FM Employee Receives UVA Award
Vibha Buckingham received the Hoos Building Bridges award during a Dec. 16 ceremony
This year, Educational & General (E&G) Custodial Services created and launched what is believed to be the first program in the custodial industry to certify individuals based on Green Seal Standards, specifically known as GS-42 Certification for Commercial and Institutional Cleaning.
A Facilities Management employee has been selected in the first class of winners for a new employee award called Hoos Building Bridges. E&G Custodial Services Associate Director Vibha Buckingham was one of 13 winners of the new award that acknowledges and celebrates UVA staff members and teams who are working on projects that cut across different areas of the University.
Buckingham was nominated for the award by her colleagues because she has gone above and beyond to reach out and find new ways to do things and encourage professional development in Facilities Management.
“Too often, our work at UVA is siloed, with everyone doing their own thing in their own way. Bridge-builders like you break down those silos and find ways to make us more efficient and effective. Thank you for your excellent work!” President Jim Ryan wrote in a letter announcing the award.
Buckingham is a leader who “tirelessly and passionately supports those facing challenging life circumstances – whether they are in UVA or outside UVA in the greater Charlottesville community,” according to a nomination letter submitted by E&G Custodial Services Staff Development & Quality Assurance Manager Sandra Smith.
Buckingham supports UVA’s efforts to build a diverse workforce by fostering strong connections with community groups and churches, including immigrants and refugees. She has supported the career advancement of her staff through the development of a robust training program and one-on-one mentorship. She has worked to support Facilities Management and the University by including other departments’ staff in her team’s training sessions and by contributing to UVA-wide sustainability initiatives.
“She is an inspiration and a collaborator in the UVA community and Charlottesville at large…she is truly an emblem for what UVA stands for,” according to a nomination letter submitted by Electrician Peter Chege.
UVA Today: UVA Honors Inaugural 'Hoos Building Bridges' Award Winners
Jane Centofante
Communications senior generalist
UVA Facilities Management
(434) 982-5846
janecentofante@virginia.edu