Pats on the Back for this calendar year below!
Recognize a co-worker for a job well done by submitting a Pat on the Back. Pats on the Back are published in the Dispatch, on the bulletin boards and on ERIN. Send your POBs to fscustomerrelations@illinois.edu or turn them into Customer Relations & Communications in Room 147 of the Physical Plant Services Building.
Submissions may be edited for style and clarity.
April 2026
April 17
COVERAGE OF GIRL SCOUTS OF CENTRAL ILLINOIS STEM EVENT AT ABBOTT POWER PLANT
Katie Balch, Customer Relations & Communications
Steve Breitwieser, Customer Relations & Communications
I wanted to take a moment to thank Katie Balch and Steve Breitwieser for their support of the Girl Scout STEM event at Abbott Power Plant on April 11, 2026.
They did an excellent job documenting the event through both still photography and video. Their work will help us capture and share the impact of the day, and it was clear they approached the effort with professionalism and attention to detail.
Both Katie and Steve represented themselves, the University, and your department in a very positive and professional manner. Their support was an important part of making the event a success and is greatly appreciated.
Please pass along my thanks to both of them.
Regards,
Russell R. Reynolds
Chief Utility Plant Operating Engineer
SUPERB BSW SUPPORT AT THE TURNER STUDENT SERVICES BUILDING
Derin Scott, Building Services
I am writing to share my gratitude for Derin who has been our dedicated BSW here at Turner Student Services Building 410. He has supported our space with a high level of professionalism, adaptability, and attention to detail that I wanted make sure to send my appreciation for.
I’m also a firm believer in giving credit where credit is due. Even beyond our 410 suite, he has been a tremendous help to keep our lobby space organized and squared away even in the midst of everchanging remodeling construction arrangements for the new suite being opened across from us. I am thankful for his help in keeping our space continuously well prepared for the day ahead.
Thank you Derin for everything that you do. You are doing a great job and team FGSI appreciates you!
Best regards,
Jennifer Mendez, M.A.
Director, First Generation Student Initiatives Michael L. Jeffries, Sr. Center for Access and Academic Success
EXCEPTIONAL RESTROOM CLEANING AT PPSB
Kent Olsen, Building Services
Josh Stillabower, Building Services
I’d like to officially recognize two outstanding BSWs, Kent Olsen and Josh Stillabower. Early this morning, I visited the women’s restroom in PPSB, and it truly stood out—it looked, felt, and smelled like it had been thoroughly deep cleaned. I don’t usually comment on restroom cleanliness, but this one was exceptional!
Thank both for your efforts and attention!
Stephanie Landess
Administrative Assistant to the Associate Vice Chancellor
Administrative Assistant to the Senior Director of Planning, Design and Construction
WATER LEAK RESPONSE IN THE HENRY ADMINISTRATION BUILDING
Building Maintenance & Grounds
Engineering Services
Utilities & Energy Services
We had a number of F&S units help us with this incident today. Their support has been excellent and very prompt. We greatly appreciate that.
We really appreciate how fast you all responded. It was great having a full team of professionals there addressing the situation. Your support is fantastic. We are lucky to have all of you.
Your support is fantastic.
Nyle Bolliger
Associate Vice President and Chief Technology Officer
University of Illinois System
Administrative Information Technology Services
THANK YOU FROM THE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY AHEAD OF THEIR OPEN FORUM
All F&S Team Members coordinating on University Library projects and initiatives.
Your team has been a delight to work with on revising the overall plan this year (and for the million other things we collaborate on). Thank you for that.
CLAIRE STEWART
Juanita J. and Robert E. Simpson Dean of Libraries and University Librarian
April 10
REMARKABLE CLEANING AT CHEMISTRY ANNEX
Dave Odenweller, Building Services
For the BSW working in Chem Annex currently, I continue to get great/outstanding/wonderful reports coming from this building.
Please pass along a thank you!
