Any member of the UW‐Madison community can submit a nomination for any FP&M employee. Managers and supervisors can nominate staff, employees can nominate their supervisors, and co‐workers can nominate one another.
File: FPM-Employee-Recognition-Awards-FAQ.pdf
See shout-outs and kudos for those who have been going above and beyond.
I have a lot of appreciation for all of our lead workers for their assistance in adapting to the new changes on campus this past year. They have stepped up to these challenges and their support and leadership have greatly helped operations continue smoothly through difficult times.
I would like to specifically thank new lead worker Jason Kauffold for his assistance managing the snow removal operations this past month through some particularly heavy snow, freezing temperatures, and high winds. Despite this, the third-shift crews I’ve worked with and observed around campus have been putting forth a strong effort with an attention for detail this year. Thank you all.
–Tracker Dunn, Custodial Services Supervisor, crew 346
Shout-out to John Gausman and Mike Vanderwegen for the work on Rooms 3310 and 4310 at Computer Science; they look wonderful! The extra work on the furniture makes them look new again, and certainly makes the room much more inviting.
-Christine (CJ) Johnston
Josh Evridge, Dennis Becker, Jeff Walter, Kirstin Selchow, Phil Drees, Cindy Mrozenski, and Heather Bockhop are all recognized for their outstanding work on an office remodel project in Van Vleck. The customer is thrilled with the results and is looking forward to being back on campus so her team can enjoy their new space!
“Well Dennis, your crew did a really good job of trying to fix whatever happened! Looking at these pictures, other than 958, the smears and white powder look almost all removed. I don’t know what that was but I’m impressed your crew was able to do what they did with it!”
-Customer at Law Library
Thank you to everyone who voluntarily came in on a Sunday to assist with removing snow on campus steps. Ross Berge, Paul Becker, Dave Mathews, Jerry Edgington, Malik Mitchell, Marty Scharrer, and Chance Sayre, your work is greatly appreciated!
A big thank you goes out to carpenters Brian Meyer and Chad Allen and sheet metal workers Justin Zitlow, Pete Cooley, and Charles Chladil for their work on the gutters in Fluno Center Garage Lot 83. Water had been traveling down the concrete columns of the garage but thanks to their help, the water now successfully travels down the gutters. Their solution helped the university avoid a massive repair expense. Great work, everyone!
Andy Sharp is recognized by his team members in Stores! Andy goes above and beyond for his work and is always kind, courteous and positive. Keep up the excellent work, Andy!
Gratitude and appreciation go out to Jon Hedgecock, Shannon O’Connell, Marcella Otter, and Mark Gilles for their great work replacing the sinks in a woman’s restroom in the Law Building. The new sinks were installed in less than a day and the customer is very pleased with the results. Kudos to you all for the fantastic collaboration!
Clay Eckstein from the finishing shop received recognition for the great job he did painting inside the Law Library. The customer is extremely pleased with how well he was able to match the old and new paint colors. Keep up the great work, Clay!
Is there someone from your unit or across FP&M that deserves a kind word or quick thank-you? Send a shout-out of your own to be featured on Inside FP&M and in an upcoming FP&M Employee Newsletter.
NOMINATE! Give even more substantial recognition for someone’s exceptional efforts over time—nominate an FP&M employee or team for a Recognition Award.
Complete the form on Inside FP&M: go.wisc.edu/nominate-fpm.
See tips for a successful nomination here.
Employee recognition is part of our culture. Learn more on the FP&M Employee Recognition program page and how to get involved directly with the committee.
See shout-outs and kudos for those who have been going above and beyond.
A big shout out to Brent Emery of the Steamfitters shop for all his efforts in diagnosing valve and damper issues on Air Handling Units across campus. Even with the recent cold weather, issues have been significantly less in comparison to previous years. This is due to Brent’s hard work and making this a top priority. Thank you Brent!
-Brian Culles, Dan Stanford, Ed Corcoran, and Ray Wahl
Rebecca’s understanding and internal process to FP&M occupational injuries is flawless. The Worker’s Compensation claim process is very complex however Rebecca has always been an extraordinary resource. She does her job to the utmost competence. She is approachable, accessible and works in partnership with Risk Management’s loss control efforts. (See full shout-out)
-Michelle Discher
I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to these members of Crew 338. Their determination, dedication and teamwork could not have been on display any more than it was Thursday night, February 4, 2021 in less-than-desirable conditions. The workload they attempted to conquer with 6 people was an impossible ask, yet they did a more-than-an admirable job—particularly with the snow removal/salting, trash removal, and disinfecting of restrooms (with little assistance from me prior to 3am).
I couldn’t be more proud and humbled by their extraordinary efforts tonight and am certainly blessed for their dedication to UW and our team. These folks ROCK! Extra Kudos to Roger Dote for is outstanding efforts on the morning of Sunday, January 31, 2021 with emergency snow removal operations. What a tremendous help he was!
-Johnny Lohrentz
Thank you for your willingness to follow up on occupational injuries. Risk Management appreciates the time and effort you have contributed to promoting safety culture within your department. (See attachment)
-Michelle Discher
Just want to acknowledge Alex Pastena with Transportation Services IT team Despite the fact Alex is quite new, he has been providing immediate support to our department, including data retrieval and analysis, and for that I have to say “thank you” – especially for your timely responses as we navigate these challenging times!
-Peter J. Armstrong
Thanks to Laura Gower, Brandon Dowd. and the Maint. Mechanic staff for assisting EH&S with completing Emergency Shower & Eyewash Station inspections. The need to adjust schedules and responsibilities to make this happen in a tight time frame did not go unnoticed. Great job to all involved.
-Ray Wahl
Shout out to Field Service’s Enforcement and Maintenance staff for the excellent work they did during snow events the last few weeks! The staff were focused and productive in cleaning the pedestrian access points and drive lanes at parking structures during and after the last two big snow events. Great work everyone!
