Custodian Appreciation Committee: Back Row:  Darren Gist, Jimmie Baker, Marino Lerma, Javier Portillo Front Row:  Susi Haveman, MacKensey Charles, Sunnie Gist, Tara Weachter, Maria Silva. Not pictured: Mary Alford, Pauline Olivas, Jilliandra Watkins, Jessica Bradley, Jennifer Kittler, Brandon Brown, Terri Stankiewicz (Photo/Robert Matsuo, Facilities Management ITS)

Who keeps our university in top shape? It's the People Behind the Scenes! Meet Facilities Management/Housing & Dining Services staff members Jilliandra Watkins, Susi Haveman, Darren Gist, MacKensey Charles and Sunnie Gist, who organized this year's Custodian Appreciation Day event.

What is one thing you would like people to know about the work you do?

Jilliandra Watkins, office manager, property services: Being in administrative classification, the work I do seems to change as needs arise within our department. I like that I'm given the flexibility to address the issues when I bring customer service and administrative needs to the attention of our director/s.

Susi Haveman, facilities management HR: What I do is ever changing. No day is the same and I like it that way. I'm in the middle of it all so I get to see what is happening on campus and within facilities, plus I do a variety of things including supporting the FacMan HR team so I feel like I get a taste of the whole department.

Darren Gist, operations manager, Housing & Dining Services: I'm passionate about making the work environment better than when I left it the day before, through continually trying to improve when I come to work each day.

MacKensey Charles, facilities management HR: I am here to help! The best part of my job is providing assistance to anyone and everyone I can. Helping makes me happy!

What do you like best about being a part of the CU community?

Sunnie Gist, supervisor, facilities management HR: It's true dedication from these committee members that made this year's and past year's Custodian Appreciation Celebration a big success. This demonstrates CUnity and teamwork.

Jilliandra Watkins: I like the high level of performance and pride that I find in CU employees. It's a highly productive community.

Susi Haveman: Definitely the people. Everyone is so nice. And I love the campus. Facilities does a wonderful job maintaining the grounds and the buildings. The campus is the prettiest part of Boulder.

Darren Gist: The people – whether it is the staff, students or other people that I work with, all trying to make CU into the best university it can be.

MacKensey Charles: I like the diversity of the CU community and the ability to get involved. There is always something happening on campus and with all of the opportunities presented to dive into new projects, it creates new occasions to meet a diverse group of individuals right here in my neighborhood.

What is your favorite activity/interest outside of work?

Jilliandra Watkins: I love to sing the blues!

Susi Haveman: Right now it's biking but pretty soon it will be skiing, so I guess it's doing anything outdoors with my family.

Darren Gist: Spending time with my lovely wife and my two beautiful children and being the best husband and father I can be.

MacKensey Charles: When I'm not at work, I enjoy being active in my environment. Whether it's going out on a long run or helping to start recycling programs in my surrounding area, the beautiful, crisp air of Colorado is what interests me most. From preserving it to taking it all in, I enjoy being outside with my friends and family and thinking of new ideas for keeping it green!