Karla Southern
School of Chemical Sciences
Assistant Director of Facilities and Safety
GREAT F&S TEAM EFFORT AT THE PRESIDENT’S HOUSE
Tim Mininger, Building Maintenance
Building Service Workers
Electricians
Laborers
Pipefitters
Plumbers
Refrigeration Mechanics
Steam Distribution Operators
On behalf of House Staff and President and Mrs. Johnson Killeen, we would like to extend a huge THANK YOU to everyone who came over this morning to address and fix the flooding issue in the basement.
We consider ourselves very fortunate to have such a helpful and knowledgeable team who always go above and beyond to take great care of us!
We really do appreciate it very much!
Thanks again,
Alison Scott
Senior Facility Operations Coordinator
University of Illinois System, The President’s House
April 3
LAST-MINUTE EVENT COVERAGE
Katie Balch, Customer Relations & Communications
Gracias for being so willing to step in and cover events, even those with short notice. It really helps the team, and I appreciate how dependable you are. Adjusting your schedule at the last minute isn’t always easy, but your positive attitude in doing so speaks volumes about your commitment and professionalism. Your flexibility and team first attitude do not go unnoticed.
Saludos,
Malikah Gordon
Director of Customer Relations & Communications
Facilities & Services
ELECTRICAL WORK THAT SUPPORTS THE RESEARCH COMMUNITY
Casey Reisner, Electricians
I want to send a short note of appreciation for the amazing work Casey does in service of the MRL research community. His hard work, efficiency, and adaptability has enabled the University to win major research awards and generate research of national importance. When work needs to be done to enable our researchers to meet the requirements of their programs, Casey makes it happen. I personally enjoy interacting with him and I know the rest of my staff do too.
Best,
Paul V. Braun
Director, Materials Research Laboratory
Grainger Distinguished Chair in Engineering
Departments of Materials Science and Engineering, Mechanical Science and Engineering, Chemistry, & Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
March 2026
March 27
COMPREHENSIVE TEAM SUPPORT FOR AN ELECTRICAL OUTAGE AT DAVENPORT HALL
Capital Projects
Commissioning & Inspection
Direct Digital Controls
Electricians
High Voltage Electricians
Refrigeration Mechanics
Steam Distribution Operators
Temperature Control Mechanics
Utilities Distribution
I would like to recognize and sincerely thank everyone involved in the recent electrical outage at Davenport. From the early start yesterday morning through completion today, the work was not only finished ahead of schedule, but carried out with exceptional dedication, accuracy, and consistent communication from the entire team.
Please extend my heartfelt appreciation to the team on the ground assisting with this outage. Their professionalism, pride, and commitment were evident throughout the project, and their efforts were instrumental in making this outage such a success and bringing the building back online for the final phase.
I would also like to specifically thank the Potter Electric team. Their hard work and attention to detail was outstanding, and I am truly grateful for the effort each individual contributed.
Many thanks,
Karla Southern
School of Chemical Sciences
Assistant Director of Facilities and Safety
March 20
CORK FLOOR REVITALIZATION AT THE INSTITUTE FOR GENOMIC BIOLOGY
Matt Flaningam, Building Services
James Gillen, Building Services
James Hudson, Building Services
Chris Wasson, Building Services
I would like to give a pat on the back to the following BSW’s for the work on revitalizing the cork flooring at IGB.
Thank You
Roger Treakle
Foreperson, Deep Night Floors
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Facilities & Services
Transportation & Building Services
March 13
FANTASTIC CUSTODIAL SERVICE AT VETERINARY MEDICINE
Myra Smith, Building Services
When we do have different service workers, they have done a great job ensuring the bathrooms are cleaned, trash is taken out, and the carpets are vacuumed.
Especially the woman who covered last week—she was amazing.
Thank you!