-Troy Ruland
Is there someone from your unit or across FP&M that deserves a kind word or quick thank-you? Send a shout-out of your own to be featured on Inside FP&M and in an upcoming FP&M Employee Newsletter.
NOMINATE! Give even more substantial recognition for someone’s exceptional efforts over time—nominate an FP&M employee or team for a Recognition Award.
Complete the form on Inside FP&M: go.wisc.edu/nominate-fpm.
See tips for a successful nomination here.
Employee recognition is part of our culture. Learn more on the FP&M Employee Recognition program page and how to get involved directly with the committee.
See shout-outs and kudos for those who have been going above and beyond.
HUGE SHOUT OUT to Robyne Gunderson and Marci Hilliard for going the extra mile of Fit Testing for weeks on end. Your tenacity and dedication is very much appreciated by us all in Occupational Medicine. Keep up the great work. YOU ROCK!!.
-Patty Perdzock-Haas, RN
Shout out to Monte Chapman, Rob Hodel, Justin Lambert, Lloyd Chapman, Tom Vandygriff, Ramkumar Bhulai, Ron Reschke, Cody Boyd, Steve Butler, Ben Krause, Tim Oppor, Wayne Hillestad, and Carlos Spinelli.
On January 1, 2021, there was a leak in a critical piece of equipment at the Charter Street Heating & Cooling Plant. Left unattended, this leak could have caused the heating plant to trip offline. The team was able to transfer operations to the Walnut Street Heating & Cooling Plant, perform necessary repairs, and return the system to normal operation.
The teamwork and dedication of the staff involved both prevented an interruption to campus steam service and mitigated risks to people and equipment. We are very proud of their hard work during this critical situation.
-Andrew Gossfeld
Shout out to Grounds, all Custodial shifts (Day Shift, Second Shift, Third Shift,) Campus Services, and Waste and Recycle for helping with snow removal on Jan. 26!
-Kris Ackerbauer
“Thanks all. A big snow and a great response.”
-Robert Cramer
“It is looking great. Thanks for the hard work from you and your staff.”
-Jay A. Bieszke
A big shout out to Brad Bauman for assisting in the expedited purchase of equipment urgently needed for testing. With much gratitude and appreciation for taking the time to help with such an important task!
-Pat Fargen, EH&S, ORS
-Donovan Kron
Is there someone from your unit or across FP&M that deserves a kind word or quick thank-you? Send a shout-out of your own to be featured on Inside FP&M and in an upcoming FP&M Employee Newsletter.
NOMINATE! Give even more substantial recognition for someone’s exceptional efforts over time—nominate an FP&M employee or team for a Recognition Award.
Complete the form on Inside FP&M: go.wisc.edu/nominate-fpm.
See tips for a successful nomination here.
Employee recognition is part of our culture. Learn more on the FP&M Employee Recognition program page and how to get involved directly with the committee.
See shout-outs and kudos for those who have been going above and beyond.
Shout out to Jay Bozart for taking the extra time and effort to prepare a vehicle for a cross country trip in a short amount of time. To explain to the driver about off road use and the proper tools and techniques to use in different situations.
-Sean Kypreos
We got MANY THANKS to Physical Plant from Brent Lloyd, Tami Moran and Todd Schechter for all your efforts to help outfit the Spring Testing sites and Lab. Special Thanks To you and Your Staff:
Brad Schenkel
Steve Heitz
Jeff Templin
They were especially pleased with your efforts and help over the holiday break!
-Kris Ackerbauer
Is there someone from your unit or across FP&M that deserves a kind word or quick thank-you? Send a shout-out of your own to be featured on Inside FP&M and in an upcoming FP&M Employee Newsletter.
NOMINATE! Give an even more substantial recognition for someone’s exceptional efforts over time—nominate an FP&M employee or team for a Recognition Award.
Complete the form on Inside FP&M: go.wisc.edu/nominate-fpm. See tips for a successful nomination here.
Employee recognition is part of our culture. Learn more on the FP&M Employee Recognition program page and how to get involved directly with the committee.
This post was updated in April 2021 to include the deadline for submitting a nomination is May 7, 2021.
The FP&M Employee Recognition team is now accepting nominations for Employee Recognition Awards through May 7, 2021. See five helpful tips for a successful nomination.
A successful award nomination highlights employee actions that support excellence in facilities and services for our university community. These tips can help you with the nomination process:
4. Get inspired:
5. Keep recognizing
Ready to nominate? Nominate an FP&M employee or team for a Recognition Award here. Learn more about FP&M Employee Recognition on Inside FP&M.
See shout-outs and kudos for those who have been going above and beyond.
Shout out to Robyne Gunderson for being an amazing service provider for campus! She’s been on-site daily during most of the pandemic; providing a majority of the clinic services in Occ Med including fit-testing for hundreds of employees & students.
– Jennifer Kobesko
Shout-out to Dar Ward & Chuck Strawser from Transportation Services for working with Lakeshore Nature Preserve staff on the installation and facilitation of a visitor counter within the Preserve allowing us to know how many people utilize the Preserve. In September: 18,500+.
-Laura Wyatt
In case you missed it: hear the end-of-year thank-yous and holiday greetings from Patrick Kass, Missy Nergard, Margaret Tennessen, Kip McMahan, and Jay Bieszke during the all-staff meeting. WATCH VIDEO [takes you to 49:53]
In addition:
Is there someone from your unit or across FP&M that deserves a kind word or thank-you? Send a shout-out of your own to be featured on Inside FP&M and in an upcoming FP&M Employee Newsletter.
Give an even more substantial thank-you for exceptional efforts over time—nominate an FP&M employee or team for a Recognition Award. Now accepting nominations.
Complete the form on Inside FP&M: go.wisc.edu/nominate-fpm.
Employee recognition is part of our culture. Learn more on the FP&M Employee Recognition program page and see how to get involved directly with the committee.
Watch a recording of the FP&M All Staff Virtual Meeting from December 18, 2020 for updates including FP&M leadership answering questions submitted by employees, year-end greetings, and thank-yous.
