Rememberingservicemen

FACILITIES FOCUSJuly/August 2012

WHAT WE DO at the phys plant

COVER PHOTO | Remembering servicemen |Carpenter II Eric Doolittle installs the new lettering for the Faculty Bricks Memorial in Demonstration Hall. Photo by Taylor Hajek

COVER STORY | Remembering servicemen | 2A University veterans memorial finds a new home in Demonstration Hall.

FEATURE | Custodial Services awards |3-6Custodial Services celebrates its 32nd annual Custodial Training and Recognition Event.

AT A GLANCE | Student engagement | 7-8Landscape Services provides students with a hands-on experience in irrigation installation.

AROUND THE ‘PHYS’ | Appreciation picnic | 9Phys Planters enjoy food and games at the annual Employee Appreciation Picnic.

CAREERS | 10

KUDOS | 11-14Photo by Taylor Hajek

FACILITIES FOCUS

pp.msu.edu | twitter: MSUPhysPlant | find us on facebook | youtube.com/PhysicalPlantMSUP

This newsletter is printed with soy ink on 100 percent recycled paper (100 percent post-consumer). Please recycle in “Mixed” recycling bins.

Facilities Focus is published for all Physical Plant employees. It is also distributed to campus customers and key business contacts.

Our goal is to recognize the Physical Plant staff’s accomplishments and activities. If you have questions, comments or corrections, contact us at communications@pplant.msu.edu or via phone at 517-432-0235.To receive an electronic notice for each issue, subscribe to

our listserv: e-mail listserv@list.msu.edu with “SUBSCRIBE PHYSPLANT-NEWS <your name here>” in the body of the message.

Students assist with irrigation installation

AT A GLANCE

Page 7

EDITORWill Whelton

STUDENT EDITORTaylor Hajek

DESIGNERKayla Riis

The Physical Plant provides experience for students in horticulture majors.

effort was necessary. The Department of Military Science worked with the Physical Plant and Residential and Hospitality Services to create a new memorial.

Phys Planters from several departments worked on the project, creating a shadow box to complement the existing photo collection.

Lt. Col. Jeff McDonald of the Department of Military Science, who worked closely with Phys Plant employees to ensure the commemorative project accurately represented the servicemen, said, “Creating the new shadow box was a collective process to come up with the elements to tell the full story about what the pictures mean.”

The box contains a description of the servicemen and the medals and awards they received, a brick from the apartments and photos of how the apartment complex originally looked.

“Anyone that enters will be able to learn about the sacrifices these young men gave in service to our country,” said McDonald.

ON THE COVER

Remembering servicemenMemorial ensures sacrifices are never forgotten. Story by Taylor Hajek

Michigan State University is a university filled with history. Many buildings on campus were

created to commemorate people important to the university and the country.

The Faculty Bricks Apartments, built in 1948, provided housing for many MSU students, faculty and staff until they were demolished in 2011 due to the increasingly prohibitive cost of continued maintenance.

The apartments were named after men that served in the U.S. Army that were also MSU alumni. During demolition, a large frame was found that included individual photos of all of the veterans for whom the buildings were named. It was decided that the frame would be relocated to Demonstration Hall, the location of MSU’s Department of Military Science and the Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps.

Since the apartments themselves served as a commemorative site for the servicemen, it was believed that a new commemorative

Photo by Kayla Riis

(From left) Lieutenant Colonel Jeff McDonald, chairperson for the department of Military Science, and Major Willie McFadden, executive officer for the Spartan Batallion, pose in front of the Faculty Bricks memorial in Demonstration Hall.

July/August 2012 | 2

“Anyone that enters will be able to learn about the sacrifices these young men gave in service to our country.” Lt. Col. Jeff McDonald

Phys Planters involved in this project:HOLLY BALENTINE, digital content strategist

MARSHA CLARK, painter II

ERIC DOOLITTLE, carpenter II

KEN GOTTSCHALK, construction planner/inspector/analyst II

KAYLA RIIS, visual communications manager

FEATURE

FACILITIES FOCUS

Custodial Services

HONORS STAFF Employees join together to recognize dedication,

stewardship and accomplishments.