PAYTON VAUGHN
Human Resource Representative
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
College of Veterinary Medicine
OUTSTANDING SHOP SUPPORT BY THE ENTIRE TEAM THROUGHOUT A LEADERSHIP TRANSITION PERIOD
Building Maintenance – Electricians (Shop 3)
Tim Abrahamson
Luther Baker
Matt Barbee
Brent Burr
Kevin Carroll
Jeffrey Deem
Chad Dunn
Keith Grob
Jake Hughes
Ryan Jones
Ben Kinder
Larry Lustfeldt
Cody Nichols
Shane Street
Dan White
Blake Withers
I became foreman of this shop In June of 2024, and they made the transition seamless. They continue to complete work to the highest standards.
John Mingee
Electricians Foreperson
MEAT SCIENCES LABORATORY PROJECT
Kip Doyle, Capital Projects
Thank you as well for continuing to advocate for the user group and our interests. That effort is recognized and appreciated, especially given the complexity of balancing technical requirements, stakeholder expectations, and project constraints.
Best,
Doug Wolters
Senior Director of Operations
College of ACES
March 6
MCKINLEY HEALTH CENTER SATELLITE CLINIC AT THE ILLINI UNION
Trent Beane, Capital Projects
Hi Trent,
We are excited to see this project move forward. Thank you for all the work you put into both of our projects. Your communication has been the best I have seen in the past projects I have been a part of.
RAE FLETCHER, PhD, MBA
Associate Director of Ancillary Services, MHC
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
McKinley Health Center
February 2026
February 27
DEAN’S HIGH FIVE FROM THE GIES COLLEGE OF BUSINESS FOR TREMENDOUS CARD ACCESS SUPPORT
Bob Pollet, Access Controls
Ravi B. Ramrattan, Access Controls
Chad Wahls, Access Controls
At Gies, we care deeply about making sure people feel seen, heard, and valued – and that’s because people like you are the engine that keeps this College moving. Your work helps transform our learners’ lives, strengthens our community, and makes coming to work more meaningful (and more fun!).
I heard that you have been awesome campus colleagues as we continue to get security and access permissions set up in Wymer Hall and I wanted to personally say thank you for your extra service.
Please accept this Dean’s High Five as a sincere expression of my appreciation. Thank you for the energy and commitment you bring to Gies. You help make this a truly special place.
Best,
Brooke
W. BROOKE ELLIOTT
Josef & Margot Lakonishok Professor and Dean
February 20
OUTSTANDING EFFORTS TO SUPPORT THE PRESENTATION OF F&S’ NOONTIME KNOWLEDGE EVENTS
Rebecca Bigelow, Customer Relations & Communications
Joseph Meeker, Human Resources, Diversity & Strategy
Julie O’Mahoney, Utilities & Energy Services
Thanks for your continued, extra efforts to secure the participation of excellent guest speakers for the ongoing F&S Noontime Knowledge series and to help promote the availability of these virtual events to team members and campuswide audiences. These sessions and the timely nature of these discussions provide outstanding opportunities to learn in-depth about the goals, perspectives, and operations of other academic and administrative units while strengthening relationships and future engagement channels with many subject-matter experts at the U. of I.
STEVEN BREITWIESER
Manager of Communications & External Relations
Facilities & Services
Customer Relations & Communications
February 13
MILESTONE SAFETY ACHIEVEMENT AT ABBOTT POWER PLANT
Approximately 12 years ago we asked ourselves what it would take to improve our safety culture and performance. We claimed safety as a core value and principle and asked what we needed to do to better live out that value each day. Russ Reynolds challenged us to consider making a commitment to the aspirational goal of Zero Accident Performance, ZAP. I along with many others questioned and even doubted this goal. However, when we paused to consider any alternative goals, 10, 5, or even 1 Accident Performance, the course we needed to take was obvious and clear.
And so we embarked on a journey to achieve ZAP! While the journey has come with it’s struggles, challenges, ups and downs, the success is hard to deny. You all have achieved what others (me included) once considered improbable and many impossible. When we embarked on this journey, I considered going 1 or perhaps 2 years without a lost time accident a huge success. Today you all sit with 7 consecutive years having achieved ZAP success!
