Staff News March 2023

Barry Reynolds: I want to let you know what a great help Barry Reynolds from the Facilities team, has been to our staff on 3 East. During the last two nights, while we were working through the sewer outage, he went above and beyond of what was expected from him. He came to the unit early enough to speak with our charge nurse and the rest of the staff. He graciously answered many questions they had for him. He was knowledgeable about the length of time our restrooms were going to be closed and even the supplies available to help us through this outage. He explained why the restrooms had to be locked before midnight. Then he went from room to room locking them. He made sure to be as quiet as possible not to disturb patients that were sleeping. He took time to speak to the ones that were awake. I overheard him answering their questions in a reassuring manner easing their anxiety. We have a number of patients that felt a bit anxious about having their bathrooms locked but Barry did such a great job reassuring them that some of our staff suggested we keep Barry on the unit to help us care for them. It's been pleasure having him come to the unit. Just wanted to quickly let you know we are very appreciative of Barry. He truly embodies our ASPIRE values. — Zaklina Cetic, UVA Health Nurse Manager

Chris Moye: I just want to make sure you are aware of the heroic efforts Chris has been going to to keep Mountain Lake Biological Station up and running recently. We had a serious ice storm that took down trees, wires, and took out power for several days. Chris was there every day keeping generators running and working tirelessly to keep the roads passable (our entrance road AND SR 613 to the hotel). He deserves a medal. We are really grateful. — Eric Nagy, Mountain Lake Biological Station & Department of Biology

Facilities Management recently installed a memorial bench dedicated to Richard Sergi, former supervisory senior construction administration manager in Capital Construction & Renovations, who passed away in September 2021. The bench is located at the main entrance to the new Student Health & Wellness Center (on the Brandon Avenue Green Street), a building that Richard was very dedicated to and instrumental in the success of its construction. CC&R Senior Project Manager Amy Eichenberger and Helen Wilson with the Office of the Architect presented the bench as a surprise to Richard's wife, UVA Housing & Residence Life Director of Operations Trish Romer, pictured in the photo.

Joe Rainwater, project director and team leader in Capital Construction & Renovations, retired Jan. 27 after 15 years of service. Joe first joined UVA in 2008 and has provided critical project oversight on a significant number of clinical projects executed in the UVA Health precinct. The planning, design, and construction of the Emily Couric Clinical Cancer Center, Hospital Bed Expansion, and the Education Resource Center stand out as examples of architecturally significant projects where his knowledge and experience contributed to their successful execution and to the creation of a new urban space and sense of place for UVA Health. Joe's team also contributed immensely to the successful development of ambulatory facilities both on Grounds as well as, in surrounding areas such as Fontaine Park, Northridge, and Pantops Mountain. These projects included significant renovation, fit out, and remodeling of existing outpatient facilities, providing UVA Health with opportunities to increase clinical volumes, enhance workflow, and positively impact patient satisfaction. Joe will be remembered by the many people that he worked with at the University as someone who worked assiduously to find solutions to problems involving detailed and often challenging technical and logistical issues, while keeping his projects on schedule and within budget.

Ron Farmer, fire systems inspection supervisor with the Fire & Life Safety team, retired Jan. 27 after 12 years of service. Ron first joined UVA in 2010 as a fire systems technician from the private sector with an extensive knowledge of fire suppression inspections and installations. Not long after arriving here, he became the first to serve in a new role of fire systems inspection supervisor. In this role, he was an instrumental support to the inspections department, building the team into the robust program it is today. Ron helped the team move into electronic documentation and played a major role in commissioning inspections. He was known as the “hitman” because he had a keen eye for detail and could spot issues with installations.

David Coon, construction project manager with Construction & Renovation Services, retired Jan. 27 after 14 years of service. David first joined UVA in 2008 and managed projects mainly within the UVA Health area.

Jeff Shifflett, electrician with Central Grounds Zone Maintenance, retired Jan. 29 after 19 years of service. Jeff first joined UVA in 2004 and helped care for the historic buildings within the Academical Village, as well as prepare for important events such as then-Secretary of State John Kerry's visit in 2013.

Donald Tooley, landscape senior worker with Landscape Services, retired Jan. 31 after 45 years of service. Donald first joined UVA in 1977 and was charged with mowing and maintaining the Grounds. Running a walk behind mower, riding mower, and string trimmer for 40 years was no easy task. The last five years, he maintained the trash pickup during the evening hours — a job that most employees did not want to do. His efforts kept the Grounds respectfully neat and clean. During his time with the University, Donald also helped keep UVA safe during inclement weather events — including hurricanes, ice and snowstorms — and assisted with preparations for special events, Final Exercises and Fall Convocation. For 45 years, Donald dedicated himself to make the University of Virginia one of the most beautiful Universities in the world.