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For the employees who keep Boston College operating, this past winter was one for the memories, filled with overnight stays, double shifts and challenging conditions amidst a record snowfall. For the administration that runs the University, the effort and dedication shown by those employees was not to be forgotten either.
So last week, BC threw a special “Wicked Winter” reception in the Shea Room of Conte Forum to show its appreciation for the staff of Facilities Services, Dining Services, BC Police, Auxiliary Services, Health Services, Athletic Maintenance, Student Affairs, Emergency Management and other departments and offices that helped BC through the early months of 2015.
Those who attended the reception received a knit winter cap embroidered with a BC logo and a “Wicked Winter 2015” logo.
University President William P. Leahy, SJ, was among BC senior administrators attending the event to offer praise and thanks to the employees.
“It was a great team effort,” said Vice President of Facilities Management Dan Bourque. “We missed four days of class and had one late start, but if you look around the city and the conditions that people were dealing with, we were in much better shape. Our employees went above and beyond to do such a great job.”
Keeping up the University’s administrative, service and infrastructure operations was a supreme challenge: equipment that needed tending to, meals that needed to be cooked, street and sidewalks that needed to be cleared. If the employees didn’t get it done, said administrators, there was nowhere else to turn.
“When there’s a snow emergency, you can actually stay home and still get paid for the day,” says Lois Kass, a first cook at the Stuart Hall Dining Room. “But we still had people who came to work because on Newton Campus, the shuttle buses were shut down and there was nowhere to go. It was like being on an island. So a lot of us felt it was really important to make it into work to make sure the students were fed. It’s nice to be acknowledged for that.”
BC threw a similar party a few years ago after another challenging winter, but the unforgettable 2015 edition will long be remembered by those who had to work through it -– and so will the gratitude shown them by the University.
“I think it holds true to everything that Boston College encompasses: community, a sense of what we do for each other, the worth of the students and the safety of the students,” said Mark Dalton of Facilities Services. “It’s all encompassing, from Fr. Leahy down to the guy that salts the sidewalk. We have a great crew and great managers that allow us to do our job and we get it done.”
Ken Howland, a plumbing foreman in Facilities Services, said long shifts, fatigue and burnout were issues he and his men faced, and to be thanked was a worthy reward: “It’s really nice to be recognized. It’s good for the crew, it’s good for morale.”
“This celebration was really nice of BC,” said Debbie Brown, a cashier at Stuart Hall. “I’m really surprised because usually we do it and there’s a ‘thank-you’ from our managers but nothing school-wide. This is nice, and nicer that it came from high above.”
“I appreciate it,” said Associate Director of Technical Services Joe Ducie. “The University is acknowledging everyone’s hard work.”
“A pat on the back goes a long way,” said Michael Franks, a head mechanic in Facilities Services.