See shout-outs and kudos for those who have been going above and beyond.
Jodi Roberts deserves a HUGE shout out for reconciling and and collecting over $1 MILLION dollars of outstanding debt and avoiding FPM financial loss – all done within 6 months of accepting her new role. Way to go Jodi!
Shout Out to Ken Owens for ensuring the Transportation Team at Nielsen/COVID tesing sites have their full PPE equipment at the start of every shift.
-Rosa Ring
I would like to thank everyone that donated or took the time to bring a toy in for the kids. We we able to donate 123 toys and games to Toys for Tots this year.
It was especially nice to have my brother Brent pitch in this year to help things along at the Service Building. He did a great job keeping track of the donations, purchasing and displaying the toys and games on the first floor out side the Welding Shop. I would also like to thank Jim Cuccia for making space available for the toys and games to be displayed for everyone to see.
A BIG THANKS to everyone that helped make this a better year than I even hoped for.
-Bruce Skaggs
See the 2020 Toys for Tots wrap-up here.
Shout out and Thank you to Michael Wood, a Senior Information Systems Specialist from Space Management for his sharing of his Holiday great Holiday Grog Recipe with the team! Suggested serving size- 8 oz. Drink warm & enjoy!
-Donovan Kron
Thank you, FP&M employees. It is the little things you do every day that make a difference!
Is there someone from your unit or across FP&M that deserves a kind word or thank-you? Send a shout-out of your own to be featured on Inside FP&M and in an upcoming FP&M Employee Newsletter. Or send via a quick email to marketing@fpm.wisc.edu.
Employee recognition is part of our culture. Learn more on the FP&M Employee Recognition program page.
How about an even larger acknowledgement of an employee’s exceptional efforts over time? Nominate an employee or team for an FP&M Recognition Award. Nominations are accepted year-round. Complete the form on Inside FP&M: go.wisc.edu/nominate-fpm.
The FP&M Employee Recognition Team reviews nominations to recognize FP&M colleagues for their outstanding commitment to excellence in facilities and services for our campus community and plans the annual employee recognition event. Our Team is recruiting a diverse group of FP&M employees that represent all work units. We are currently seeking:
Interested in helping to tell the story of great people and things happening in FP&M? Join us! Send an e-mail to recognition@fpm.wisc.edu.
Sincerely,
Donovan Kron and Karen Demick on behalf of FP&M Employee Recognition | Recognition@fpm.wisc.edu | go.wisc.edu/nominate-fpm
See shout-outs and kudos for those who have been going above and beyond.
Christine (CJ) has done an amazing job of putting together a talented team to complete our TrueBeam linac vault remodel project. She has also stayed in constant communication with us regarding status updates, which made the whole project go smoothly!.
-Daniel Anderson, UWMRRC
The UWPD Lake Rescue extends their thanks to Cliff Klassy, Rodger Parr, Wayne Hopwood, Leland Haase, Zachary Agard, Casey Roelli, Brian Anderson, Michael Moran, Paul Becker, David Mathews, Scott Hewitt, Yandri Delgado Villamil, Michael Tracy, and Timothy McNeill for their help installing two new wall-mounted furnaces at the UW Lifesaving Station. Your effort is greatly appreciated and does not go without notice! .
-UWPD Lake Rescue
Congratulations to Missy and Jeff and their team members for the recognition their efforts received in the Sustainable Campus Index!
-Ryan Yanke
Many thanks to Aaron for making our linac vault look like brand-new again after all of the demolition work that happened during our last machine removal! Before he got to it, it looked like John Dillinger had a machine-gun party in the vault!
–Daniel Anderson, UWMRRC
Thank you the Grounds Construction crew including Nathan Smith, Marc Watts, Jeff Lund, and Nathan Vickery for the excellent work you have completed on the courtyard outside the Horticulture Building. The customer is very happy with your quick and skilled work and how you left the courtyard more orderly than the way you found it!
Karl Schwister and Brad Endres did a great job working around all of the mess with our linac control room remodel project to provide us with a very usable space to work in. Thanks to Layton Searight for building us a beautiful rollable countertop.
–Daniel Anderson, UWMRRC
Brad Freitag, Dan Fish, Lance Stuntebeck, Robert Phillips, and Bob Hasse from Finishing Trades have received excellent feedback on their work and coordination on a project of a greenhouse. The customer is very pleased with the way it turned out!
David spent many long hours pouring over Varian technical documents in preparation for our linac vault remodel project. Because of his dedication and great communication skills, the machine install went smoothly with no problems whatsoever. Thanks!
–Daniel Anderson, UWMRRC
Many thanks to Cory Dregne and Tom Wagner for all their hard work and thoroughness during our linac vault remodel project! It was a great pleasure working with Cory again (he also did our last remodel in 2013). Tom is the concrete-coring master!
–Daniel Anderson, UWMRRC
A big thank you goes out to Maintenance Mechanic Randy Ewing and Steamfitter Scotty Trimborn for their quick response using temporary cooling and good communication to remediate immediate cooling needs of labs during an unseasonably warm couple of days in early November. The members of this lab are grateful for all of your help!
Grounds has been acknowledged for their outstanding work on keeping our campus beautiful even with the lack of students, staff and faculty. The office of the Chancellor values everything your staff is doing!
Thank you, FP&M employees. It is the little things you do every day that make a difference! Employee recognition is part of our culture. Learn more on the FP&M Employee Recognition program page.
Is there someone from your unit or across FP&M that deserves a kind word or thank-you? Send a shout-out of your own to be featured on Inside FP&M and in an upcoming FP&M Employee Newsletter. You can also share via a quick email to marketing@fpm.wisc.edu.
How about an even larger acknowledgement of an employee’s exceptional efforts over a longer timeframe? Nominate an employee or team for an FP&M Recognition Award. Nominations are accepted year-round. Complete the form: go.wisc.edu/nominate-fpm.
