VCU Staff Senate captures true spirit of pride with staff appreciation celebration

By Malorie Burkett and Leila Ugincius

They work behind the scenes, each year replacing 25,500 light bulbs, making 11,000 keys or planting more than 7,000 flowers to name a few of the duties carried out by Facilities Management.

To recognize these university and health system employees for their dedicated service to the university and health system communities, the Virginia Commonwealth University Staff Senate last week held a staff appreciation celebration on both the Monroe Park and MCV Campuses.

In addition to recognizing VCU and VCU Health System employees, the Staff Senate honored 10 individuals from Facilities Management with certificates of appreciation.

“The Physical Plant department is the true backbone of the university,” said VCU President Eugene P. Trani during a ceremony at the Kontos Medical Sciences Building.

Trani acknowledged the group for their attention to detail, cleanliness of campus grounds and pride of both campuses.

Individuals recognized during a ceremony at the Scott House on the Monroe Park Campus included Steve Cobb, lock shop; William Dickerson, Franklin Street zone; Gladys McCoy, Customer Service Center; David Rose, General Services; and Richard Smith, grounds.

A special recognition was given to Alvin Reese, who’s retiring from the physical plant in January.

“This event is a wonderful testament to all the staff at the university,” Stephen D. Gottfredson, provost and vice president for academic affairs, said during the Monroe Park Campus ceremony. Gottfredson acknowledged that even though they’re behind the scenes, their roles are vital.

“You really do keep us running. You really do make us look good,” he said.

Those recognized during a ceremony at the Kontos Medical Sciences Building on the MCV Campus included Randall Keith Gallagher, Central Mechanical Electrical group; Steven Jones, General Services; Michael Stanley, Grounds; Roland Carl Taylor, Marshall Street zone; and Ed White, Clay/Leigh Street zone.

In addition, the VCU Staff Senate presented a special certificate of appreciation in memory of Nathaniel Woods, a VCU Health System groundsman, who passed away in July.

Sponsors who contributed to the events include the College of Humanities and Sciences, The Olive Garden, VCU e2 Bookstore, Five Guys Burgers and Fries, Virginia Book Company, Twenty Seven Restaurant & Bar, VCU Business Services, CommonHealth@VCU and VCU’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions.