Tag: Building Maintenance & Grounds

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President’s House and Grounds Upkeep: “Exceptional”

The President of the University of Illinois System appreciates and values F&S work done at the President’s House, even without considering transformation of beech tree to valued milled artifacts. As one would expect with a home of such symbolic and real world value, the President’s House, completed in 1931, is as marvelous as dozens of other iconic campus buildings. Making it a functional living quarters … Continue reading President’s House and Grounds Upkeep: “Exceptional”

Travis Tate
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New Furniture from President’s House Beech Tree Source of Pride, Memories, Collaboration

By Jalynn BugajCustomer Relations & Communications intern A beech tree from the University of Illinois President’s House was given a new purpose after it had to be cut down in 2022. The tree’s significance was not just botanical; it had witnessed decades of life at the house. When Andrew Burnett, F&S mill foreperson, first met with Roberta Johnson Killeen, wife of President Tim Killeen, and … Continue reading New Furniture from President’s House Beech Tree Source of Pride, Memories, Collaboration

Jalynn Bugaj
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Killeen: F&S a ‘Jewel in the Crown’ of U. of I.

The story of the beech tree at the President’s House was driven mostly by the love the Killeen family had for it – from a toddler grandson to President Tim Killeen and his wife Roberta Johnson Killeen. Johnson Killeen has been an avid gardener in her time at the President’s House, and she valued the beauty and size of the tree; in the growing season, … Continue reading Killeen: F&S a ‘Jewel in the Crown’ of U. of I.

Travis Tate
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Training for Excellence

By Jalynn BugajCustomer Relations & Communications intern At Facilities & Services, we keep things running by staying sharp, safe, and ready for anything! Training is important for the shops and trades because it not only enhances skills, but helps to improve safety, and keep teams up to date with the best practices. Training ensures that operations run smoothly and effectively. Ask the grounds workers, refrigeration … Continue reading Training for Excellence

Jalynn Bugaj
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Shop Spotlight: Brickmasons Part of History

Over 100 years ago, the Main Library opened with a secret kept behind brick. Now 100 years later, it’s been revealed to the modern public: a time capsule! And the only way in was through ‘caveman stuff’ as brickmason foreperson Eric Quinley said. F&S brickmasons wreck, tear, beat and saw their way through walls like these every day. But the impressive part is the ability … Continue reading Shop Spotlight: Brickmasons Part of History

Travis Tate
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Visit to ‘Appreciative’ Partner: IGB

Sometimes, you gotta check in on your friends. F&S executive team members accepted an invitation from the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology (IGB) in part just to visit the facility and understand the importance of their relationship. Specifically, IGB director Gene Robinson and director of operations and facilities Jesse Southern, welcomed F&S representatives and led a tour of laboratories, offices, and basement spaces. … Continue reading Visit to ‘Appreciative’ Partner: IGB

Travis Tate
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Crafting the Colonnades Club Drink Rail

By Jalynn BugajF&S customer relations & communications intern New drink rail? No problem! With five Facilities & Services shops collaborating to make a drink rail for the Colonnades Club at Memorial Stadium, the finished result is nothing short of spectacular. Each shop brought their unique expertise to the table, resulting in a drink rail that not only enhances the club’s aesthetics but also provides a … Continue reading Crafting the Colonnades Club Drink Rail

Jalynn Bugaj
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Are You Ready for Some Football? F&S Makes Sure of It

Adopted from:Rebecca BigelowF&S Dispatch, 2021 When the Marching Illini step off for their new tunnel entrance at the start of pregame, Illinois football fans feel the excitement build in Memorial Stadium. The sights and sounds of the band, the cheerleaders, the team, even the fans themselves, all play an integral role in the enjoyment of a football game. But the unsung heroes of the day … Continue reading Are You Ready for Some Football? F&S Makes Sure of It

Jalynn Bugaj
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Shop Spotlight: Refrigerant Leftovers Save Money

On campus, if you have an air conditioner or anything with refrigerant in it, F&S refrigeration mechanics recover it by separating it, weighing it, and testing it for purity. And as of recently, they sell it. Kody Egolf, refrigeration mechanic foreperson, attended an ASHRAE convention–the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers–and learned about a buy-back program where companies will pay to take canisters … Continue reading Shop Spotlight: Refrigerant Leftovers Save Money

Travis Tate
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Breaking Barriers and Building Futures: How Women at F&S are Redefining the Trades

By Jalynn BugajF&S customer relations & communications intern At F&S, women are transforming the trades by showing that skill and dedication come in all forms. By challenging old stereotypes and leading with expertise, they’re setting a new standard for success in the industry. Women who work in crafts and trades, fields traditionally dominated by men, often encounter unique challenges related to perceptions of their skills, … Continue reading Breaking Barriers and Building Futures: How Women at F&S are Redefining the Trades

Jalynn Bugaj