Operations and Maintenance News

A Sense of Pride and Awe
Pride: (prid) n. Pleasure or satisfaction taken in an achievement, a possession or an association.
Awe: (o) n. A mixed emotion of respect, reverence and wonder as inspired by authority, genius, great beauty or might.

Everyone knows what has happened in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. We sit at night watching scenes of death and destruction on the television. Our hearts cry out in pain for those suffering, and we feel helpless. We try to figure out what we can do to help alleviate the pain and suffering of our fellow Americans, knowing that whatever we do just doesn’t seem enough.

I asked for suggestions at my weekly managers’ meeting regarding how we could help. The staff stated that all of the Facilities team felt the same way, what could we do? Victor Panchuk came up with a great idea of a car wash on campus. All of the team got together and coordinated the logistics.

The car wash was held on Wednesday and Thursday, Sept. 7 and 8. Directors, managers, supervisors and staff all contributed their personal time to wash cars. The event raised $1,426.41, including proceeds from the car wash and donations from people who just wanted to contribute money. The Night Staff collected $407 amongst themselves, bringing the Facilities Departments’ donation to CPA’s Katrina collection to $1,833.47!!

I am in awe of the compassionate and generous hearts we have here at C.O.D., and take great pride in being a part of this wonderful team. On behalf of Gavin and myself, thank you!

Allen Metcalfe
Former Director, Facilities Operations and Maintenance

Employee of the Quarter
Fall 2005
The Facility Operations and Maintenance Department takes great pride in recognizing Mick Sawyer as the Employee of the Quarter for Fall 2005.

On Sept. 12, 2005, Mick was presented with the Village of Glen Ellyn Environmental Commission’s 2005 Beautiful Garden Award for “Most Beautiful Non-Residential Garden” for his continuously superb work at the College’s Art Center. His attention to detail, horticultural artistry and high standards were recognized by not only the patrons of the Art Center, but also by the entire Village of Glen Ellyn.

The Award reads:
“ In recognition of outstanding quality in gardening, providing aesthetic appeal and contributing to the beautiful character of Glen Ellyn.”

The Art Center garden consists of about 45 different species of perennial flowers, annual flowers, grasses and shrubs. To assemble this intricate garden, the initial planting took a considerable amount of time and planning to maximize the different floral effects. This is Mick’s third year of planting this particular display. Although his work receives nothing but praises from all visitors, Mick is “never quite satisfied,” always refining subtle parts of his work to continually enhance the beauty of the College.

The passion, artistic touch, “can-do” attitude, and the love of his work bring Mick Sawyer great credit, not only to him, but to the entire department and to the College of DuPage.

Allen G. Metcalfe, Jr.
Former Director
Facilities Operations and Maintenance

Appreciation and Contemplation
On Thursday morning, May 18, the Facilities, Operations & Maintenance staff sat down together at an appreciation breakfast hosted by the FO&M leadership. Like so many others here at the college, we are part of the overall education delivery team that exists for one purpose: to serve our ultimate customer, the students of C.O.D. We contribute cleanliness, a comfortable environment and a look of professionalism in our buildings and grounds. These things should reflect the importance of what goes on here – that is, the education of people.

At the heart of every great society and culture, you will find a reverence to those who educate and mentor students of all ages. Truly, if you simply walk around the college you can see both people and age diversity in our students. FO&M are part of that education delivery team serving these students and the community. I know at times it may not seem like what we do every day contributes to this great endeavor of educating people. I can assure you, however, if we did not do our jobs well, the education process would suffer greatly and the mission of the college could not be fulfilled.

On Friday evening, May 19, as the graduates cross the stage and receive their diplomas, we can all feel in that a sense of accomplishment as we have helped them achieve their goals and ambitions. What we do is both important and necessary. The college and the leadership within FO&M can truly appreciate what the men and woman of our department do. On behalf of the college and the students we serve every day, I thank the FO&M staff. They are valuable and we can APPRECIATE their being part of the College of DuPage team.

Mike Frey
Interim Director
Facilities Operations & Maintenance