See shout-outs and kudos for those who have been going above and beyond.
Shout-out to Jim Bogan for his wonderful knowledge and assistance to me in programming and writing scripts for Excel and IQ that allowed me to save at least 1hr/week.
-Ashraf Sadek (ASH)
Thank you to Luzbel Del Angel and the whole Custodial Services crew for all the cleaning and care of the comfort station at the Lakeshore Nature Preserve. Visitors and staff greatly appreciate having exceptional clean facilities.
-Laura Wyatt
Dave Teske spent the last year of his employment at UW giving back to Employees at FP&M through his service with Employee Recognition. His humor, selflessness and knowledge will be missed! Thank you Dave and enjoy a long and fruitful retirement!
-Donovan Kron
Electricians Cory Dregne and Tom Wagner were very appreciative of all the work David Pitzner did on the drawings and details for the WIMR Radiation Replacement job. So was the UW customer and the supplier of the machine.
The project was a detailed electrical one and I would have been unable to accomplish it without all of David’s support.
-Christine Johnston (CJ)
Shout out to the custodial supervisors for assisting the custodial staff with navigating through E Benefits during the Annual Benefits Enrollment period. Thank you!
-Rebecca Rohde
A big shout out for the teamwork to open two brand new sites. This heavy lift included team members from Transportation Services, Space Management Office, Environment, Health & Safety, and Physical Plant under the leadership of Margaret Tennessen and Alan Fish. These new sites are helping increase our community’s health and safety. The very quick teamwork of our FP&M staff has been incredible.
Thank you, FP&M employees. It is the little things you do every day that make a difference! Employee recognition is part of our culture. Learn more on the FP&M Employee Recognition program page.
Is there someone from your unit or across FP&M that deserves a kind word or thank-you? Send a shout-out of your own to be featured on Inside FP&M and in an upcoming FP&M Employee Newsletter.
You can also share via a quick email to marketing@fpm.wisc.edu.
See shout-outs and kudos for those who have been going above and beyond.
Pam came to UW Environmental & Occupational Health in 2014 and has had an immeasurable impact on campus health and safety. She has led the program skillfully and has been a great mentor for staff.
We wish her and her husband the best in retirement!
– Jim Morrison
The Grounds Greenhouse Staff would like to thank Andy Powers and the Carpenter Shop for constructing and installing our new Grounds Greenhouse door. Andy was courteous and communicated throughout the installation process.
-Danielle Smith
A huge shout-out to Mike, Kong and Rebecca for managing FP&M’s Annual Benefits Enrollment in our current virtual world. They did a great job meeting virtually with staff & coordinating efforts with Supervisors and Cultural Linguistic Services.
-Sue Fritts
Recently a small watercraft capsized on Lake Mendota in front of the Memorial Union. The event was witnessed by Rich Johnson, a trained First Responder who quickly called 911, and later assisted emergency crews during the rescue. Good job Rich.
-Dan Schroeder
Thank you, FP&M employees. It is the little things you do every day that make a difference! Employee recognition is part of our culture. Learn more on the FP&M Employee Recognition program page.
Is there someone from your unit or across FP&M that deserves a kind word or thank-you? Send a shout-out of your own to be featured on Inside FP&M and in an upcoming FP&M Employee Newsletter.
You can also share via a quick email to marketing@fpm.wisc.edu.
See these shout-outs and kudos for those who have been going above and beyond.
Thank you to the Transportation Services Customer Service Team for stepping up when we needed it most!
-Peter J. Armstrong
A happy customer recently shared some “before and after” photos of the newly renovated 301 Suite in Ingraham Hall.
“I know there are a few details to finalize yet, but I’m really thrilled with how it turned out!
I’m so grateful for everyone’s work and contribution to this project.”
-Molly Donnellan, International Studies Major Advisor
A customer is thankful to the Grounds crew for its great work removing a tree, and to Facility Specialist, Shaun Frey, for his great communication throughout the process.
Shout out to Aaron Abraha for helping to get our night Maintenance Staff off to a good start on nights that I can’t be in at the 4pm check in with the team due to schedule constraints! Thank you for your continued support!
-Troy Ruland
Thank you Campus Renovations and Monte Haufle for your dedicated work while updating a lab in Engineering Hall. “UW-Madison Physical Plant, Campus Renovation Services, and College of Engineering’s facilities group all worked together to make it happen.”
-Wynn O Jones and Associates
The Architects and Engineers have received excellent feedback on the office renovation project they completed in Ingraham hall. The customer is thrilled with the results and is very grateful for everyone’s work and contribution to this project.
–
The Facility Specialists received a heartfelt thank you for all they do to offer a great client experience and provide valuable support. The client is happy to say that he has benefited greatly from the Facility Specialists role and would like to thank you for all you do.
Thank you, FP&M employees. It is the little things you do every day that make a difference! Employee recognition is part of our culture. Learn more on the FP&M Employee Recognition program page.
Is there someone from your unit or across FP&M that deserves a kind word or thank-you? Send a shout-out of your own to be featured on Inside FP&M and in an upcoming FP&M Employee Newsletter.
You can also share via a quick email to marketing@fpm.wisc.edu.
Circumstances change quickly these days. This is the time when the employees at FP&M shine. Here are some shout-outs and kudos to those who have been going above and beyond.
Sending a shout-out to Kathy Bear with BOP for her MONTHS of additional assistance with Environmental and Occupational Health’s transition to FP&M. She has provided weekly assistance and is an invaluable asset for our team (and myself)!
-Maddie Wojciuk
Thanks for all your work and involvement in wastewater testing in a Statewide project to help researchers detect RNA concentrations of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
See the local news story and the UW News article about this initiative
Shout out to everyone at TS who assisted with creating new parking products to meet the evolving parking needs of campus, including John Rinaldi, Sue Thalacker, Isaac Knoflicek, Steven Tan, Carolyn Wolff and Betsy Bussan! #teamworkmakesthedreamwork
-Peter J. Armstrong
Crew 344 specialty crew would like to say “Farewell, Natatorium.” We will miss polishing your basketball courts…
-Sandie Bohne
Thank you, FP&M employees. It is the little things you do every day that make a difference! Employee recognition is part of our culture. Learn more on the FP&M Employee Recognition program page.
