Category: Physical Plant Kudos

Permella Broussard and Edgar Berry cleaned carpeting in a well-used student lounge in Morrill 218. Martha Baker, Associate Dean of the College of Natural Sciences wrote to thank them for a job well done.

Steve Rule keeps the loading dock in the Goodell Building clear of snow and debris. Rob Leveille, Mail Services Supervisor, wrote to thank Steve, and to express appreciation for the pride Steve takes in his work. He is an “excellent employee.”

Dennis Bruffee, James Clevenger, and Mike Guzik responded quickly to a request in Goessmann 267. Marvin Ellin lauded them for “excellent support.”

Justin Cobb and Jan Powers received thanks from Diane Keedy of the Isenberg School of Management for their help in resolving key and coring issues at ISOM. “You are tremendous assets to your organization and to the University.”

Construction Services, Mechanical Utilities, and Dig Safe personnel, during some nasty and frigid weather, did an outstanding job coping with water main breaks. Tom Fydenkevez of PP thanks the crews for their outstanding job in very demanding conditions.

Buildings and Grounds and Pam Monn saved the day on Mt. Lincoln by laying stones and improving road conditions on short notice. Charles Dube of WFCR expressed gratitude to all.

Grounds folks received numerous kudos for clearing snow this winter, including from Linda Rotondi of UHS, and Robert Laford of EH&S,  & Ann Becker of UHS, & Casey Heverling of the Mullins Center.

South College is in good hands with Jeremiah Kermensky and the custodial staff. Joanne Dolan wrote to thank them for a great job maintaining South College, and the staff’s level of efficiency was applauded.

Randy Boivin and Sondra Slezinski receive kudos from Ben Caron and Jeff Bryan for teaching an enjoyable and instructive Dig Safe class.

Tsultrim Dolma is keeping the bathrooms in LGRC sjpotless! Zack Strangman of OIT wrote to thank her.

Dennis Bruffee and his crew did a superlative job on the floors in Goessmann. “They look fantastic!” wrote Mike Barnes of the Chemistry and Physics Depts.

Custodial and Landscape Services worked cooperatively to help make the Isenberg Open House a success. Everything looked “amazing,” writes Meghan Smith.

Dan Kibe and Deby Lee each wrote from the Food Science Department to thank:

John Presto for the brilliant job painting

Sherry Braithwaite for extra diligence in cleaning

Teresa Fydenkevez, Paul Jones, Steve Socha, Vanna Kog, Dechen Dolma, Xiuhua Mu, and Jerry Pelkey for helping to make everything sparkle!

Landscape Services and Todd Cournoyer made the 2013 Class Tree Planting a success. Stephanie Flaherty from Development wrote, “thank the staff for a wonderful job in making everything go smoothly!”

Mike Townsend, Ray Samson, Juan Roberts, and Paul Santos gave “excellent customer service and quick response,” to a situation in South College. Each one did their part to correct an issue with lack of heat, and made the building comfortable once again. Joanne Dolan appreciates “a great staff.”

Landscape Services has made this campus beautiful, and Peter Gray-Mullen of Design and Construction Services wrote to thank them and Pam Monn. “Hats off to you and the crews!”

Dan McCarthy, Juan Roberts, Ray Samson, and their crews did a great job assisting the “gala” at the Recreation Center. John Blihar, Director of the Rec Center thanks “everyone who contributed to making it a great event.”

Juan Avala, Sue Snowden, & Dave McGrath took on a short-notice floor cleaning job and did a superlative job. Mark Lecki writes, “Superb clean and wax on short notice. You did a fabulous job.”

Commencement workers of all stripes: KUDOS ! The Physical Plant staff gave wonderful support during all the activities. Lorraine Robidoux of the College of Engineering thanks you, as does Physical Plant Interim Director Raymond Jackson for a job well done with good humor and efficiency!

Hard Worker
Leslie Hiller, a Business Manager in Herter Hall, thanks Brian Pierce, who is a Maintainer in Custodial Services. He takes initiative, is kind, and is doing a great job. He jumps in to offer help when he sees a problem. “We notice and appreciate anything done to improve the Herter environment.”

