Every winter, dedicated Facilities Management employees work hard to keep the University up-and-running throughout severe weather and snowstorms.
Landscape Services crews start assembling their equipment and materials in early December, connecting plows and salt spreaders to vehicles and staging materials in the University’s various zones.
During a winter weather event, staff members clear roadways and walkways as soon as possible to ensure designated staff working on Grounds can safely access buildings and emergency vehicles can access the area.
“Even if [UVA] is completely empty, we do always need to maintain access for fire trucks and ambulances,” said Associate Director of Grounds Rich Hopkins, who oversees the department’s inclement weather response.
In January 2022, hundreds of Facilities Management staff members worked shifts around the clock during multiple back-to-back snowstorms. Many had to spend nights away from their families to ensure they would be available on Grounds, while others worked remotely despite childcare challenges and power outages.
“Thank you for going above and beyond to respond to the challenges of the snowstorm and its repercussions,” UVA President James Ryan wrote to FM staff following the first snowstorm of the season. “You did a remarkable job responding to the power outages, piled-up snow on sidewalks, and so much more…my thanks [to everyone] at Facilities Management—you all are true heroes.”
Central Grounds Zone Maintenance Senior Supervisor Randy Spencer was recognized in the spring of 2022 for going above the call of duty to assist one of his employees who couldn’t drive home safely after a day of snow duty in January.
One of Spencer’s employees called him to report that they had driven halfway home but couldn't safely complete the trip because of slippery roads. Spencer drove to meet the employee, helped them ensure their car was safely off the road and secure, and then drove them home. The next morning, Spencer departed his hotel very early so he could pick up the employee from home and ensure they were both on Grounds for snow duty by 6 a.m.
“Randy's support of his team is superb, and his personal sacrifices to help his employees demonstrates the strength of his character,” Central Grounds Maintenance Zone Manager Ryan Taylor wrote in a nomination letter.
Central Grounds Zone Maintenance Senior Supervisor Randy Spencer was recognized in the spring of 2022 for going above the call of duty and assisting one of his employees who couldn’t make it safely home after a day of snow duty (Photo by Jane Centofante / Facilities Management). Staff who performed snow removal duties during a January 2022 snowstorm included Landscape & Grounds Workers Joe Bishop and Lance Gentry, Landscape Specialist Bobby Breckenridge and Utilities Senior Plumber Gary Bickers (Photo courtesy of UVA President Ryan). Landscape & Grounds Worker James Covert removes a downed tree limb during a January 2022 snowstorm, which resulted in extensive damage to trees on Grounds (Photo by Sanjay Suchak / University Communications).
The early January 2022 snowstorms were particularly challenging because they occurred immediately after an extended holiday break and quickly escalated with intense, heavy snow and significant wind gusts. Trees on Grounds suffered extensive damage, leading to blocked streets and power outages on Grounds and at employee residences.
“I’m extremely proud of our teams’ dedication to maintaining a safe living and learning environment here on Grounds during and after snowstorms, even when it means being out on Grounds throughout a storm and putting to the side whatever impact it may be causing back at their homes,” Director of Operations Rollie Zumbrunn told UVA Today in early January 2022.
“As is always the case, the past couple of days they’ve done an incredible job supporting the University and I greatly appreciate their hard work,” he said.