2014 Bartels awards recognize custodial staff
By Nancy Doolittle
About 400 custodial staff joined Phil Bartels ’71, his wife, Susan, and daughter Katie ’06, along with Facilities Services leadership to recognize recipients of the Bartels Award for Custodial Service Excellence and Bartels Scholarships Dec. 15.
Also present were Craig Beaver, the former custodian whose kindness to Katie eight years ago led to creation of the Bartels Award; and Rob Osborn, former director of Building Care, who worked with Phil Bartels to establish and endow the Bartels award and scholarships.
Each year, six custodial staff members from across campus are chosen from nominations by their leaders to receive the Bartels Award for Custodial Excellence, which includes a public announcement, certificate of recognition and monetary award. Bartels Scholarships are given each year to staff members and to children with a parent who is a Building Care staff member to help with the cost of college.
“You have given us … the knowledge that we truly do make a difference at Cornell … you have made us feel special,” said Steve Devlen, zone facilities director, addressing the Bartels family, and “for that we cannot thank you enough.” Ben Kuo, associate vice president for facilities management, thanked staff for the work they do – “unheard, unseen and unsung … because it is done so well” – and paid tribute to the role of the Bartels family for “giving us the opportunity to be able to recognize you and thank you.”
Phil Bartels thanked the custodial staff for their commitment to the university and paid special tribute to 12 Building Care staff members who have received their United States citizenship since the program started.
This year’s Bartels’ winners are:
- Roxanne Doty, known for her smile, her work ethic and her sense of “humor, confidence, intelligence and overall good nature.” Her colleagues say Doty takes pride in her work, which is excellent and thorough, and has a positive outlook that is greatly appreciated.
- Kevin Mitchell, known to be kind, hardworking and “the guy you rely on in stressful situations.” Mitchell, who began working at Cornell in 2007, is a “natural leader … with a gift to inspire employees in positive ways,” said Devlen.
- Head custodian Neil Kelly, commended for his “great service and professionalism,” by Cornell administrators. According to Osborn, Kelly is “always upbeat, always cheerful … an inspiration and stellar example.”
- Daniel Ben-David, a member of the Collegetown grad complex team. He is known for consistently supporting the student community in even the most sensitive matters and for his excellent communication skills and his ability to bridge language and cultural differences.
- Charlene Uhrovcik, who is “has a great sense of humor, makes work fun and is contagious with her laughter.” She is known for her dedication and conscientiousness, and is always ready to volunteer her time and help with last-minute details.
- Kim Umbrell, who came to Cornell in 2002. She has provided custodial assistance for restrooms at Schoellkopf Field during Commencement and is respected not only for her work ethic but also for her willingness to help out whenever needed.
Receiving a Bartels Employee Scholarship for 2014-15 was Marjorie Burke, who is working toward her bachelor’s degree in human resources.
Six children of Cornell custodial staff received scholarships. Hector Santa Jr. attends Ithaca College, along with his brother Orlay, who received a scholarship two years ago. Tucker Uhrovcik, whose mother, Charlene, received a Bartels Award this year, is working on his associate degree in criminal justice. Also receiving scholarships were Troy Sutfin, Stephanie Naylor, Samantha Baker and Cornell student Joshua Miller.
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