Housekeepers honored at picnic

Let's hear it for the housekeepers.

Facilities Management and some of the students, faculty and staff who benefit from their services took time out Sept. 17 to honor the University's 175- member housekeeping staff at a picnic held at The Park. The picnic was in observance of International Housekeepers Week, initiated by the International Executive Housekeepers Association. Many managers and supervisors within Facilities Management's Building Services area are members of the association.

"Each year many student groups or faculty teams or building residents take this opportunity to present their resident housekeepers with commendations or other awards," said Vivian Walls, housekeeping supervisor for North Grounds, "and our staff enjoys that recognition. They are the ones who are here working long hours for special events, graduations, storms and hurricanes, blizzards and other emergencies -- housekeepers are always there, providing the services needed. It's nice to be appreciated."

The average housekeeper has worked at the University for 11 years, although some have been here almost 35 years. They clean 3.5 million square feet of building space while keeping an eye out for mechanical and safety problems. Housekeepers' work shifts overlap to provide 24-hour coverage.

"We have a dedicated staff whose good work makes it possible for everyone else at the University to pursue their work," said Bob Carman, Building Services superintendent.

Those recognized at the picnic were state employees charged with cleaning academic buildings, and did not include subcontractors or the Housing Division employees who keep student housing areas clean.