During its first year as a team for the American Heart Association Heart Walk, Facility Services placed fifth among the rest of the University’s groups, but it wouldn’t have been possible without a specific department ­- Building Services.
Tammy Millican, manager of communication and grants for Facility Services, said she’d originally met with AHA members to set up an event at the University, but she ended up connecting with them on a more personal level.
After agreeing to spearhead the team, Millican approached the different departments within Facility Services with the idea. She said she was especially encouraged by Building Services.
“In just a week or a week and a half, they’d already raised more than $600,” she said. “They’re just an amazing group of employees.”
The entire department raised $1,150 for the cause.
Igor Matkovic, evening shift custodian manager for the Office of Facility Services, took the lead for Building Services.
Over a two-week period, the department plastered its halls with red paper hearts.
“These people don’t make a lot of money,” Matkovic said. “But they were happy to step up and support this organization.”
Matkovic said he’s been impressed by how much work the Facility Services employees have put into the project, but he was never surprised by their efforts.
“They’re here to support the students,” he said. “People may think they’re just custodians, but there’s so much more behind it. These people are so generous.”
Kim Gardiner, assistant director of Building Services, said the department gets involved in several volunteer efforts throughout the year.
“They’re a great group of people,” he said. “They’re often paid the least and they always give the most.”
 
 
 
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Contact Rachel Warren at [email protected]