Is there someone from your unit or across FP&M that deserves a kind word or thank-you? Send a shout-out of your own to be featured on Inside FP&M and in an upcoming FP&M Employee Newsletter.
You can also share via a quick email to marketing@fpm.wisc.edu.
This year we held the Facilities Planning & Management (FP&M) Employee Recognition Awards in a celebration unlike any other year. 
Members of the FP&M Recognition Committee presented the awards by way of a pre-recorded awards video with Interim Associate Vice Chancellor Alan Fish as our host. We were thankful to recognize our exceptional award recipients while staying safe during the pandemic by way of a virtual gathering in the FP&M Employee Town Hall. We reflected on these recipients during the Awards video—a snapshot in time when our work and everyday life was transformed into something very different.
Throughout the pandemic, FP&M staff continue to deliver work at the same high caliber through changing circumstances. We are very grateful for everyone’s excellent work and perseverance.
Now, let’s take a moment to learn even more about our FP&M co-workers, why they were nominated for an Award, and the important work they do for the division and university.
Nominated by: Karen Parrillo, Cultural Linguistic Services (CLS)
Position/work unit: Scott works as a Custodial Services Supervisor with Custodial Services, within the Physical Plant
Years at UW: 15 years
Where on campus: Helen C. White Library, Memorial Library, Water Science and Limnology Buildings
About Role at FP&M: As a Custodial Services Supervisor, Scott oversees custodial operations to ensure that buildings are kept to established standards or above by conducting Crew/safety meetings, maintaining accurate time tracking records, actively engaging with Building Managers to discuss work orders, and many more administrative duties.
Scott actively participates in the Workplace English Program classes that employees from his crew/shift attend, which focus on the English listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills employees need to communicate at work. Scott helps things flow smoothly by handing out materials, making sure all students have what they need, and partnering with students during paired activities. Teachers have come to rely on Scott’s expertise to explain FP&M terms and procedures that are important for employees to know.
Notable tasks and milestones: Scott attended 37 out of 54 Workplace English classes (69%) in 2019. He began working at FP&M as a Custodian, advanced to a custodial Lead Worker role, and is now a Custodial Services Supervisor. 
Quotes from Nomination:
“His positive, friendly presence helps employees feel more comfortable interacting in English with people other than teachers and classmates.”
“We appreciate the time and effort that any supervisor or lead worker takes to attend class. Their participation makes employees feel engaged and supported. Instructors benefit from their subject matter knowledge. Scott Pollen has gone ‘above and beyond’ by joining the class on a regular basis and actively helping with classroom activities. We’re grateful to Scott for his time, energy, and expertise!”
– Karen Parrillo, CLS
Enjoys: Scott embraces the diversity of the people with whom he works and enjoys what each work day has to offer, as each day is different.
Free time activities: Scott is enthusiastic when it comes to upkeep of the family garden, is an avid hunter—particularly during deer season, and on occasion, he relaxes on the couch to check out old war programs or movies on TV.
Thank you, Scott, for your amazing efforts beyond the call of duty!
Nominated by: William Mann, Director, UW–Madison Conference Centers and Mail Services
Position/Work Unit: Steve works as a Gardener with Grounds, within the Physical Plant
Years at UW: 7 yearsWhere on campus: Steve can be found working mainly from Observatory Drive to Dayton Street, and also from Frances Street to Park Street, filling in where needed.About Role at FP&M: Steve maintains annuals on the UW-Madison campus during all four seasons. He transplants flowers, pulls weeds, picks up trash, helps other groups with projects, and comes in early for snow removal.
Quote from Nomination:
“In every occasion I have come across Steve, he demonstrates diligence, professionalism, and a kind word. We receive daily compliments on the appearance of our grounds and flowers that greet our customers from around the globe. Mr. Skinner embodies the professionalism and effort that exemplifies our great institution.”
– William Mann
Enjoys: Steve takes pride in helping keep campus beautiful and safe. He is happy to fill in where needed, and likes to help other groups with projects.
Free time activities: Steve has skied in the Berkebeiner for 14 years in a row, and is on track to be a “Birch Legger” for 20 years of racing.
Thank you, Steve, for your diligent efforts!
Nominator: Missy Nergard, FP&M
Position/work unit: Kirstin is a Sr. Facilities Planning Specialist/Facility Designer for the Architects and Engineers group within the Physical Plant
Years at UW: 13 years at UW, 9 years at FP&M
Where on campus: Southeast
About Role at FP&M: Kirstin carries out design work for remodeling projects on the UW-Madison campus. She incorporates strategies to enhance spaces in order to support the overall well-being of occupants. Kirstin also has provided expertise to faculty and instructors as part of a Fellowship program on designing learning spaces.
Notable tasks and milestones: Kirstin collaborated with faculty and students as part of a national design competition in which the UW-Madison student team took second place.
In addition, she has earned a credential as a WELL Building Standard® Accredited Professional (AP). The WELL Building Standard is a third-party rating system that focuses on the health and wellness of building occupants.
Quotes from Nomination:
“Kirstin’s relentless pursuit of a better way to design spaces and to improve the environment for the people that work and learn in them truly embodies the Wisconsin Idea.
…the WELL AP credential enables her to bring a level of expertise to designing spaces for positive health and learning outcomes. This shift from aesthetics and materiality to a human-centric design process is transforming campus culture around how space facilitates learning, addresses mental health, and encompasses diversity, creativity and equity.”
-Missy Nergard
Enjoys: As a Madison native and UW–Madison graduate, Kirstin mentioned her personal pride in working for the university.