On May 24, the Custodial Services team within the Building Services department hosted its 32nd Annual Custodial Training

and Recognition Event, a ceremony for employees to celebrate the year’s individual and group successes.

The awards given include stewardship awards for the best use of University assets, educational awards for workers who recently earned degrees or certificates, service awards for outstanding work ethic, and attendance awards for using few or no sick days throughout the year.

The event publicizes Custodial Services’ efforts and lets the University community celebrate with the staff. In addition to promoting the office, the ceremony is an important way to encourage and create a sense of unity among employees.

This year’s presenters included Custodial Services Manager Brandon Baswell, Director of Building Services Gus Gosselin, Custodial Services Manager Ted Minnick, Communications Manager Karen Zelt and Assistant Vice President for the Physical Plant Ron Flinn.

All photos by Darius Bradley

Rear row: (from left) Custodian Is Brian McCarthy and John Young, Custodian II Bob Simon, Custodian I Darwin Trefil, Training and Logistics Supervisor Mary Clark and Director of Building Services Gus Gosselin. Front row: (from left) Custodian Is Peggy Boom, Teresa Christle and Catryina Brown, and Custodian II Rebecca Delap. The crew is accepting a stewardship award for maintaining University assets.

(From left) Custodian IIs Monica Mireles and Vickie Ruiz enjoy conversation at the recognition event.

July/August 2012 | 4

STEWARDSHIP AWARDS

EmployeeAdam Normandin (1)

Peggy Brooks (1)Don Michael (6) Curtis Glast (3)

Scott Stevens (5)The Crew of (1)Larry Jones (1)

Ralph Endsley (6)The Crew of (2)

Cindy Hawkins (1)Jay Mosher (2)

Dorothy McKenzie (2)Todd Burgess (3)

The Crew of (1)Marisue Mongar (6)Pam Edgecomb (3)

Mike Munger (1)Mike Giovanni (1)Aubrey Brown (1)Ramona Mena (6)Cynthia Jones (1)Sheila Baldwin (1)

Pam Baker (1)San Juana Perez (6)

Jim Wilson (4)The Crew of (3)

This award honors building heads and their crews for maintaining University assets. Numbers beside names refer to the number of years they have received the awards. For example (1) = first year receiving award.

BuildingAgriculture HallBaker HallCentral Pre SchoolCentral ServicesClinical CenterCommunication Arts and SciencesCyclotronDiagnostic Center for Population and Animal HealthEngineeringFood ScienceFootballIM Sports East Fitness CenterKresge Art MusemMSU LibraryLife SciencesLinton GroupNatural ResourcesNatural ScienceOld Horticulture GroupOlin Health CenterPlant & Soil SciencePlant BiologyPsychologyVeterinary Medical Center-SouthSpartan Stadium TowerWharton Center Group

Employees are eligible for the honor roll each year after receiving 10 years of service recognition.

Derrick AdamsNabil AshiPam BakerSheila BaldwinBrandon BaswellTom BemroseDarius BradleyPeggy BrooksAubrey BrownTodd BurgessHelen CannonJeffrey CannonChris CapatanosKevin CaterSally CislerMary ClarkScott ClumJames CoxGale CrandallGreg CushionMark DavenportSandra DickersonJeff DollarhiteJim EdgecombPam EdgecombRalph EndsleyBruce FletcherMichial FoxSean Fox-ElsterLorenzo GarciaEmma GarzaMike GiovanniCuris GlastAlan GrillCindy HawkinsLorenza HerrickKevin HoardDavid HoweJay JacobsenJacob JanetzkeSandra JanetzkeAshward Johnson

Graciela JonesRichard KleinScott KummerFany LemosEric LindstromGlafira ManuellFelipe MaresJoe MartinDenise McCarthyDorothy McKenzieRielda MedranoRamona MenaMiguel MendezJune MessnerDon MichaelJames MillerTed MinnickGerald MosherMike MungerChristine NixonRosemary OlgerDonald O’TooleJohn PattersonSan Juana PerezJeff PfeifleTim PickenMelanie PollardDomenica PorcoDon PulverRudy RosnerLori SchneiderSam SoderbergMike SomervilleTeresa TorresThinh TranRon TurnleyTodd TylerRosalyn WalsonDoris WilloughbyJames WilsonSteven WilsonJames Zack

HONOR ROLL

(From left) Training and Logistics Supervisor Mary Clark, Custodian III San Juana Perez, Custodian II Domenica Porco and Custodian I Jennifer Stumpf pause for a photo.

FACILITIES FOCUS

This award is for above-average performance and a clean record (no disciplinary actions on file). Numbers beside names refer to the number of years they have received the awards. For example, (1) = first year receiving award; bolded names indicate supervisors.

Nabil Ashi Sheryl Young (8)

Brandon BaswellShona Key (9)Joshua Sego (5)Gayle Wilson (4)Angela Zell (9)

Michael ColeKenneth Sprague (3)Tammy Velez (10)

Adam CurtisScott Geisenhaver (3)

Sean Fox-ElsterJoy Ely (3)David A. Jones (10)Jessica Rugg (2)Ty Southwell (5)

Jay JacobsenJoe Host (5)Stanley Wilson (9)Mark Winowiecki (6)

David JonesTrent Baker (3)Wayne Collier (6)Ina Curbelo (10)Don Fuller (5)

Eric LindstromTrhile Brown (3)Michael Cole (3)Nathan Hoard (3)Larry Jones (4)Yolanda Macias (4)Dora Ray (10)

Donald O’tooleNereyda Mendez (3)Adam Normandin (10)Bob Sanchez (10)Dwayne Sortor (5)Ladena Wheeler (4)

Melanie PollardGary Brown (7)Daniel Burgess (4)Aaron Jackson (3)Errol Jackson (5)Kevin Kelso (10)Linda Martinez (8)Martin Martinez (10)John Ugwoagonwu (10)Danista Waggener (5)Rory Weldon (10)

Rudy RosnerLisa Coffman (8)Linda Doxsie (3)Jessie Spears (5)Jeremy Stevens (3)

Joshua SegoRebecca DeLap (2)Robert Simon (7)

Gayle WilsonLubia Alaniz (5)Yvette Green (3)Lucinda Quintero (9)Scott Way (2)

Angie ZellJedidiah Asher (4)Maria Ballinger (8)Kelly Cutting (3)Steven Davenport (5)Cynthia Jones (10)Christina Lira (6)Matt Mangapora (2)Jim Moore (5)Scott Stevens (6)Allan Steward (3)

EDUCATIONAL AWARDS

Jamey Martinez, Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture, Landscape Design and Construction Management, Michigan State University Ty Southwell, Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Lansing Community College

Ladena Wheeler, Bachelor’s degree in Professional Communications, Sienna Heights University

Peggy Boom, completion of Cleaning Skills Certification

Rudy Limas, completion of Cleaning Skills Certification

Lucinda Quintero, (OS1) Outstanding Cleaning Worker

Robert Simon, (OS1) Outstanding Cleaning Worker

This award recognizes employees currently pursuing a higher education degree or certification.

HONOR ROLL

SERVICE AWARDS

SPECIAL RECOGNITION

(From left) Custodian III Aubrey Brown, and Custodian IIs Sally Cisler and Gary Brown receive Spartan Apple Awards.

July/August 2012 | 6

Green Apple Award24 hours sick time used in eight occurrences or less.

Spartan Apple AwardZero hours sick time used.

(From left) Custodian IIs Jed Asher and Kelly Cutting enjoy the festivities at the recognition event.

(From left) Custodian II David Jones and Custodian IV Cynthia Jones pose for a photo before the start of the event.

