When Chris Holmer started as a UW gardener in 2000, there were rumors that the cherry trees in UW's Quad would need to be removed within 10 years. But these campus icons continue to attract visitors and media attention every spring.
“I think they're kind of magical,” said Holmer, who is now lead gardener for the area. “They're not in the healthiest situation for them to grow. But every year they bloom and they look beautiful.”
DSA nominees honored at reception On March 8, nominees for the Distinguished Staff Award were honored at a reception in the HUB. Some of the UWF nominees gathered before the celebration. Pictured left to right, back row: Peter Gorokhovskiy, Alfonso Escobar, Jovanny Rivas, Nate Cienfuegos, Alan Horne, Mark Pekarek, James Hardwick, Mike Morris. Front row: Tsege Hailu, Asefash Gebrea, Mouang Saelee, Saba Hadgu. For the full list of UWF nominees, see Lou's email from January.
PDG celebrates LEED Platinum certification for Rosling Center The Hans Rosling Center for Population Health at the University of Washington has achieved LEED Platinum certification, the highest possible rating given out by LEED. Kudos to the Project Delivery Group for their work and commitment to sustainable building practices. Read the news release from UW News.
Make a nomination for the Husky Sustainability Award The Husky Sustainability Awards recognize exemplary achievement of an individual or team from the UW community who have demonstrated leadership, initiative and dedication to campus sustainability. You can nominate a staff, student, faculty and groups from any of the UW campuses. Submit your nominations by April 1.
Public health emergency declaration ends May 11 During the height of the pandemic, employees who were at high risk as identified by the CDC, were accommodated to work from home. This was based on the national Public Health Emergency declaration, which will expire on May 11, 2023.
Employees who believe they still need an accommodation for remote work will need to work through the UWF disability accommodation process and should reach out to their UWF Employee Relations Manager, Anne Marie Marshall or Reggie Taschereau. This process will require an updated UWF Health Care Provider Statement form reflecting the employee’s current serious health condition.
SafeCampus is here for you
If you have concerns about well-being and safety for yourself or others, call SafeCampus at 206-685-7233 to anonymously receive support at no cost.
WholeU resource guide: UW programs for grades 1-12, local day camps plus free and low-cost options.
Recognition
Welcome Welcome to our newest employees: Jason Beatty, Custodian Area E, Building Services; Alex Bruder, Mechanical Engineer, Engineering Services; Kristen Dickey, Construction Project Manager, Asset Management; Joshua Distler, Construction Project Manager, Asset Management; Caitlin Foster, Gardener 2 Shop 10, Maintenance & Construction; Arlene Hoehnen, Real Estate Accounting Manager, Finance & Administration; Katie Kadwell, Gardener 2, Maintenance & Construction; Scout Kenney, Custodian Area C Night, Building Services; Travis Martell, Custodian Area F, Building Services; Ross Parker, Electrician Shop 16, Maintenance & Construction; Luis Ruiz Vargas, Motor Equipment Service Attendant, Transportation Services; Zackariah Theel, Custodian Area C, Building Services; Casey Thurman, Trades Helper Shop 41, Maintenance & Construction; Shewit Weldu, Custodian Area F, Building Services; Terrell Wiggins, Maintenance Mechanic 1 Shop 17, Maintenance & Construction
Promotions Congratulations to the following people on their new roles: Richard Dean, Heavy Equip Operator Shop 10, Maintenance & Construction; Shane Eazor, Sheet Metal Mechanic Lead Shop 56, Maintenance & Construction; Dave Lietzke, Maintenance Mechanic Lead Shop 14, Maintenance & Construction; Ken McMaster, Maintenance Zone Project Manager HSZ, Maintenance & Construction
Retirements Lastly, a very sincere thanks to recent retirees Manuel Chacon (11.5 years), Al Frankenhauser (30.5 years) and Larry Mancinelli (15.8 years).
To read about other employee moves in February, please click here.
Eric Yerxa profiled by The Whole U
Night maintenance supervisor Eric Yerxa shares how he and his team keep campus safe and functioning while building community.