Kirstin says:
“I hope that my work enhances the health, quality of life, and environment for the people, the occupants, of our campus directly.”
Thank you to Kirstin for your innovative and creative solutions!
Nominated by: Gretchen Olsen, Administrative Specialist and Health Sciences Parking Coordinator, SMPH Facilities
Position/work unit: Sue works as a Customer Service Supervisor within Transportation Services
Years at UW: 21 years
Where on campus: WARF, 21 N. Park Street, American Family Children’s Hospital
About role at FP&M: Sue is part of a customer service group that assists staff, students, and visitors on the UW-Madison campus. Sue’s goal is to know all aspects of campus parking and transportation in order to answer any question her group may receive from permits to bus passes, special event parking, flex parking, bike-to-work, and more.
Her experience, expertise, and institutional memory serve as the foundation for the exceptional customer service she strives to provide to those seeking assistance. When customers contact her, she walks them through the process so they understand not only the “how” but also the “why”.
Quotes from nomination:
“Sue has a challenging role being the manager of Customer Service. However, when you encounter her, you are met with a positive can-do attitude and quick, efficient service.”
-Gretchen Olsen“She is a creative problem solver and will do everything in her power to solve a problem, even if it creates extra effort on her part.”
Sue says:
“I am nothing without the team that I have,” and adds that I appreciate my team and how they work together to support each other.”
Enjoys: Sue enjoys interacting with customers and assisting someone who may be frustrated or struggling to find information. She wants customers to know someone is listening and is willing to help them.
Free time activities: Sue enjoys many outdoor activities in her free time, especially hunting and fishing.
Many thanks, Sue, for all the important work you do!
Nominated by: Sandie Bohne, FP&M
Team unit: Crew 344 is a Specialty Project Custodial Crew (Third Shift) work on the UW-Madison campus with Physical Plant
Crew 344 team members Todd Yaroch, Hector Recoba, Juan Triana, Juana Portugal, and Benito Monfil Carballo have grown together as a unit. With a combined 25 years of third-shift work experience the team embodies teamwork principles which include: maintaining effective working relationships, encouraging teamwork by recognizing and promoting employee strengths, collaborating and cooperating to solve problems, and supporting FP&M values to achieve positive results together.
Where on campus: The crew can be found working at campus buildings including Animal Science, Plant Science, Meat Lab, “The Nat” Natatorium, Goodnight Hall, Stock Pavilion, and Smith Greenhouse.
Team’s Role at FP&M: When help is needed, Project Crew 344’s motto is to “fill the gaps” to perform custodial duties on on the UW-Madison campus. Crew members extract carpeted areas, scrub/strip/wax/buff hard flooring spaces, refinish gym floors, Ky-Vac restrooms and showers, put away supply orders, change light bulbs, address work orders, and shovel snow. They also may cover assigned runs due to a co-worker’s absence.
Notable tasks and milestones:
Quotes from Nomination:
“Any request for assistance I need, all five help me without hesitation. While they are covering a vacant run, I often see them going over and beyond the call of duty, doing additional tasks without being asked.”
– Sandie Bohne
Sandie went on to say,
“I am grateful for their dedication, hard work, and perseverance in how they demonstrate commitment to core values and are able to overcome extreme difficulties… Most of all, they display a high degree of honesty, loyalty, high morals, and integrity.”
Let’s learn more about these crew members:
Years at UW: 3 years
Position or work unit: Todd works as a Custodian, Specialty Project Crew, Custodial Services, Physical Plant
Enjoys: Todd enjoys working at FP&M because of the diversity of those he works alongside. He takes satisfaction in a job well done, particularly the results of a floor being refinished properly.
Free time activities: While away from work, Todd enjoys hunting and fishing.
He does not mind chilling out in front of the tube watching either the National Geographic channel or Discovery channel.
Years at UW: 4.5 years
Position or work unit: Hector works as a Custodian, Specialty Project Crew, Custodial Services, Physical Plant 
Enjoys: Hector enjoys working 3rd shift and thoroughly enjoys the process of stripping and waxing hard floors.
Hector agrees with Todd regarding the satisfaction from seeing the transformation of a freshly refinished floor.
Free time activities: Hector likes to swim while not at work. He enjoys watching FBI and related types of programming when relaxing in front of the TV.
Has worked at UW: 3 years
Position or work unit: Juan works as a Custodian, Specialty Project Crew, Custodial Services, Physical Plant 
Enjoys: Juan simply enjoys his job with all that it entails, along with the opportunities, such as this, to receive a bonus.
Free time activities: Juan likes spending time with his family, especially attending Madison Mallards and Flamingos games with his son. Otherwise, he enjoys any TV channel that televises soccer matches.
Years at UW: 2 years
Position/work unit: Juana works as a Custodian, Specialty Project Crew, Custodial Services, Physical Plant 
Enjoys: Juana finds the benefits offered by the University to be invaluable. She also enjoys working under the supervision of Sandie Bohne, Custodial Services Supervisor.
Free time activities: Juana likes to get out and ride her bicycle. She also enjoys watching her favorite movie The Notebook on occasion.
Years at UW: 8 years
Position/work unit: Benito works as a Custodian, Specialty Project Crew, Custodial Services, Physical Plant
Enjoys: Benito enjoys the benefits available to him as an employee, and also appreciates working with 
supervisor Sandie Bohne in Crew 344.
Free time activities: Benito likes to go fishing or just chill and listen to music. If there is a TV channel with European soccer, particularly Spanish Clubs, being televised, he will be watching the match for sure.
“Their commitment to one another, the University, and the custodial profession is commendable.”
-Sandie Bohne, Custodial Services Supervisor
Congratulations and thank you Crew 344 for your incredible teamwork!
Nominated by: Chad Froh, FP&M
Position/work unit: Mingur works as a Custodial Project Crew member, Custodial Services, Physical Plant
Years at UW: Nearly four years at FP&M
Role at FP&M: Some of Mingur’s custodial duties include cleaning carpets, scrubbing floors, stripping and waxing floors, changing light bulbs, and shoveling snow.
