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Division of Facilities News

Category: SEPTEMBER 2019

Change is Constant

By Linda Craghead, Director of Custodial Services

My third grade teacher taught me that there is only one constant in life…CHANGE. This last year has been filled with change for myself and our K-State Family.

This past April, I was given the privilege to return to K-State (my alma mater) as the Director of Custodial Services. Though my professional background is in management, it did not include a tremendous amount of ‘industrial cleaning’ experience specifically. Fortunately, I have been blessed with an amazing team of people who have been willing to teach me the tricks of the trade. Although I still haven’t quite mastered the 17” scrubber, my attempts were quite entertaining (just think “steer wrestling”) to our Kedzie Custodial Crew!

Our Custodial Team has also experienced a great amount of change over the last several months. In addition to transitioning to a new management style of a new director, our department has gone through a reorganization of current resources. These changes often resulted in our staff being assigned to new buildings and even a new manager and/or supervisor. Additionally, the team has had to learn how to operate new equipment, implement new procedures, and use new chemical treatments. (Left: The Ahearn Team receives classroom instruction)

 

New equipment began arriving in June, replacing many machines that dated back into the early 80’s.  In addition to traditional scrubbers and buffers, new technology such as Kaivacs, Omni-Flex, backpack vacuums, and I-mops were purchased, which will allow for increased efficiencies – working smarter, not harder. Prior to issuing the equipment, each team member was trained on the proper use and care of each piece.(Right: Dan Boller receives hands-on training)

As students and faculty come back to school, they will see the results of another change. Over the summer, we began using a product that has transformed the appearance of several buildings on campus.  Check out the floors in McCain Auditorium lobby, Eisenhower, CardwellLeasure, English Counseling and many others on campus. They shine with a brilliance they haven’t seen in years!  The transformation of the floors was completed in a fraction of the time it has taken previously, making the process much easier for our team and the building users.

 

In an effort to enhance the safety and well-being of those on K-State’s campus, the custodial team will soon begin utilizing an innovative electrostatic sprayer technology. This Total 360 System will kill off 99.9% of bacteria and viruses, including Hepatitis B/C, influenza A, measles, mumps, MRSA and even Athlete’s Foot Fungus. The technology will be used in restrooms and locker rooms, on drinking fountains, and touch points such as elevator buttons and desks, resulting in a healthier environment for all. To learn more about the technology, watch the following video at:

https://youtu.be/ezS2gHzcVD0

As summer ends and fall begins, K-State will continue to experience many changes. New students, new faculty, new staff and new coaches will be making K-State “home”. For those who are returning, please take the time to thank your Custodial Team if you see positive change as you make your way back into your classrooms and buildings. They are an amazing group of people who have been working hard to make K-State shine for YOU!

 

Welcome To Our Team!




SAM RICE was hired as a Power Plant Operator. He is working for Tim Brunner.




LISA MURPHY was hired as a Custodial Specialist for Vet Med. She is working for Thomas O’Briant.




SARA BIDWELL was hired as a Custodial Specialist for Vet Med. She is working for Thomas O’Briant.




TALERI JONES was hired as a Custodial Specialist. She is working for Jean Reynolds.




KENNY EHRHART was hired as a Custodial Specialist. He is working for Steve Greinke.




RAYMOND HAFNER was hired as a Custodial Specialist. He is working for Steve Greinke.




ROSA De MUNIZ was hired as a Custodial Specialist. She is working for Roger Schneider.




EDWIN ARMIJOS was hired as a Custodial Specialist. He is working for Mary Grubbs.




JOSEPH FULK was hired as a Custodial Specialist. He is working for Jean Reynolds.




JASMINE SMITH was hired as a Custodial Specialist. She is working for Thomas O’Briant.




DANA McLEAN was hired as a Custodial Specialist. She is working for Beverly Price.




LISA SULLIVAN was hired as a Custodial Specialist. She is working for Roger Schneider.




JAVIER F LOPEZ RIVERA was hired as a Custodial Specialist. He is working for Jean Reynolds.




MARY IHNEN was hired as a Custodial Specialist. She is working for Mike Price.




CHANTE BRANCH was hired as a Supply Specialist. She is working for Shannon Ruder.




CYNTHIA BOLEN was hired as a Custodial Specialist. She is working for Mary Grubbs.




EARL MIMS was hired as a Custodial Specialist. He is working for David Laster.




SHELDON WILSON was hired as an HVAC Tech for Zone 5. He is working for Troy Bronaugh.




MARCUS BURROWS was hired as a Custodial Specialist. He is working for David Laster.




HENRY AVALOS was hired as a Custodial Supervisor. He is working for Stephanie Brecheisen.




MEGAN RINIKER was hired as a Custodial Specialist She is working for Jean Reynolds.




CONNOR AVALOS was hired as a Custodial Specialist. He is working for Jean Reynolds.




MADISON JAHNKE was hired as a Landscape Tech I. She is working for Darrin Dohrman.




TIMOTHY FULK was hired as a Custodial Specialist for Vet Med. He is working for Thomas O’Briant.




JUSTIN BEFORT was hired as a Project Manager for Planning. He is working for Jessica Ott.




On The Move!

 

 

Congratulations to JOSHUA HENDRY promoted to Landscape Tech II! He is working for Darrin Dohrman

 

 

 

 

 




 

 

Congratulations to WENDY SCHLESENER promoted to Motor Pool Manager! She is working for Casey Lauer.

 

 

 

 

 




 

 

Congratulations to SHANNON RUDER promoted to Procurement Officer II! She is working for Anne Murphy.

 

 

 

 

 




 

 

Congratulations to JOE ALTER promoted to Maintenance Supervisor Senior for Vet Med! He is working for Allan Leikam.

 

 

 

 

 




 

 

Congratulations to BEVERLY PRICE promoted to Custodial Manager! She is working for Linda Craghead.

 

 

 

 

 




KUDOS!

…to TRYSTAN BUSS (MOTORPOOL) for providing excellent customer service!

Trystan received high praise after providing assistance to a campus customer with an accounting issue.

 …I thanked him multiple times, but great customer service like this should be shared with administrators. Trystan is making a difference at K-State!

-Tina Horocofsky, Global Campus

 

 

Happy Retirement!


 

 

JOE MYERS (Grounds Manager) retired on May 31st.

Congratulations Joe!

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

RICK RENNER (Custodial Specialist) retired on June 1st.

Congratulations Rick!

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

WILLIAM GLOVER (Custodial Specialist) retired on June 28th.

Congratulations Bill!

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

RANDALL LINDSTROM (HVAC Tech Sr.) retired on July 1st.

Congratulations Randall!

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

ROBERT LEARNED (Plumber Sr.) retired on July 1st.

Congratulations Rob!

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

CALVETTE WILLIAMS (Custodial Specialist) retired on July 13th.

Congratulations Calvette!