Oct. 2 is National Custodian Day, but the staffs on the East Liverpool and Salem campuses deserve more than one day to recognize their efforts in recent months.
“These folks have been critical to our success and I can’t thank them enough,” noted Dr. David Dees, dean and CAO. “They, along with our maintenance crews, worked throughout the pandemic to keep operations going and to make significant changes to our internal spaces. They continue to be diligent about keeping our buildings clean and safe for students, staff, faculty and visitors.”
The crews on both campuses spent many hours preparing for a return to campus, rearranging classrooms, as well as study and lounge areas, to assure that social distancing standards were being met. They also put out signage and created sanitizing stations throughout the buildings.
Additionally, the custodial and maintenance crews worked to install plastic barriers in reception areas and offices.
Now that employees and students are back on campus – even at limited numbers – the custodial employees never stop. Restrooms and common areas must be cleaned and disinfected numerous times throughout each day, with a heightened importance to the effectiveness of their work.
“Our custodians do an amazing job, but over recent months, they have really stepped up and proved their worth,” Dees added. “I hope they know how much we all appreciate what they do.”
Cutline A: The custodial and maintenance employees from the Kent State Salem Campus include (from left) Charles Brant, Mario Denno, John Stainer, Debbie Hoopes and Philip “Buck” Snyder. They social distanced themselves for the photo and took off their masks just long enough for the picture to be taken (notice the masks in each of their hands!).
Cutline B: The custodial and maintenance employees from the Kent State East Liverpool Campus include (from left) Nate Adkins, Bob Allgood and Kenny Butler.