I&S Employee Newsletter - December 2019

Dear Infrastructure and Sustainability team,

I’m jumping back into our work this week energized from the Thanksgiving break and quality time spent with family. I hope each of you managed some similar meaningful moments over the long weekend, especially given the extra effort many of you put in last week due to the snow storm. I know many of our essential services personnel were on campus working to remove snow and otherwise keep campus buildings functioning during Fall Break. As I’ve mentioned before, I’m continually impressed by this team’s dedication to supporting the university mission, and I want to especially thank those who were on campus last week helping ensure the safety and success of our campus community. 

Making sure we dedicate time for ourselves personally is of equally great importance, and I hope you all are able to prioritize moments during this season for reflection and giving thanks. We have an exciting year ahead, and we enjoy the most success professionally when we’re taking care of ourselves personally as well.

As we wind down this calendar year, I look forward to the chance to see you all at two upcoming events where we can connect with our fellow I&S colleagues: our I&S Employee Appreciation Luncheon and Awards program and the “CU on Friday” festivities sponsored by our organization. More information on each is below.

Finally, in this spirit of Thanksgiving, I would be remiss if I did not mention Lisa Potter and thank her for her 37.5 years of service to the university. Lisa, our associate director of facilities operations and services, is retiring at the end of this month. She began her career here as a part-time custodian, earning promotions and taking on new duties at every turn as she progressed through the roles of training coordinator, shift manager, recycling and solid waste manager, assistant director of facilities management and finally her current role -- talk about devotion to this university. Lisa’s dedication and impact on CU Boulder is the type of legacy we should all aspire to achieve. Two other members of our team, Kat McGovern and Larry Hill, are also retiring (going-away details below) after 24-plus year careers on campus and likewise deserve our gratitude and congratulations. We are sad to see all three go but are excited for them and their journeys to come. To them, fair winds and following seas!

Sincerely,
David Kang, vice chancellor for infrastructure and sustainability

All I&S staff and student employees are invited to join your Infrastructure and Sustainability colleagues for the 2019 I&S Employee Appreciation and Awards Luncheon. The luncheon is from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 11 in the Glenn Miller Ballroom at the University Memorial Center. Please bring your Buff OneCard for admission. 

This month's "CU on Friday" event is being sponsored by Infrastructure and Sustainability. The event is this Friday, Dec. 6, from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Aspen Rooms at the University Memorial Center. Come join your colleagues and meet others from across campus for a "Home for the Holidays" theme that includes a gingerbread house decorating contest. Free sliders and snacks will be served. 

Retirement parties are slated for a pair of our longtime I&S colleagues. Kat McGovern has served as a journeyman HVAC mechanic and machinist for over 24 years, while Larry Hill, a project management supervisor in Planning, Design and Construction, has served the campus for more than 25 years. A party celebrating Kat's career will be held Monday, Dec. 16 from 10 a.m. to noon in ARCE room 620. A celebration for Larry will be held Thursday, Dec. 19 from 1 to 3 p.m. in RL2 room 376A. Come and help thank these colleagues and wish them well in their next adventures!

How long have you been working at CU?
A total of 25 and a half years. From 1984 to 1994 and from 2004 to present.

What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
I'm all over the place with woodworking, riding my Harley and stuff, but probably my favorite thing is playing music.

Tell us something that might surprise us about you.
I have nine great-grandchildren.

What do you love about CU Boulder?
The diversity and opportunity to learn new things and meet new people. I've worked on projects in nearly every building on campus with amazing, dedicated people.

What is your favorite type of music?
Classic rock.

What are you currently reading?
Good Neighbor by Maxwell King.

***Know someone doing great work? Nominate them for the next VCIS newsletter employee spotlight.***

Flying out of town this holiday season? CU employees can get discounted parking at several lots near Denver International Airport (DIA). Just view the list, pick a lot and follow the individual instructions for getting the CU discount. And don't forget that you can also skip the car altogether. Your EcoPass gets you free access to RTD's SkyRide routes to DIA.

Year-end is just around the corner. Follow these steps to ensure your Social Security Number, addresses and paychecks are correct. This will help ensure you receive an error–free W-2, allowing you to file taxes without delay.

Multiple sessions in the coming weeks offer our staff the opportunity to grow both professionally and personally, including:

• Dec. 12, New Employee Welcome Experience
• Dec. 18, Crucial Conversation Refresher: Explore other paths
• Dec. 20, CU Discover: Understanding your tuition assistance benefit

Please work with your supervisors to attend these or future trainings. Online registration is available at www.colorado.edu/hr/employee-learning. You can also contact Kelsey Draper in I&S Human Resources with questions at 303-735-6176 or kelsey.p.draper@colorado.edu.