Employee recognition

Congratulations to Deborah Alexander, Employee of the Quarter!

3rd Quarter 2022

Headshot of Michele Johnson Deborah Alexander, Custodial Worker 1, was nominated by Teresa Renteria for the Facilities Services Employee of the 3rd Quarter. Deborah has worked in Custodial Services for over 18 years. She always keeps an open mind and a willingness to serve university staff, faculty and students. She is always willing to share her knowledge, has served on committees, and volunteers to cover for colleagues at special events. During the first football game of the season, Deborah noticed a woman in the restroom in distress. Due to the high temperatures, university guests have experienced heat stroke and discomfort. Deborah found a shaded area for her and got her some water. After a few minutes, the lady began to feel better and thanked Deborah for taking time away from her work to ensure her well-being. Deborah's commitment and hard work did not go unnoticed, and her representation of the university makes her a valuable asset. Congratulations, Deborah!

Staff Employees' Council (SEC) Employees of the Month

Kyle Dazey

November 2022

Travis Christiansen

Kyle Dazey, Construction Project Coordinator 2, has made far-reaching impacts on the department and university. He revamped the mapping program to overhaul campus sign standards to elevate the quality of university construction drawings. Kyle provided graphic support to the Design Services Team by creating a beautiful elevation drawing and realistic model for review by the University administration of the new 9th and Virginia monument for program manager John Walsh. Kyle also works closely with Facilities Maintenance Services trades, project managers, and Parking Services and serves on multiple committees and taskforce projects. Kyle effortlessly balances extra projects with his myriad mapping, drafting, building auditing, and construction management responsibilities. Kyle is a highly valued member of our team, which is reflected in his great attitude, friendly demeanor, eye for detail, responsiveness, and incomparable problem-solving abilities. Congratulations, Kyle!

Ron Novakovich

September 2022

Ron Novakovich

Ron Novakovich, HVACR Specialist 1, joined Facilities Maintenance Services in April 2019. He has decades of HVACR and facilities maintenance experience in various commercial, residential, and military settings. Ron was an integral member in completing repairs for high-impact projects. He is a reliable volunteer willing to assist when equipment needs resetting unexpectedly due to power disruptions or equipment failures that occur late in the day. He also supports football games on the weekends. Ron’s knowledge base, strong work ethic, adaptability, professionalism, and problem-solving capabilities make him a valued member of the HVACR Team and an asset to the department and University. Congratulations, Ron!

Lew Thompson

March 2022

Lew Thompson

Lew Thompson, Plumber 1, joined the Plumbing Shop and immediately contributed to the team. He researched all the water heaters on campus to establish a preventative maintenance program discovering new water heaters in buildings unknown to the shop. This specific work led to fixing the hot water heater in Mackay Mines after 13 years! Lew is a dependable, organized, great team player, and positivity impacts our campus. Congratulations, Lew!

Past winners

Michele Johnson, Employee of the Second Quarter 2022

Michele Johnson, Supply Technician 1, was nominated by Mitchell Childs for the Facilities Services Employee of the 2nd Quarter. Michele has worked with the Purchasing Team in Maintenance Support Services for over 16 years. During the closing of the fiscal year, she expertly managed the complications that arose in purchasing regulations, lead times, vendor communications, and deadlines. Michele also took on additional responsibilities when the team was impacted by staffing changes. She learned to navigate and manage the air filter kitting process, trained a new team member, and requested training on all warehouse processes to aid in warehouse operations, organization and distribution of 1,400 uniforms. She also reorganized over 200 bin locations and assisted several hundred visitors and vendors. Michele is praised by team members and customers alike for her ability to respond to emergencies and solve complex problems quickly and effectively.

Congratulations, Michele!

Robert Arnold, Employee of the First Quarter 2022

Robert Arnold receiving his award. Robert Arnold, Maintenance Repair Specialist 1, was nominated by Jesse Sandwith for the Facilities Services Employee of the 1st Quarter. Robert is one of the quieter members of the Fire and Life Safety Team letting his work ethic and professionalism do the talking. Robert is responsible for servicing and repairing over 2,300 fire extinguishers annually on and off all University campus properties. Weighing 30 to 50-pounds, Robert removes them from their locations, brings back to the shop, discharges, disassemble, and hand-delivers them to the vendor for testing and refills, and vice versa! His efforts and dedication make him a valuable asset to the department and university.