The University has a goal to become a best-in-class institution. That goal covers all facets of what we strive to do, and I am beyond proud to say that I am part of a team that has clearly set themselves apart at the University of Illinois has having a best-in-class approach to safety.
Michael James Larson
Associate Director of Utilities Production
Facilities & Services
GREAT SOFTWARE TESTING SUPPORT FROM THE SERVICE OFFICE
Jerry Dinnin, Service Office
Molly Mitsdarfer, Service Office
Melissa Price, Service Office
Susan Zich, Service Office
James Scherer, Service Office
Thank you for your help with testing and deploying of the React application. We made it without a single ticket or production issue 🤞. Really couldn’t have done it without the support from you and your team over the past year.
Thanks again! 😊
Sangeetha Satyam
Senior Business Analyst
F&S Information Technology Services
EXPRESSING THANKS TO A COLLEAGUE
Ian Harp, Utilities & Energy Services
I would like to give Ian Harp a pat on the back. He is always willing to help out when an extra hand is needed. Friendly and easy to get along with. Thank you Ian
Adam Harris
STEAM AND POWER PLANT III
Facilities & Services
February 6
RETRIEVAL OF A LOST COMPUTER AND PERSONAL ITEMS AT THE STATE FARM CENTER
Montez Harris, Transportation
Kirby Moxley, Transportation
Denver Piatt, Transportation
Derek Wilsey, Transportation
Just wanted to share a feel good story.
On Friday, 1/23/26, we received a call from student that had attended the Illinois Men’s Basketball game at SFC on Wednesday. He had left his backpack unattended and when he returned it was gone. He checked with SFC and was told it was most likely thrown away and he should contact us. I explained to him that if it was thrown away it would still be in the compactor at SFC and they only have it dumped on Wednesdays. He was rather upset because his laptop, notebooks and textbooks were in it. It was a little after lunch and we are down to one pit in the north end due to some repairs, so I talked with Kirby to make sure dumping it wouldn’t mess anything up. Kirby agreed the student needed it so I sent Montez Harris to pick the compactor up. Once Montez got it dumped Kirby kept look out while Derek Wilsey, Shop 37, carefully turned the garbage over with his skid steer. In the middle of the pile Derek spotted the backpack while moving the trash. Kirby pulled it out and we contacted the student and told him we had his backpack. He was very thankful and relieved to get his stuff back, and believe it or not it was all intact and not smashed but was wet and covered in garbage juice.
This is what happens when you have people that care about the students because they are the reason we are here.
Denver Piatt
DRIVER SUB-FOREPERSON
Transportation and Waste Management Services
Facilities & Services
APPRECIATION FOR COURTEOUS WORK BY PIPEFITTERS IN PPSB OFFICE AREAS
Laura Abbott and Jordyn Brock were both very considerate in how their work would in the offices at PPSB would effect our schedules and did their best to coordinate with us to minimize disruption. Thanks for making something that could have an inconvenience painless!
Bridgette Moen, PLA
Landscape Architect
Facilities & Services
OUTSTANDING UTILITIES AND CONTROL SYSTEMS SERVICE SUPPORT FOR CAMPUS BUILDINGS AND INFRASTRUCTURE DURING EXTREME COLD AND WINTER STORM CONDITIONS
Zach Abbott, Utilities & Energy Services
Paul Barton, Utilities & Energy Services
Andy Brown, Utilities & Energy Services
Bill Buesing, Utilities & Energy Services
Devin Cox, Utilities & Energy Services
Jake Dalton, Utilities & Energy Services
Bruce Frerichs, Utilities & Energy Services
Peyton Goad, Utilities & Energy Services
Kyler Gorman, Utilities & Energy Services
Bill Heinz, Utilities Energy & Services
RJ Hettinger, Utilities & Energy Services
Travis Huls, Utilities & Energy Services
Carey Kaeding, Utilities & Energy Services
Daryl Witte, Utilities &Energy Services
Paul Wright, Utilities & Energy Services
I would like to give a huge shoutout and thank you to everyone who worked over the very cold, snow-filled weekend to keep our campus buildings warm and comfortable.