HONOR ROLL

APPLE AWARDS FOR ATTENDANCE

Maria BallingerTom BemroseTrhile BrownHelen CannonLisa CoffmanIna CurbeloKelly CuttingMark DavenportSteven DavenportJeffrey DollarhitePam EdgecombRalph EndsleyMichial FoxDon FullerNathan HoardShona KeyRichard KleinDavid KopulosDon MichaelJim MooreMike Munger

John PattersonDomenica PorcoDwayne SortorKenneth SpragueJeremy StevensTodd TylerRory WeldonJames Zack

Aubrey BrownGary BrownSally CislerJames CoxGale CrandallRobin GarberMike GiovanniCurtis GlastAlan GrillLorenza HerrickJoe MartinGuadalupe MartinezDorothy McKenzieRamon MenaNereyda MendezJeff PfeifleRobert SimonThinh TranRon TurnleyJohn UgwoagonwuScott Way

James WilsonSheryl Young

FACILITIES FOCUS

AT A GLANCE

Landscape Services provides students with hands-on experience in irrigation installation.

In these photos, Matt Bailey, agriculture and special equipment operator I (in yellow vest), works with students to install the irrigation system on the corner of Wilson Road and Bogue Street.

Watering a way to successMSU Horticulture class helps Physical Plant employees install an irrigation system. Story and photos by Taylor Hajek

July/August 2012 | 8

MSU Horticulture students recently had a unique opportunity to help irrigate the grounds in

front of the newly constructed Plant and Soil Sciences expansion on the corner of Wilson Road and Bogue Street.

Academic Specialist Marcus Duck worked with Landscape Architect II/S Adam Lawver and Planner/Inspector/Analyst I Adam Kingsbury to set up a class to provide students hands-on experience in irrigation installation.

“I started talking to Marcus last fall about working with students. He was struggling with providing students with real-life projects before they graduate. I worked with him to figure a way for his 18 students to experience installing an irrigation system before they graduate,” said Lawver.

During their regularly scheduled lab time, the students convened outside of the new expansion and were able to learn from members of the Phys Plant irrigation crew.

One week prior to the installation, the students met during their lab period and were given a presentation by Lawver and Brian Keesey, planner/inspector/analyst I. The presentation explained how the students would assist in the installation.

The process leading to the installation of the irrigation system was lengthy, and many Phys Planters participated in getting the project ready. Landscape Designer Tressa Wahl stated that the designing process took a couple of years. It was completed a short time before the students helped install it.

“My part of the project was to design and implement the needs and wants of the Horticulture Department, Spartan Design, the design consultant for all irrigation projects, along with the needs and wants for Landscape Services in maintaining the irrigation system,” said Wahl.

Wahl worked with Lawver’s irrigation installation crew to coordinate when installation would begin.

Irrigation Systems Maintainer Danny Jacques coordinated the installation of the irrigation system. Once the design for the system was complete, Jacques worked with Lawver and Duck to schedule a time for the class to help with the installation process.

On the day of the project, the Phys Plant’s grounds irrigation and grounds site crews were on hand to guide the students in installing the irrigation system.

“This was the first time that we’ve worked with students and partnered with a department. We’re trying to improve and strengthen our relationships with MSU’s Horticulture Department,” said Lawver.

Lawver stated that the relationship is important so students can see how that Physical Plant provides experience for students in horticulture majors. When it comes time to gain experience while taking classes, or for a job after graduation, the Physical Plant is a smart choice.

The Horticulture Department benefits from the relationship because its students get hands-on experience. “The components and installation were discussed in class, but there is only so much you can learn from looking at a PowerPoint. It was good for them to go out there and get their hands on it,” said Duck.

Both Landscape Services and the Horticulture Department saw the project as a success.

“This project was not mandatory, but everyone came. The students worked and had a good time. They learned a lot, so it was a good experience for them,” said Duck. “I would like to do it again in the future.”

DANNY JACQUES, irrigation systems maintainer

PAM VANBLAIRCUM, on-call service/maintenance

SCOTT FEICK, on-call service/maintenance

CHAD MACIEJEWSKI, grounds horticulture assistant I

JAKE WEBSTER, on-call service/maintenance

RUDY GAYTAN, grounds/site construction group/leader

JOHN JONCKHEERE, landscape services equipment operator

DEREK PROULX, agriculture and special equipment operator I

SARAH GREENE, laborer II

MATT BAILEY, agriculture and special equipment operator I

TIM MALBURG, grounds horticulture assistant I

TYLER DYKE, grounds horticulture assistant I

BRIAN KEESEY, planner/inspector/analyst I

ADAM LAWVER, landscape architect II/s

BRUCE JEFFREY, on-call service/maintenance

ADAM KINGSBURY, planner/inspector/analyst I

Phys Planters involved in this project:

