Message from the Executive Director
I was reminded a few days ago that it was time to write an article for Foundations. I was surprised that another year has come and gone. Throughout the year I enjoy the seasons, but I am always happy to see winter in my rearview and spring arriving. I love the beautiful trees and flowers growing and blooming, Grounds crew maintaining our beautiful campus and the nice hum of lawnmowers! It is always a great time when the campus springs to life. It is the most beautiful and pleasant time of the year.
I look back on 2023 and see what the team has accomplished these past months, and I look forward to the many things that we hope to complete in the months ahead. The University is in growth mode, and Facilities plays a critical role in the successful growth of the campus.
This year has been a time of change for the Facilities Department. We saw multiple folks retire from the Facilities Department: Levi Grant, Tim Meny, and Fred Wilson. I am constantly amazed by the dedication that many folks give to the University. All three retirees had 20 or more years of service to the University. It is tough when 60+ years of knowledge and skill goes out the door in just a few months. Having the great pleasure to work with these folks, I am thankful for their dedication, professionalism, and great work ethic to our department and the University. They will all be missed.
While we miss those who have moved on, we have welcomed some new folks that will do great things at the University as well; Connor Brown, Eric Frazier, and Marc McDowell. Great things are happening throughout the campus and while there is much to do, we are excited for the current challenges and opportunities ahead. It continues to be an exciting time to be here at the University of Evansville.
I want to personally thank Bob Dale, Tony Holt, Lisa Cresci, and Karen McDonald for helping to manage multiple projects throughout campus. Whether it was the Softball turf installation, boiler replacements, Intramural Field turf replacement, HVAC issues or handling all things office related, these folks spend countless hours to ensure that campus looks great and building systems work well. Keep up the great work! This is my third spring here at the University of Evansville, and I am proud to be part of a team of Facilities professionals that play such a vital role in its success.
Sincerely,
Mike Averett
Executive Director, Office of Facilities Management
Mike Averett ensures the signage for the UE Emily M. Young Mental Health and Wellness Clinic is unveiled moments before the crowd moves for the ribbon cutting ceremony.
A collage of the Lincoln Commons construction project.
Get your game on in UE’s new Esports Center.
The Groundskeeping staff, pictured left to right: Jim McDonald, Bob Dale, Kevin Crawford, Josh Cox, Dave Sellers, Andy Bullock, Matt Schuetter, and John Inkenbrandt.
Kevin uses the bulldozer to compact debris from a summer storm.
In summer, your thoughts may turn to lounging by a pool. In Facilities Management, we have UE’s Roy and Mary Wyttenbach Pool on our minds all year.
Dakota collects a sample of the water from the Roy and Mary Wyttenbach Pool.
The Campus Maintenance staff form left to right: Jeremiah Brown, Connor Brown, Dakota Brown, Tim Hall, Tony Holt, Joe Davis, and Jake Oberhausen.
The Building Services staff, pictured left to right: Mark Kaczmarczyk, Kevon Cabell, Eric Frazier, and Marc McDowell.
Mark, Kevon, and Dakota dispose of damaged items.
Kevin is congratulated by Bob for receiving Facilities Management’s Employee of the Year 2023.
One of the reasons that we chose AE was for its user-friendly design and room to customize and expand the program as needed. The CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System) has been customized for our facilities growing and changing needs, but it also keeps up with trends in technology.
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