I would especially like to recognize Paul Wright, Bill Buesing, Jake Dalton, RJ Hettinger, Daryl Witte, Travis Huls, Paul Barton, Kyler Gorman, Zach Abbott, Andy Brown, Bruce Frerichs, Peyton Goad, Bill Heinz, Devin Cox, and Carey Kaeding for coming in over the weekend and ensuring the campus remained operational.
Your dedication and hard work are truly appreciated. Thank you all for going above and beyond!
Thanks,
Mike Voorhees
Management Engineer Shops 41 & 55
Facilities & Services
January 2026
January 30, 2026
Khoi Nguyen, Building Maintenance
John Smith, Building Maintenance
Dan Hudson, Building Maintenance
Brandon Gibson, Building Maintenance
Jason Gramlich, Building Maintenance
Andrew Pellum, Building Maintenance
Chris Eads, Building Maintenance
Jeff Burton, Building Maintenance
Jim Wells, Building Maintenance
Kevin Karnes, Building Maintenance
Chris Clayborn, Building Maintenance
Adam Gillespie, Building Maintenance
Andrew Kester, Building Maintenance
Cory Kappes, Building Maintenance
Justin Schmidt, Building Maintenance
Brett Likens, Building Maintenance
Mason Ray, Building Maintenance
Chris Corzine, Building Maintenance
Rodney Wood, Grounds
Nick Strohl, Grounds
James Harper, Grounds
Darren LaReau, Grounds
K. Zakk Kerr, Grounds
Beau Renshaw, Grounds
Chad Garrett, Grounds
Greg Carlson, Grounds
Terrance Bialeschki, Grounds
Anterrio Sims, Grounds
Stacey Kinney, Grounds
Carol Winn, Grounds
Jonas Barton, Grounds
Michael Breeden, Grounds
Joseph Jessee, Grounds
Demarco Burden, Grounds
Shaun Edwards, Grounds
Reed Coleman, Grounds
Jason Waller, Grounds
Chris McGee, Grounds
Alice Needham, Grounds
Justin Deters, Grounds
Thomas Kellogg, Grounds
Marc Hollett, Grounds
Percell Shaw, Grounds
Eric Law, Grounds
Adrian Flowers, Grounds
Lawrence Daniels, Grounds
Trent Worley, Grounds
Jermey Horton, Grounds
Bill Brunner, Grounds
Zac Isaksen, Grounds
Please let all the teams who worked during this winter storm know that the campus leadership sent their gratitude (see below). It looks like we got a total of about 7 inches. My favorite line below is from emergency management’s leader who said, “Once again, you’re able to see something at the university you can’t see off-campus- the actual roadways and sidewalks!”
Please stay safe and stay awesome!
Thank you,
Morgan B. White (she/her)
Interim Associate Vice Chancellor of Facilities & Services
Director of Strategic Initiatives and Sustainability
+
Thank you to all the team members who were on campus over the weekend for students, research, public safety, and facilities. I know many teams have been working many hours.
They will continue to keep us updated on energy-related changes due to prolonged cold temperatures and/or on any facility issues, such as pipes or heating.
The sun is out, and that is always good news!
Aimee
Aimee Heeter
Senior Vice Chancellor for Finance & Administration
+
A warm THANK YOU to the F&S leadership and teams that have been working non-stop to keep the streets and sidewalks clear. Once again, you’re able to see something at the university you can’t see off-campus – the actual roadways and sidewalks!
I’m grateful to work alongside you all,
BRIAN R BRAUER, RN, ED.D.