AROUND THE ‘PHYS’

FACILITIES FOCUS

Phys Planters celebrate at picnicStaff from all departments of the Physical Plant gathered together for food, games and relaxation at this year’s Employee Appreciation Picnic. Photos by Taylor Hajek and Kayla Riis

Assistant Vice President for the Physical Plant Ron Flinn (center) poses with the 2012 Employee Picnic volleyball tournament winners (from left) Laborer I Jason Murphy, Materials and Logistics Manager Jim Fashbaugh, Labor Assistant I Ryan Beebe, Maintenance Assistant IIs Scott Miller and Mark Rokita, and Laborer I Joe Murphy.

Near right: (from left) Technical Assistant I Tyler Deal, Digital Content Strategist Holly Balentine, Technical Assistant I Danae Rossman, Media and Communications Assistant Taylor Hajek, Preventive Maintenance Worker David Sims, Professional Aide Chelsea Litwiller, and Physical Plant Communications Manager Karen Zelt enjoy some friendly competition.

Far right: Assistant Vice President for the Physical Plant Ron Flinn (center) poses with the winners of the horseshoe tournament - Electronics Mechanic II Keith Spitzley (left) and Planner/Inspector/Analyst II Dan Hanses (right).

CAREERS

July/August 2012 | 10

New Hires | Promotions | Retirees*As of Aug. 2, 2012

New HiresJeff Bonk, engineer/architect IIJordan Fulton, custodian IDaniel Martyn, mechanic automotive IJames Miller, custodian IScott Ryan, custodian IDarwin Trefil, custodian IJason Van Zee, planner/inspector/analyst I

RetireesChris Mediros, university operator

*Facilities Focus makes every effort to contact all retirees for our regular “A look back” feature.

Phys Plant Retirees

Kathryn Gewirtz

Former position:Administrative Assistant I

Length of time at Phys Plant:17 years

1 9 9 5 - 2 0 1 2

Greatest memory with the Phys Plant: “Working with all the great people.”

Looking forward to most about retirement: “Enjoying life and spending time with my grandkids. ”

A look back:

MemorialsRemembering Physical Plant employees

Raymond Fairman passed away on June 4. Fairman started working at the Physical Plant in 1963 and retired as a glazier II in 1989.

On July 21, MSU Physical Plant employees gathered with friends, family and business associates at the Wheatfield Valley Golf Course in Williamston,

Mich., for the 21st annual Dave Lewis Golf Scramble. This year, 27 teams of four participated in the

event. The participants spent the day playing golf and enjoyed complimentary breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The scramble is held every year to raise money for United Way charity and raised approximately $4,800 this year.

Phys Planters scramble for charity Story by Taylor Hajek

(From left) Mold Planner/Inspector/Analyst II Paul Coonrod, Steve Nurenberg, Central Control Supervisor Stacy Nurenberg and Operations Coordinator Kelly Feister pose for a photo before teeing off at the 21st annual Dave Lewis Golf Scramble. Twenty-seven teams of four met at Wheatfield Valley Golf Course to participate. The event raised approximately $4,800 for the United Way charity.

Photo by Hannah Abdelaziz

FACILITIES FOCUS

KUDOS

WELL DON

E

PHYS PLANT!

KUDOS

Building Services

Structural/Paint Skilled Trades Supervisor Deb Russell received the following kudo via phone call, regarding carpenter IIs Rick Kennedy and Eric Doolittle, from IM sports Associate Director Denny Mayer about an emergency backboard replacement at IM Sports East:

I wanted you to know that your guys did a really nice job. It looks really nice; they cleaned up nice, I mean everything. They’re wonderful, plus they told me what they were doing. It was just excellent work by them and I really appreciate what they did and I wanted you to know that.