Moving Team
Rebecca Dufault of Hillside wrote to thank the Moving Team for all their help. “Their assistance in cleaning and moving the chairs was an incredible help!”

Bartlett Auditorium
Andre Gazaille has the responsibility of keeping the highly-used and much-trafficked Bartlett Auditorium clean. Richard Halgin, Professor of Psychology, wrote to commend Andre’s excellent work. He “went the extra mile,” and worked professionally and with good humor and in a timely manner.

Retired Vice Chancellor Hatch
Now-retired Vice Chancellor Hatch wrote to Pam Monn to thank the whole Landscape Team for their efforts around the flag poles in the summer and through the Fall. “Beautiful plantings! Best I have seen,” she wrote.

Artists, All
Nour Bishout and Sarah Horne wrote to thank John Stolsz and Chris Drake of the Grounds Dept for their help with the installation of an art project at the Fine Arts Center. “The Pike” was installed by “an able crew” and with the use of a lift. “I really appreciate your help coordinating the project installation and generous use of both the able crew and the lift. They got to work immediately and finished the job in a couple of hours!”

What a Relief!
So wrote Karen Searcy of the Biology Department, referencing the work ethic of Nancy Gessing of Custodial Services. She “has done much more than we ever expected.” During the major re-arranging of cabinets and equipment, “imagine our surprise” when years of accumulated and inaccessible dust was “already” removed during late summer. “She has our deep thanks. What a relief!”

Architecture Area at FAC
Patrick McNaney of Custodial was profusely thanked by Jean Crossman of FAC for his “no excuses” efforts that go above and beyond to keep the Architecture area spic and span. “He has done cleaning miracles up here on the classroom bridge.” High praise!

Floors!
@ Herter Annex
“As always, Steve Gretchel did another excellent job in cleaning and polishing the floor of our busy Conference Room. Our film studies director, Catherine Portuges, was very, very pleased with the outcome,” wrote Alice Bishko. Congrats!
@ OIT
Shari LaRock, Ed Baranowski, Christina Branche, and Mike Guzik made the floors in OIT look amazing for the start of the Fall semester. “I don’t know if you saw it beforehand, but even though the floor is only about two years old, it looked like it was fifteen years old. Now, it looks almost new! We truly appreciate the great work they do on the floors,” wrote Jo Martone.

Event Ease
Susan Young, Business Manager at School of Education, wrote to thank Mark Chabot for his help with a School of Ed special event. “I received a number of compliments for Mark, who covered the event. He was extremely helpful. Never hurts to let you know when someone has done a really good job!”

Empowering Assistance
Daniel Pepin wrote to thank Susan Paquette for a quick response in dealing with some issues arising from messy graduate students.  She not only cleaned up their mess, she also left the room with receptacles and signs to help the students police themselves better. “Once again, a job well done.”

A Day Doesn’t Go By . . .  
The Grounds Department received a beautifully written thank you note from Deputy Chief of Police Patrick Archbald.  “A day doesn’t go by that someone from the Grounds Crew is not attending to the property around the UMPD. I mean, really!” he wrote. “Keeping up with the tons of fallen leaves, trimming the bushes, watering, turning over the wood chips around the building – it has all been very much appreciated.” “They do a great job!”

Comparisons Prove Phys Plant Superior
Robert Laford of Environmental Health and Safety noted that in the wake of a recent storm, the campus looked superior to other areas nearby. “Hard work and maintenance” of the Physical Plant staff throughout the year paid “dividends” upon inspection of the campus following the storm. “Nice job!”

West Experiment Station
Lateral Steam Line Replacement meant many Utilities hands were “on deck.” Excavating, code welding, and electrical work all needed to collaborate to get the job done. Ray Jackson thanks everyone who worked on this project!

