Employee Highlight: Aspen Eichelberger
September 11, 2025
Recycling coordinator's ancestors grew up in national park
Aspen Eichelberger, recycling coordinator for Recycling Services, has deep roots in this region.
“My family has been in this area since the 1700s,” according to Eichelberger, who grew up in Free Union. Their ancestors originally lived in what is now Shenandoah National Park. “The Frazier Discovery Trail on Loft Mountain is named after my family.”
Eichelberger first joined the University as a recycling worker, following a suggestion from their partner Gabby Fuller, who works in the Department of Astronomy. But after about a year, they applied for the recycling coordinator role.
“I'm disabled and at the time my doctor said I really couldn't work a physical labor job anymore,” they explained. “I was upset because I really liked the Recycling department, and I didn't want to leave.”
Now, after two years as the recycling coordinator, Eichelberger is happy to have found a good fit that combines their passion for sustainability and background in customer service.
“I'm really passionate about recycling, sustainability and the planet,” they said. Plus, their background in customer service, from eight years working as a barista, is an important aspect of their work.
Eichelberger runs the Reusable Office Supply Exchange (ROSE) Program, which collects gently or never used office supplies from departments throughout UVA and makes these materials available for free to students, staff and faculty, as well as to the broader public community.
“The ROSE Program is really the best parts of customer service because it's free and no one is paying for anything,” Eichelberger said. The majority of the program's customers are from the area community, including homeschooling families and public-school teachers who rely on ROSE to help provide school supplies they may otherwise have to buy themselves.
“One teacher from my old high school comes regularly to collect ink cartridges that he distributes amongst quite a few of his colleagues,” they said.
In addition to their support of the ROSE program, Eichelberger fields the department's many requests for support and information; performs data entry tracking recycling and composting collections; helps address any contamination of composting bins across Grounds; and works with the Office for Sustainability to support zero waste events.
Eichelberger is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in psychology from ODU Global, an online program through Old Dominion University, with plans to complete a master's degree in counseling.
“I love online school because I can work it around my schedule,” they said. “Also, I get to pause the lecture and rewind which works really well for my brain.”
Outside of work and school, Eichelberger enjoys spending time in nature, reading, and caring for their cat and dog, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel who often can be found in the front office of the Astronomy Building alongside Eichelberger's partner.
Jane Centofante
Communications senior generalist
UVA Facilities Management
(434) 982-5846
janecentofante@virginia.edu