Maintenance Services Manager Ken Crowell received the following kudo regarding Plumber I Alicia Jacobsen and Plumber IIs Frank Shattuck and Andy Meisling from Chemical Safety Officer Bob Ceru:

I had the pleasure of working with Andy Meisling on a gas odor at Snyder-Phillips and Alicia Jacobsen and Frank Shattuck on an odor complaint at the Kresge Art Center this morning. All of your employees were very professional, prompt in their response and extremely helpful and thorough in solving the source of the gas leak and odor.

Director of Building Services Gus Gosselin received the following kudo from Julie Levy-Weston, project/event coordinator for the MSU Museum, regarding Plumber I Alicia Jacobsen and her work at the MSU Museum:

Just wanted to let you know how pleased we, MSU Museum staffers who have office space in Central Services, were with Alicia who came to fix a broken faucet for us late in the afternoon on Friday, May 18. I contacted dispatch about 2:40 p.m.—figuring that they would probably get to it on Monday. But about 3:15 Alicia came down to our office to say she had replaced the broken parts on both the hot and cold taps on the broken sink. One of my co- workers then mentioned that the other sink was running slowly—very little water coming out. So Alicia went back upstairs and put a new aerator and new handles on that sink as well. She was done with the whole job less than an hour after I called it in. I appreciated her promptness, skill and speed—especially on a Friday afternoon in summer semester, and wanted to make sure you knew about it.

Central Control Planner/Inspector/Analyst I Sue Alchin received a phone call from Financial Aid Assistant Director/S Amy Arnold-Garcia regarding the work of HVAC Mechanic II Jon Miller and HVAC Mechanic I Craig Fedewa:

I received a call from Amy Arnold-Garcia who works at Student Services in the Office of Financial Aid and wanted to pass it on. Amy and her director wanted to let us know how happy they were with the service they received from HVAC mechanics Jon Miller and Craig Fedewa. “The mechanics listened to our concerns, corrected the heat problem we called in and also spent extra time correcting another air issue that was not part of this original call.”

Material and Logistics Planner/Inspector/Analyst Jim Peaney received the following kudo from Associate Provost for Academic Services Linda O. Stanford regarding the work done during commencement by him and Set-Up Worker Is Olga Pathfinder, Kurt Wagner, Rod Trowbridge, Mike Holsinger, Laborer Is Kevin Dobbin, Jason Murphy, Joe Murphy, Kristin Swartz and Laborer II Rick Taylor:

I write to thank you and all of your staff for continued assistance in the commencement preparations, set-up and on-site needs. Please thank all of your staff for their assistance in making commencements a success in recognizing our graduates and ensuring that their families have a positive experience.

Custodial Services Manager Brandon Baswell received the following kudo call from Associate Professor Dr. Hui-Ren Zhou regarding the work of Custodian II Teresa Torres and Custodian III Cindy Hawkins in the Food Science Building:

I received a call Friday afternoon from a Dr. Zhou who has a lab in the Food Science Building. Dr. Zhou wanted me to know how much she appreciates the fine job you two are doing in the Food Science Building. Dr. Zhou extolled your diligence and positive attitude in your service of her space.

Thank you very much for the service you have provided Dr. Zhou, and I’m sure all the tenants of Food Science. Please keep up the great work!

Cindy Hawkins, custodian III

July/August 2012 | 12

Materials and Logistics Planner/Inspector/Analyst I Jim Peaney, Laborer II Rick Taylor and Set-Up Worker I Rod Trowbridge received the following kudo from Management Analyst/S Eric Mulvany regarding their work on Erickson Hall:

I am writing to offer my thanks and positive comments regarding some work recently done for me at Erickson Hall by Jim Peaney, Rick Taylor and Rod Trowbridge.

In April, I had a fairly large carpet installation to coordinate and needed Set-Up crew personnel to assist with moving furniture in and out of faculty offices to coincide with carpet-tile abatement and then carpet installation. I phoned Jim a couple of days prior to the scheduled work to ensure we were all set to go. Jim calmly informed me that he did not have my service request for the work but that he would take care of whatever was needed. He came over to do a walkthrough of the work and assisted with the planning and scheduling that would be necessary to complete the work. When he left, he again assured me that there would be no problem with the work being done.

