfedderson@unl.edu.