Where on campus: Mingur’s crew works in Camp Randall Sports Center “Shell” Building, Engineering Hall, and 1410 Engineering Drive.
Notable tasks and milestones:
Quote(s) from nomination: 
“His willingness to accept additional tasks or those not so desirable, at a moment’s notice, has been admirable and appreciated. He is one of the most reliable staff members we have ever worked with, not missing a scheduled shift since his hiring, back in June of 2017.”
-Chad Froh
Chad went on to include,
“Mingur was one of the custodians who volunteered right away to help with a special cleaning at the Lakeshore residence halls March 29th–April 2nd to clean and disinfect walls, ceilings, carpets, tables, and bathrooms.”
Mingur says:
“It made me feel good to help… I like that my supervisor gives me a variety of things to do. Sometimes I work alone and sometimes I work with a team.”
“My crew members are very helpful, supportive, friendly, and cooperative. From my supervisor to human resources everyone has been friendly and supportive in helping me learn my job.”
Thank you, Mingur for your impressive dedication!
All FP&M employees are eligible for the division-wide awards and there is no minimum length of service required. See the FP&M Employee Recognition web page for more information.
Do you know someone who deserves a Recognition Award? The FP&M Employee Recognition committee is now accepting nominations for awards. Nominate someone today!
Circumstances change quickly these days. This is the time when the employees at FP&M shine. Here are some shout-outs and kudos to those who have been going above and beyond.
“Massive Shout Out” to the Occupational Medicine Staff that has been “essential” since March. We have been on the front line doing clinic visits, outreaches, and fit testing for campus staff and staying healthy through it all. We Rock!! Thank you.
-Patty Perdzock-Haas, RN
Shout out to Transportation Services customer service team for their hard work in these uncertain times. You all continue to shine and your work is greatly appreciated by so many!
-Carolyn Wolff
I have been meaning to send you this note for a long time — you always help me out, not only by giving me custodial support, but also by explaining things and listening as I muddle through. I really do appreciate it!
-Christine Johnston
Shout out to Stacey Lam for her work with assisting staff with the water quality surveillance program related to COVID-19
-Jeff Steele
Shout out to Ben Rissman for working long hours all through the month of August in order to complete upgrading every…single… lane of parking equipment equipment on campus and have them all up and running in time for the new parking year.
-Isaac Knoflicek
Shout-out to Kim Corcoran for her diligence and patience with ordering and expediting equipment for the COVID-19 Wastewater Surveillance program. Kim went above and beyond to coordinate with multiple departments the ordering and receiving of supplies
-Jeff Steele
Shout-out to Zach Haas for always helping out with suggestions and keeping track of materials and start times of projects. It is greatly appreciated by the FP&M Construction Managers!
-Christine Johnston
Shout Out to Brody Maclean and Pete Cooley for help with sheet metal questions and project advice. Thank you from the FP&M Project Managers.
-FP&M Project Managers
Shout Out to Mike Klade for his thoughts and ideas on how to approach electrical problems and even the everyday incidents as well! The FP&M Project Managers thank you for your continued help.
-Christine Johnston
Through excellent team work & communication, FP&M Stores team is providing superior customer response & service! Warehouse staff and Purchasers continue to balance day-to-day operations, organizational change, and urgent requests. Great work!!!!!
-Becky Barnes
Many thank yous to Brett Moyer for his help and advice with painting projects; we always appreciate it! FP&M Construction Managers
-Christine Johnston
Shout out to Chad Hellenbrand for his advice on plumbing projects; we appreciate it!
-FP&M Construction Managers
Much appreciation for Roger Parr’s advice on FP&M Remodel Projects, it is appreciated!
-Christine Johnston
Shout Out to Dale Thompson for his continued support for any lock and door hardware we have; it is very much appreciated!
-FP&M Construction Managers
Thank you, FP&M employees. It is the little things you do every day that make a difference!
Is there someone from your unit or across FP&M that deserves a kind word or thank-you? Send a shout-out of your own to be featured on Inside FP&M and in an upcoming FP&M Employee Newsletter.
You can also share via a quick email to marketing@fpm.wisc.edu.
Circumstances change quickly these days. This is the time when the employees at FP&M shine. Here are some shout-outs and kudos to those who have been going above and beyond.
Thank you Custodians Mingur Dorjee and Roger Dote for your dedicated work while detailing a lab. The customer was very satisfied with the results, and your efforts do not go unnoticed!
Shout-out to Tara Schnell. Tara serves in EHS in Biosafety as the Biosafety Trainer. One of her roles is the liaison between Biosafety and the IT team that develops our online biosafety protocol form.
Each month I need to send materials to the Institutional Biosafety Committee and ran into an unexpected error in the system. Since the materials needed to be sent that day, I let Tara know of the error I was experiencing in the online system and she worked with the IT team to solve it. This was very appreciated by me as the day materials go to the committee tends to be a very busy one, and any delay for me can add quite a bit of stress. Tara’s helpfulness and understanding really made my day as the issue was quickly resolved and I was able to send the materials on time. Thank you Tara!
-Stephanie G. Kutz, MS, RBP
On behalf of District 143, I would like to thank Sue Fritts and Carmen Romero-Gonzalez and their staff for their assistance, support and patience in getting us through the process of filing for unemployment.
– Neville Paul, University Staff Representative District 143
Great job representing UW-Madison for an AssetWorld virtual conference webinar! Nate explained how FP&M is using AssetWorks software for preventive maintenance and inspections.
– Tony Helmke
Shout-out to Campus Services for their superior moving services while working with the School of Education. Their team came prepared with the proper tools and a great attitude for the move. Their encouragement towards each other impressed the customer and allowed for them to complete the job in half the time.
The Division of Diversity, Equity & Educational Achievement extends their thanks to Andy Niedermeier, Jamie Kruger, and Kent Casey in Finishing Trades for the outstanding effort put forth while installing signage in their office. Their follow through, patience, and understanding is greatly appreciated!