Rick Taylor and Rod Trowbridge showed up for the first scheduled day of furniture moves and efficiently took care of the work being very careful with all items handled. For the next week, they completed the necessary tasks in a very efficient and timely manner. They exhibited a very professional attitude throughout the process,

Materials and Logistics Manager Jim Fashbaugh received the following kudo from Marsha O’Neill, administrative assistant I at the Office of Planning and Budgets, regarding Materials and Logistics Planner/Inspector/Analyst I Jim Peaney and Material/Logistics Worker I Kristin Swartz:

Just wanted to write a quick note to let you know how much we truly appreciate Jim Peaney and his staff. On many occasions they have gone above and beyond to accommodate our requests. We work at an incredibly fast pace around here and it is such a relief to know that we can count on Jim and Kristin to work with us and get the job done, even when we can’t give them the advance notice we would like to. We are grateful to have such pleasant, dedicated and hardworking employees as part of the MSU team!

University Operator Bernie Wright sent an e-mail to Roofing and Skilled Trades Supervisor Budd Pulver informing him of kudos he received for his work from Operations Coordinator for University Relations Kimberly Piper.

Budd, I made a customer call back to Kimberly Piper on some glass request. She could not say enough good things about the service and quality of the work that she gets time after time. She wanted me thank you greatly for your service.

Custodian III Aubrey Brown received the following kudo from Trudy Wesley, administrative assistant II at the College of Social Science Dean’s Office:

I wanted to thank you for going above and beyond the expectations of your job. It was a great help to me for you to collect all of those phones, and I really appreciate you and wanted to show my gratitude. It is very refreshing to see someone that cares about their job and does it well.

Thank you again, and I look forward to interacting with you in the future.

and the work was completed without one issue.I have worked with the Set-Up crew in the past and have

always found them to be responsive to my needs, especially for spur-of-the-moment items. This situation was no different and in fact was in my estimation extremely positive and above and beyond my expectations. I was never made to feel like the missing service request was my fault or a burden but rather an opportunity to please a customer.

I just wanted to express my thanks to these individuals for their hard work and to let you know how much I appreciated all their efforts.

Rick Taylor, laborer II

FACILITIES FOCUS

Landscape Services

Landscape Services Manager Gerry Dobbs received the following kudo from Administrative Director for the Spartan Child Development Center Emelia J. Brown:

Thank you so much for stopping by this morning! We really appreciate the service that Landscape Services gives us and have been impressed by the individuals that have come to the center.

I also wanted to let you know that the soil for our toddler garden area was delivered around 11 this morning. The toddler teacher is very excited to do some planting with the children later this week!

Engineering and Architectural Services

Construction Superintendent Leisa Williams-Swedberg received the following message from Assistant Director of Telecommunication Systems Anne Phillips regarding the management of the Main Library construction project headed by Construction Planner/Inspector/Analyst I Todd Wilson:

I was in a meeting yesterday, where Cliff Haka, director of MSU Libraries, complimented Physical Plant’s management of the Library construction project. He indicated that the crew was obviously going out of their way to make sure that access to the Library was not restricted. He indicated that there were very few issues that have been of concern for such a large project.

Architect III Amr Abdel-Azim received the following kudo from Professor and Dean for the College of Arts and Letters Karin A. Wurst:

Thank you so much for your exquisite job in the management of the Wells Hall project. I think (Vice President for Finance and Operations and Treasurer) Fred Poston was pleased with the building and hopefully the Provost was as well. Your creativity and flexibility coupled with a firm hold on costs and conditions was immensely valuable. As you know, I am very pleased with the building and will continue to work with the faculty to make the transition as smooth as possible.

Assistant Vice President for the Physical Plant Ron Flinn, Design Administrator Dan Bollman and Construction Superintendent Leisa Williams-Swedberg all received an e-mail from Dean for the College of Music Dean Forger regarding Construction Planner/Inspector/Analyst I Todd Wilson and his work on the Music Auditorium/Cook Recital Hall project:

At the end of last month, I sent an e-mail to Fred Poston updating him on the construction progress related to the Music Auditorium/Cook Recital Hall project. In particular, I thanked him for the first-rate coordination and communication provided by Todd Wilson which continues to be exceptional. I have forwarded this e-mail below for your information and to further express our appreciation for Todd’s efforts. The faculty and I remain grateful for the excellent work of all that will transform this key performance, rehearsal, and classroom space for students, faculty, and the general public alike. Thanks to each of you.