Vice Chancellor’s Office
Dan Poirier of Building Maintenance was thanked “with enthusiasm and extreme gratitude” by Carol Forman, who had in issue with a couple of framed pieces that were broken, while needing to be hung. Dan hustled and made magic happen, and Carol is one very satisfied customer. Yey!

He’s a Rock!

The Office of Waste Management is indebted to Maintenance Working Foreman Dennis Purdy for being willing and able to solve customer service issues wherever and whenever they arise. “He’s a rock!” Especially during the last four months, he has especially been exceptional. Thanks Dennis! Carey Simons from the School of Public Health also wrote to thank Dennis, who saved a piece of expensive equipment from being erroneously recycled.

 

Chancellor’s House

Rebecca Dufault wrote to thank Building Maintenance and Grounds staff for working “So hard” to prepare the Chancellor’s house for the new Chancellor and his family. The Subbaswamys can “begin to relax and live at Hillside.”

 

Residential Life thanks Physical Plant

Ted Mone, Associate Director for Facilities Operations in Resident Life wrote to thank Utility Plumbers, Equipment Operators, Watch Tour, Work Control, and Randall Boivin (Dig Safe) for a quick and efficient response to North Village Apartments when there was a water main break. “They all responded promptly and completed their work in a professional manner under difficult conditions, including a confined work site, darkness, high outside temperatures, and above all most of them had just completed their regular shift.”

 

Shiny Floors

Sue McFarland from the Asian Arts & Culture program wrote to thank Wendi Burton for the outstanding job she did cleaning and waxing the floors. “Great care was taken moving the furniture and everything was put back in place.”

 

Cleaners Extraordinaire

Wilmore Webley from Microbiology wrote to thank Mike Dufresne, Gil Rogers, Joe Galica Jr. and Shun Wang for “doing such an incredible job” cleaning his offices in Morrill IV. He apologized for not doing his part of the prep work, and applauded the team for doing the whole task anyway. “Keep up the great work!”

 

Dubois Homesite

Bob Paynter of Anthropology wrote to thank Becky Walton and the Landscape Crew who did “a wonderful job completing the installation of the new paths.” The area is safer and beautified. “They got creative and added a very nice sitting area that is a circle just off the new northern path, including using some very large tree logs for seating. It is a real added touch.” The platform is also a wonderful plus at the Homesite. “It looks very handsome and attracts people to stand” there, which was what we wanted. The neighbors Mr. and Mrs. Hitchcock also praised the good hard work the crew does. “It is such an honor to work with Becky and Ray Leclair.”

 

Spotless!

Acting Chief of Police Patrick Archbald wrote to thank Joseph Galica Sr and Maida Perez for the work they are doing in the new UMPD. “This place is spotless from top to bottom! The floors, the glass, the tables, everything is as clean as the day it arrived brand new!” “We are getting nothing but compliments.”

 

Quick Customer Service

Jennifer Donais from the Office of Research Compliance wrote to thank Lisa Jarvis of the Physical Plant Service Desk for “quick action” and for advice on how to accomplish the desired service. Kudos, Lisa!

 

On the Spot

Dan Pepin of GRC wrote to thank Gary Glazier for help Dan received from two summer interns in the Landscape Department. When glass was inadvertently dropped in a roadway, they were on the spot putting out traffic cones and cleaning the road surface.

 

Fabulous

Martha Berger of Undergraduate Admissions wrote to thank Edmund Stasz, Alain Corriveau, and Rich Piskorski for polishing floors to a glossy sheen, scrubbing and cleaning a storage area, and vacuuming a basement – “which was surely above and beyond the call of duty!” All areas needed attention, and the crew did a fabulous job. Deep appreciate for the conscientious job they do.

 

Shiny Floors

Marilyn Orszulak, Ed Baranowski, and Johnathan Monson were thanked by Jennifer Normanly of Biochemistry for shiny floors that “look great!”

Tag Teamwork!

Joanne Dolan of South College wrote “a long overdue” note to thank John Strycharz and his crew for sprucing up the area outside the main entrance of the Dean’s office. “John is professional and courteous and his crew is a direct reflection of the high expectations he has for his work. I also enjoy working with Cathy Collins and Beau St. Jaques. Thanks again for your help!”

