Facilities Management supported the 2023 Toy Lift this year with the following donations collected by Facilities Service Representative Senior Ashley Grooms: $650 in cash/checks and just over 40 gifts. Way to go team, thanks again for everyone's support!

Newcomb Zone Manager Jamie Joyner helped packed 40 tons of food and warm blankets for deliveries to nearly 1,200 households in mid-December through his role as vice president of Rockbridge Christmas Baskets. Check out the WDBJ news story for more information.

Vibha Buckingham, associate director of E&G Custodial Services, retired Dec. 17 after 12 years. Buckingham first joined the University in August 2011, establishing some of the University's first formal green cleaning procedures. As a result of these efforts, in 2013 UVA became the first higher education institution in Virginia to earn Green Seal's GS42 certification. In 2019, Buckingham received UVA's Hoos Building Bridges award for her work to encourage professional development among her employees. Throughout her time at UVA, she has worked 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. Check out photos from Vibha Buckingham's retirement gathering.

David Roberts, Central Grounds Zone maintenance supervisor, retired Dec. 31 after 16 years. Roberts served in the U.S. Air Force and then ran his own business for many years before joining UVA in May 2007. He started in what was then-known as the Electrical Shop, later transferring to the Central Grounds Zone where he served the last 12 years. Roberts was instrumental in supporting all of the University's annual major events, including Final Exercises, Reunions and the Lighting of the Lawn, as well as special events such as the University's Bicentennial Celebration and visits from political leaders. Since 2009, Roberts has been assisting with the annual Lighting of the Lawn celebration, working closely with the student volunteers, and supporting the event's growth and expansion over time, including increasing the number of lights, adding coordinated music, live streaming the event and the use of solar power. “It was so much fun working with the students,” Roberts said. “They're so bright and hardworking and we always had a lot of fun and worked really well together.”