Executive Director of Emergency Management
January 23, 2025
Joe Meeker, Human Resources, Diversity & Strategy
Joe Meeker is a valued member of the Human Resources, Diversity, & Strategy team who consistently goes above and beyond, supporting both HRDS and Facilities & Services. Day after day, Joe is often the first team member to step in and assist with walk-ins and employee inquiries, ensuring everyone feels welcomed and supported.
Joe never hesitates to help or seek solutions, even when questions fall outside his direct area of expertise. He takes the initiative to find answers, connect customers with the right resources, and ensure their needs are met. His willingness to go the extra mile and his positive, collaborative approach make him an outstanding team player.
Joe is a prime example of what excellent customer service looks like!
Jennifer Weaver
Human Resources Coordinator
—
Jordyn Brock, Building Maintenance
Laura Abbott, Building Maintenance
I wanted to take the time to let you how much we all appreciate the work that Jordyn and Laura have done. We have had our traps changed a few times in recent years, and once again this year we had to have it done. I do believe we just might have a different outcome this time though. What makes the difference is that Jordyn and Laura went into spaces that have never been taken care of before as well as making sure all of them were fitted and/or fixed with the correct parts. They made sure they paid attention to details, wrote placement and specifics on the floor plan, and did a thorough job on everything they touched.
I wanted to make sure you heard from a very happy customer.
I hope you have a great day,
JENNY DYE
Office Administrator
Illinois Human Resources
January 16, 2025
Addison Boyd, Engineering & Construction Services
Stan Kaiser, Engineering & Construction Services
I wanted to drop a complementary note to share the experience I’ve had with the construction coordination and the work of the UI trades on the project at the Advanced Computation Building in the EOC and RTIC.
In 25+ years at the university, this is the smoothest project I’ve contracted for. That credit goes to Addison, the project coordinator, and his coach, Stan.
I’ve not had to “pull” information from Addison- updates are regular, and accurate. He’s done an amazing job coordinating between the inside and outside trades so that the space was ready ahead of schedule for the installation of the video walls, which began last week. Everyone showed up when expected, and the timeframe for work was accurate.
The project is also currently under budget for the construction side, another new experience for me! That’s probably due to the work leaning into the holiday and fewer folks being around to make changes to the plan.
Addison is a keeper – please pass on my thanks.
BRIAN R BRAUER, RN, ED.D.
Executive Director of Emergency Management
—
Tarun Kumar, Planning, Design, & Construction
It isn’t often that I send an email simply to share positive feedback rather than to ask for something, but I wanted to take a moment to do just that.
ACES is extremely pleased to have Tarun serving as the project manager for both the IBRL project (U25019) and the Manure Waste Storage Lagoon project (U25035). It has been refreshing to work with someone we can consistently rely on to keep projects on schedule and within budget. Tarun is very responsive to emails and questions, and he does an excellent job keeping the project team focused, organized, and moving forward.
The IBRL project, in particular, has a challenging schedule and budget and involves a high level of complexity. The user group has been very pleased with Tarun’s management of the project and his ability to navigate these challenges effectively.
I wanted to be sure this feedback was shared.
Douglas J. Wolters
Senior Director of Operations, Architect
College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences
January 9, 2026
Tyler Barger, Building Services
Ruslan Buralev, Building Services
Chris Clayborn, Building Services
Dylan Cockrim, Building Services
Zackery Daniel, Building Services
Nia Diaz, Building Services
Adriyaunna Fears, Building Services
Joshua Ingersoll, Building Services
Chris Jones, Building Services
Kasie Jones, Building Services
Chris Mathews, Building Services
Ralph Nevils, Building Services
Willie Osler, Building Services
Fran Phan, Building Services
Armani Saddler, Building Services
Patrick Spitz, Building Services
I just want to give a huge shoutout and thanks to everyone that helped with the weekend snow removal a few weeks ago! It was still snowing on a few occasions, and the weather was bitter cold. Just wanted them to know their hard work and dedications is greatly appreciated!
Thank you,
Demeka Poke
BUILDING SERVICE FOREPERSON