Solutions

John Hayes from Building Maintenance received “candidate for sainthood” kudos from Patricia Cromack of Stockbridge Hall. John solved a “banging” problem in the heating system, which took multiple diagnostics and skill to get just right.

Terrace at Conte

Jo-Ann Bourguignon, Program Coordinator at the Center for Hierarchical Manufacturing, wrote to say how lovely the terrace looks. Landscape personnel, under the supervision of Gary Glazier, arrived to “trim, prune, mulch, edge, shape, sweep, and —  Voila! — the garden looks amazing!”

Construction Services

Gail Gray of Residential Academic Programs wrote to thank the Construction Services crew, under the direction of Robert Barnicle, for filling in the potholes on Fearing St. “Thanks for taking care of Southwest – all of our students, teachers, staff, and visitors. Job well done!”

Everywoman’s Center

Susan Mahler, Director of EWC Counseling Services, wrote to thank Steve Kosmider for his excellent work ethic in maintaining the EWC. “He takes pride in his work and is very easy to work with. Thank you.” In a separate email, she again praised Steve’s work. “He is a hard worker, thorough and attentive.”

Miraculous!

Jo-Ann Bourguignon wrote to thank Tom Patterson and Kishor Chakal for the “extraordinary efforts” of the night custodians. They are “respectful and accommodating,” including making sure ad-hoc requests are handled. In addition to routine duties, they “plow through” clean up after special events, and ready the building for daily activities. “My director, Prof. James Watkins,” also thanks you!

Commencement Activities

Lorraine Robidoux of the College of Engineering wrote to thank Physical Plant staff for their “wonderful” job during Commencement activities.

Hasbrouck Hall

Bernie Daly takes a shortcut through Hasbrouck Hall most days. She wrote to affirm the work of Phenpa Dhondup, Lyudmila Shlegal, Tatiana Sherstyvkova, and Wayne Chabot in particular, for the “cleanliness and shine” of that building. “Everything is neat as a pin!”

Speedy Help!

Samantha Willis, a Campus Sustainability Intern, wrote to thank whoever helped her get back into an erroneously locked office.

Moving Crew – 3 Affirmations

Robert Cox, Head of Special Collections at the Library, wrote to thank Hollis Henderson and the Moving Crew for picking up the carillons, and to say that the Clarke School folks had singled him out, also, for doing an excellent job. Thanks also to Lamont Allen and Ron Culver, crew members!

Also, Patricia Cromack, from the College of Natural Sciences, wrote to thank these three. “Right after graduation, we had to move (lots)! What potentially could have been a circus went very smoothly and without a hitch. (This crew) is incredibly accommodating, responsive, and great guys to work with.”

And also, Larry Snyder wrote to thank the Moving Crew for Physical Plant second floor personnel’s move to Dickinson Hall. “Everyone was professional and courteous. The transition was much less difficult with their assistance and good humor.”

Grounds Leadership

Interim Chief of Police Patrick Archbald wrote to Pam Monn to thank the Grounds Department for loaning a 40-foot storage trailer to the UMPD. “Thank you for your generous donation.

Engineering Lab

Patricia Alex, Ellen Roberts, Nancy Torrey, Donald Fisher each wrote individually to thank the Landscape Crew for their work around E-Lab I. “It has been a joy to watch the campus come alive with new plantings.” “They did a fabulous job!” “Our surroundings have an impact on how you feel each day while working. Your hard work and impressive improvement to our area is great. It brings great joy and happiness. Your hard work does make a difference!” “It’s been a pleasure seeing the transformation!” Becky Walton, Don Loper, Una Reiser, Bill Allen, and Dave Pielock worked on this.

Fine Arts Center

Don Macleod, Patrick McNaney, and Andy Hartley received kudos from Nicole Young, Audience Service Manager at the FAC. “They did an amazing job,” in preparing the Concert Hall for Commencement activities. “They made our day much easier!”