– Division of Diversity, Equity & Educational Achievement
Thanks to Kevin Thompson, Jay Maier, Adam Kundert and Mark Gilles of the Plumbing Shop for successfully implemented a unidirectional flushing program. Consisting of 58 events across the campus water distribution system, this water-efficient method of cleaning water distribution pipes improves water quality and restores capacity.
Physical Plant’s excellence in developing and implementing inspections was recognized by AssetWorks. Nate Kosharek was the featured speaker for the webinar “Preventive Maintenance, Inspections and the Impact of COVID-19 at the University of Wisconsin”.
Special thanks goes out to all the technicians, supervisors, and staff that have been involved in the development and initiation of our asset and preventive maintenance programs.
Thank you, FP&M employees. It is the little things you do every day that make a difference!
Is there someone from your unit or across FP&M that deserves a kind word or thank-you? Send a shout-out of your own to be featured on Inside FP&M and in an upcoming FP&M Employee Newsletter.
You can also share via a quick email to marketing@fpm.wisc.edu.
Circumstances change quickly these days. This is the time when the employees at FP&M shine. Here are some shout-outs and kudos to those who have been going above and beyond.
We want to express sincerest appreciation for the assistance and support that Matt Winchell and the Fleet Services team have provided. Matt, along with his staff, Karen and Greg, are not only helpful to us but always display a professional attitude and show dedication to the outstanding work they do.
-UWPD
Shout-out to Kong Thao for keeping up with all the extra work brought on by furlough absences, and for his patience and assistance to others, as we negotiate the furlough absence request system.
Are there employees from your unit or across FP&M that deserve a kind word? Send a shout-out of your own to be featured on Inside FP&M and in an upcoming FP&M Employee Newsletter.
You can also share via a quick email to marketing@fpm.wisc.edu.
Circumstances change quickly these days. This is the time when the employees at FP&M shine. Here are some shout-outs and kudos to those who have been going above and beyond.
Gratitude to Campus Services including Ommar Lara, Mohammed El Hannaty, Malik Mitchell, John Kallgren, and Truck Services Tom Virnig for making quick work of the Nancy Nicholas mechanical room clean out. They did an excellent job and their timeliness is sincerely appreciated!
Karen Demick works in EH&S Biosafety and serves as a biosafety liaison to core laboratories and the Veterans Administration (VA) laboratories utilizing the UW Madison Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC). In these liaison roles she has had opportunity to give guidance and recommendations to facilitate important research activities.
Karen works with the investigators to understand the research, their questions and needs then provides up to date guidance to them.
As we are in a pandemic situation, Karen has continued to stay engaged and current in her understanding of rapidly changing guidance/information. Thank you Karen for helping our research community thrive in a dynamic time!
– Stephanie G. Kutz
Kudos to Lakeshore Nature Preserve staff Bryn Scriver and Adam Gundlach for their flexibility, creativity and demonstrated teamwork during these challenging times with increasing visitors and loss of seasonal staff and interns. Photo: Bryn & Adam surveying 5-year eco-restoration project in Eagle Heights Woods.
– Laura Wyatt
“I would like to thank all the Physical Plant personnel that have kept our campus running during these past weeks. A huge shout-out to the plumbers, electricians, carpenters, steam-fitters who do an amazing job day in and day out!”
– Beth Bierman, Associate Student Services Coordinator, Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics
The Law Library extends their thanks to Steamfitter Karl Trawicki and Plumber Jon Hedgecock for their quick response to water leak alarm in the rare book room. With nobody in the building, they were grateful they received an email alert when and where the leak started. Karl and Jon’s fast-acting solution prevented a catastrophic loss for the library.
Shout-out to Dave Ottelien and the staff in the Zone 7 Maintenance Mechanics unit for helping to resolve an issue with high-pitched noise. Noise issues have diminished considerably after Physical Plant Maintenance Mechanics completed work on one of the HVAC units at the Waisman Center.
Nearby building occupants remarked that this provides significant improvement in quality of life and that they very much appreciate your teams’ attention and diligence.
-Gary Brown
Shout out to Sue Fritts. I wanted to give you an update and HUGE Thank You. Everyone in Campus Services that is currently at work today on their rotation of the Blue/Gold schedule has been notified that their unemployment checks have been deposited. This includes individuals awaiting their initial payments…Today things are a lot brighter in Campus Services. Thank you for your continued support.
-Bradley Schenkel
Gratitude to Campus Services including Ommar Lara, Mohammed El Hannaty, Malik Mitchell, John Kallgren, and Truck Services Tom Virnig for making quick work of the Nancy Nicholas mechanical room clean out. They did an excellent job and their timeliness is sincerely appreciated!
Appreciation goes out to Maintenance Mechanics Dale Townsend & David Ottelien and Machinist Robert Anderson for their diligence while correcting a noise issue coming from an HVAC unit. Their work diminished the harsh noise that was creating an unfavorable situation for campus neighbors. Great work Dale, David, and Robert!
Gratitude and appreciation goes out to Stores for helping the Machine Shop make necessary changes in their inventory. Your ability to collaborate is very impressive!
Plumber Chad Hellenbrand is acknowledged for his excellent response to flooding that occurred in the Medical Science Center. He was able to quickly diagnose the problem and fix the pin-hole sized leak avoiding any potential delays the department could have faced.
Electricians, Steamfitters, Controls Engineer
Thank you to Electricians Heather Wipperfurth & Mark Schreier, Steamfitters Dan Stanford, Brett Sprecher, & Brad Hering, and to Controls Engineer Jeff Hammer for seeing to it that the data center cooling issues were resolved in a timely manner. Great hustle everyone!
Are there employees from your unit that have not been recognized? Send a shout-out of your own! Submit it (with photo or video message, if available) to be featured on Inside FP&M and in an upcoming Employee Newsletter.