VCU news

By Brian McNeill

In appreciation of the Facilities Management Division employees who have continued to work through the COVID-19 crisis and are ensuring that Virginia Commonwealth University’s campuses are prepared for the fall semester, the VCU Staff Senate on Thursday provided lunch to roughly 230 members of the Physical Plant, Parking and Transportation, Steam Plant, and Contract Administration teams.

“Our co-workers in VCU’s Facilities Management Division have kept the university running and have helped protect the safety of the entire VCU community," said Saher Randhawa, president of the VCU Staff Senate. “Not only have they ensured VCU maintains high safety standards, but have made sure that our buildings are disinfected, safety signs have been put up, classrooms will be a safe space for learning, social distancing markers are present, and that the utmost safety of every member of the VCU community is considered.”

The Staff Senate, which represents and advocates on behalf of VCU and VCU Health staff members, provided dozens of pizzas and soft drinks for the Facilities Management Division employees as a small gesture of gratitude.

Richard Sliwoski, associate vice president, facilities management, said the Facilities Management Division employees have gone above and beyond in the work on behalf of the VCU community.

“In recent months, VCU Facilities Management employees have proven their exceptional flexibility in response to changing requirements,” he said. “They continually amaze me with their ability to adapt and persevere during challenging times to accomplish tasks both great and small that allow the university to continue to safely operate. They are truly professionals in every sense of the word. FMD employees have played a critical role in ensuring the safety and well-being of the VCU community as we return to campus. We truly value their hard work, professionalism and dedication to the VCU community.”