Estimating Planner/Inspector/Analyst III/S Monte Pride received the following kudo from Police Chief and Director James Dunlap thanking Team Phys Plant for the recent renovation work done at the police department. For a full story and a list of all of the Phys Planters that worked on the project, visit pp.msu.edu/police:

I just wanted to take a second to thank you and all of the crew for the remodeling jobs and the outstanding work on the two projects at the police department. Roy Feldpausch (carpenter II) was especially enjoyable to have on the project and his good humor and work ethic are great to see as part of MSU. Both projects have been a source of pride to the department and followed with great interest. In any event I just wanted you and everyone involved know how much we appreciate the great work and the enjoyable folks to work with.

Amr Abdel-Azim, architect III

Social Media

SALUTESWe are using social media to keep students, faculty and staff abreast of all things Physical Plant. Visit our Phys Plant pages on:

facebook.com/MSUPhysicalPlanttwitter.com/MSUPhysPlant

youtube.com/PhysicalPlantMSU

@MidMEAC: The numbers are rolling in and @MichFitness, @MSULibraries & @MSUPhysPlant are in a tight race for the most Smart Commutes!

@jennyramsaier: @MSUPhysPlant Wow, thanks! I really appreciate the help :)

@k_green22: @MSUPhysPlant thanks soo much :D

@GrangerConstruc: Right now, @SenCarlLevin is touring our #construction work @michiganstateu! Welcome, #Senator! @MSUPhysPlant #Lansing #EastLansing #Michigan

@tommygsync: @MSUPhysPlant Thank you so much. I cannot wait to see it in person. @rapidgrowth #MSU

@SojoAlex: Tru dat! “@MSUPhysPlant: Today we want to give a HUGE shout-out & thank you to Phys Plant staff who are working outside in the heat”

@devonbarrett: @MSUPhysPlant aww! All of these exciting additions make me wish I could be a student again and watch their progress on my walks to class!

@spartybeaumont: I’m presenting at Construction Junction today! See you there? #msuconstruction @MSUPhysPlant

July/August 2012 | 14

The following “tweets” are taken from the Physical Plant Twitter account (@MSUPhysPlant). The bolded text are the names of the Twitter users who sent the tweets.

Telecommunication Systems

Transportation Services

Planner/Inspector/Analyst II Mary Beth Laforgia and Telecom Mechanic I Adam Joyce received the following kudo from Deb Denovich, administrative assistant II at the Office for University Advancement:

We wanted to let you know how much we appreciate the wonderful service you continue to provide us! We know how busy the Telecom schedule is, and for you to continuously work your magic to accommodate our schedule changes and last-minute requests is most appreciated. What is most amazing is your approach to us; you are always so positive and really understand what customer service is all about!

Kudos to the great work you provide to our department and MSU!

Bus Driver/Group Leader Darlene Westrate received the following kudo from Regina Cross, alumni group travel and events coordinator for the MSU Alumni Association:

Thank you so much for providing your expertise in the bus shuttle service for Alumni Reunion Days. I understand the difficulty the schedule posed and appreciate you taking the time to make it work smoothly. The bus drivers were fantastic and were willing to go above and beyond to assist our guests. Many of them commented on how accommodating the drivers were helping them get to where they needed go, especially those with mobility issues.

I couldn’t have done it without you. I look forward to working with you in the future.

Amr Abdel-Azim, architect III

Mary Beth Laforgia, planner/inspector/analyst II

Broadcastingthe Physical Plant

24/7/365

youtube.com/PhysicalPlantMSUP

Tune in to watch: virtual tours

how-to guides

safety tips

and much more!

Physical Plant DivisionPhysical Plant Building1147 Chestnut Road Room 119East Lansing, MI 48824