Congratulations, Robert!

Becky Yazzie, Employee of the Fourth Quarter 2021

Becky receiving her award from Denise Baclawski Becky Yazzie, Painter 1, was nominated by the Paint Shop for the Facilities Services Employee of the 4th Quarter 2021. Becky’s commitment is visible through her dedication by exhibiting a positive attitude toward her co-workers and customers, mentoring and helping train her team members, being a champion for safety and an overall can-do attitude, friendly demeanor, and a great example of kindness. After 30 years, Becky retired in April and will leave a great void in the department and the University.

Congratulations, and we wish you the best, Becky!

Katie Newman, Employee of the Third Quarter 2021

Christina receiving her award from Denise Baclawski We are proud to announce Katie Newman, Manager for Safety and Human Resources, as our Employee of the Quarter for the 3rd Quarter of 2021.

Katie provides support to the largest workgroup on the campus of 221 employees. She does everything from recruiting top-notch talent to investigating accidents, developing and implementing policies, and providing guidance, support, and information to our employees. Her ability to serve various constituents in so many ways inspires confidence in all those who seek her counsel. Thank you, Katie!

Christina Estrada, Employee of the Second Quarter of 2021

Christina receiving her award from Denise Baclawski We are proud to announce Christina Estrada, Grounds Maintenance Worker 3, as our Employee of the Quarter for the 2nd Quarter of 2021.

Christina has served the University for 19 years and is a dedicated steward of our campus. She diligently maintains acres of landscaping, prepares our campus for special events such as graduation, and volunteers her time on various committees. She has formed great relationships with staff members due to her vast knowledge, attention to detail, and can-do attitude. Thank you, Christina!

Travis Christiansen, February 2022

Travis Christiansen, Grounds Supervisor 2, is a productive individual who can motivate people positively. He has led the Grounds Team to multiple successes on campus, including the coordination of installing and upgrading the smart irrigation controllers and trimming ornamental grasses. Travis invested extensive time in learning the program and has become an expert in managing the campus irrigation system. Travis’s leadership is visible through his team’s response to working together as a team and his dedication to making campus a better place. Congratulations, Travis!

Todd Belcher, December 2021

Todd Belcher, HVACR Supervisor 4, was nominated for the SEC Employee of the Month by Aspen Kuhlman and Mitchell Childs. Todd began his tenure with the university as a Grounds Maintenance Worker I. He transferred to Parking Services as a Maintenance Repair Worker II, where they say his smile was contagious. He soon made his way into the HVACR department, becoming the lead in the shop and a year later promoted to HVACR Supervisor. Todd has dedicated 23 years to the university and Facilities Maintenance Services. He continually works to get the impossible done and empowers and trains his team along the way. He remains an example of leadership and demonstrates sincere respect for others.

Juan Garcia-Arciniega, September 2021

Juan Garcia-Arciniega, Custodial Worker 1, was nominated for the SEC Employee of the Month by Teresa Renteria. Juan has worked for Facilities Maintenance Services for seven years. Juan’s ability to build relationships has made him a respected and trusted member of the custodial team and throughout the university. He is the go-to when there are questions about procedures and tasks and is always willing to help anyone. Congratulations, Juan!

Robert Koskinas, August 2021

Robert Koskinas, Grounds Maintenance Worker 3, was nominated for the SEC Employee of the Month by Travis Christiansen. Robert has worked with Facilities Maintenance Services for 22 years! Robert’s dedication to maintaining and improving the university’s landscape with all the changes and expansions can be seen during his tenure. He maintains the beautiful landscaping at the Cherry Blossom, Benson’s Garden, and Raymond Needham Paw Paw Grove, to the areas surrounding parking and the West Stadium Parking Garage. His team praises him for his great attitude and work ethic. Congratulations, Robert!

CJ Wagner, July 2021

CJ Wagner, Locksmith 2, was proudly nominated by the Fire and Life Safety Shop for the SEC Employee of the Month. CJ has worked with Facilities Maintenance Services (FMS) for six years. As a master locksmith, CJ is a valuable asset to the university. He has successfully established and managed multiple keying systems for new buildings or rekeying remodeled buildings on campus. CJ is known for his leadership, creative thinking, and process improvement by FMS. Congratulations, CJ!

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