As you know, February brought challenging weather this year. Two weeks ago, we had any icy glaze followed by extremely cold temperatures that froze pipes and created utility problems. We then had two of the heaviest snows we have seen in the last several years.

Through all of this, the university’s front-line staff traveled to work in sometimes treacherous road conditions. They worked extra shifts to keep the campus safe, kept buildings warm and clean, and ensured that our operations continued.

• Grounds staff started work early, stayed late, and came in on their days off to spread ice melt and clear sidewalks, roadways, parking lots and other areas.
• Custodial staff did their part as well, clearing ice and snow from building entrances and cleaning up wet messes in buildings due to ice and snow that was tracked in. They often worked late to respond to issues and finish their regular tasks.
• University safety patrolled campus to help stranded drivers, ensure buildings were secure, respond to calls, and provide access to buildings for service contractors.
• Facilities maintenance staff performed their regular work and then worked extra hours to check buildings for areas that might freeze.
• Power house staff worked to ensure the campus had heat, especially when gas supply was limited. At times, extraordinary measures were taken and long shifts were worked to keep equipment running and help control utility costs.
• When pipes broke and leaks occurred, maintenance staff responded quickly at all hours to shut off the water and make repairs, helping to limit damage. Custodial staff responded to clean up leaks (some of which were severe) in our buildings.

Show your appreciation

This has been a team effort by staff across the university. I hope you will join me in sincerely expressing your appreciation for their work.

If you see a custodian, maintenance worker, groundskeeper, safety officer or other front-line worker, take time to thank them for their work. Each brings their expertise and drive to work each day to ensure that the mission of the university continues even when the weather does not cooperate.

This year’s severe cold appears to have passed, but our staff continue to work to make repairs to damaged areas. A few of our buildings, such as Plaster Student Union and Cheek Hall, have sustained more serious damage that will take longer to repair. In these locations, we will team with outside contractors to make repairs and restore operations.

Some repairs will take longer than others. We appreciate your patience as we complete this work.

Thanks for all you do for Missouri State!