Plumbers | INSIDER Magazine | Facilities & Services

Being Besties with Beckman

The Arnold O. and Mabel M. Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology is known for cross-disciplinary research done by some of the world’s greatest minds… but the place is recognized for its food, too.

Ted’s Cafe, and the previously unnamed breakfast, snack, and lunch depot at Beckman has welcomed scientists from the building, nearby Grainger College of Engineering buildings, and anyone else visiting this gem of campus architecture and academic success since opening in 1988.

Arnold and the partners who helped get the building in place determined that a team meeting over food and drinks could perhaps push new ways to generate science and technology advancements.

No doubt, Ted’s Cafe, developed in part with F&S designers and architects, can bring minds from different fields like few others on any academic campus. It then made sense to have a celebration over breakfast, of renovations and redevelopments made to Beckman labs and other workspaces in the past few years.

F&S Relationships “Unique”

A host of projects updated and upgraded rooms for science research to best reflect what’s needed now, not 1988 or 2008. Josh Whitson, director of facilities at Beckman, explained that the science drives the purpose of the facilities to reflect the changes in what researchers need for their work. Some labs are called ‘wet’ labs, where beakers, hazmat suits, and extreme safety controls abound. These labs are heavily regulated and demand utilities that other rooms and ‘dry’ labs do not require.

And F&S, Whitson’s former employer, is shouldering a lot of the work.

“Since 2022, we’ve done a handful of lab renovations and office remodels,” Whitson said. “The unique thing is F&S has been involved in all that work, approximately $15 million worth of work in that period. F&S in-house crafts and trades installed all of that work. We’re fortunate to be with F&S on design and installation on all this renovation work. It’s a great partnership. The quality of the work is excellent. The ability to coordinate with all the shops and the ownership F&S takes on makes them a truly valued partner.”

Kristy Arnett, Whitson’s teammate and assistant director of facilities, also values F&S’ expertise and the relationships she’s made over the years.

“I love the relationships we build,” Arnett said. “Especially with the shops. but it event starts with the budgeting and doing a lot of research with shops to see what we have the capacity to do and what we can’t do.

“My favorite part is working with the shops. Working with them throughout the years, they’re the most dependable we have and the quality of work we get out of them is absolutely amazing. Working with them makes for better schedules, budgets, and relationships.”

Todd Hawkins is an experienced voice with in this realm, working previously as the foreperson for the ironworkers shop, and for a few years as the supervisor of Building Maintenance & Grounds, helping oversee many of the craftspeople at F&S.

“Beckman is a world-class research center. Since the building opened in 1989, F&S and Beckman and their partners have worked together so much over the years. Beckman has meant thousands and thousands of work hours to our team with F&S and we have provided great value, maintaining the facility and upgrading the facility.

“On these new projects, we’ve provided research space, office space, and collaborative space to Beckman researchers and faculty and staff. Beckman has been a tremendous boon to the university and to F&S. We have over 20 shops of highly-skilled, highly-trained craftspeople. and especially the latest lab renovations office space renovations, many of our shops have provided a tremendous amount of work hours. Nearly all our shops have collaborated with them, including the carpenters, plumbers, pipefitters, electricians, painters, mill shop. They’ve all provided hours of dedicated service and craftsmanship. Josh at Beckman is very appreciative and highly touts us; I worked with Josh over the years at Beckman; he and Kristy, they’re great people. They appreciate all our efforts tremendously. We work well together. We provide great value to Beckman and their researchers and the long-reaching arm of research at Beckman to humanity and the world.”

Shops Work

Below are some details regarding each shop’s work at Beckman since 2022.

Electricians
~7300 labor hours
~$660,000 investment

Room 1714 Clean Room installation
Communications Equipment Room Buildout
Campus-wide Data Infrastructure

Plumbers
~2,200 labor hours
~237,000 investment

Maren Lab Remodel
Room 1714 Clean Room
Rooms 1632/1634 Remodel

Painters
~1,000 labor hours

Drywall, interior, signage, glass, casework

Carpenters
~100+ labor hours

Room 1714 Clean Room
B540 Lab

Cement Finishers
Epoxy flooring in the 3-D Printing Lab

Mill Workers
~100+ labor hours

Furniture, cabinets, countertops, credenza, desks

Pipefitters
~1,800 labor hours
~$225,000 investment

Room 1714 Clean Room
Rooms 1622/1624/1626 Lab Remodels

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

Adopted from:
Rebecca Bigelow
F&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 are those working behind the scenes—the ones who make sure everything runs smoothly.

F&S is an MVP of game day operations – none more important than the 2024 game versus Michigan, a 100-year rededication celebration of Memorial Stadium.

By the time the sun rises on a football Saturday, some of the work is already done. Dan Hiser, automotive subforeperson, explains that a “transportation driver and laborer service all the surrounding sewer lines in preparation for high volume, [and] two transportation drivers service all of the waste containers in and around stadium lots prior to game day.”

Meanwhile, construction laborers also contribute by providing barricades and signs as needed. In addition to making sure the crowds are corralled and have unfettered access to restroom facilities, F&S also makes sure that they can stay cool. Refrigeration Mechanics Foreperson Casey Pellum says his shop works throughout the week of the game “to check coolers and ice machines to make sure they are in good working order.” This is all completed before the Grange Grove tailgating even really gets rolling.

The work continues into game day. Sports fans using elevators at Memorial Stadium needn’t worry about being stuck. Vince Schaub, elevator mechanics foreperson, notes “we have a person there at the stadium four hours before the game and an hour after.” Being onsite means in the rare instance that an elevator breaks down, someone is right there to fix it.

Plumber Josh Hale works all the football home games. He arrives a couple of hours before the game and stays about the same length after the game ends, ready to fix any leaks or problems that crop up. Plumbers may have additional work as well. For example, they work with the water station staff to dye the Hallene Gateway fountain orange for Homecoming week—a tradition that began in 2017 to welcome Illini alums at the Alice Campbell Alumni Center.

Water Station: Turning a Fountain Orange

For game days, electricians and high voltage electricians provide temporary power to tailgate events, and in the case of Homecoming, they also supply sound support for departmental events. Also on standby during football games are a transportation driver and laborer. If the crowds’ bathroom use causes a sewer line to back up, they run the line to open it again. Transportation is on call with the operating engineers as well to “tail-gate rock as needed” in all the lots around the stadium in the event of rain, Hiser said. In this process, the truck bed is elevated and the rear gate is chained to allow a small opening. The driver moves forward, spreading an even rock layer; the rock helps cars find traction on soggy lanes.

Whether the Illini win or lose, F&S still has more work to do after the game. Four transportation drivers, in conjunction with stadium staff, remove trash inside the stadium, outside the stadium, and in all the tailgate lots. Grounds staff also run a Sunday garbage collection route after game days. And lest you think all that trash goes to the landfill, F&S is greener than that: the Waste Transfer Station reopens on Sunday, with help from the Developmental Services Center, to sort all the valuable recycling from the trash.

A new project, “Don’t Waste,” is a partnership involving F&S that encourages tailgaters to recycle their bottles and cans west of the stadium.

The work may not end there, however. If there’s a home game the following weekend, F&S staff just rinse and repeat. While fans are singing “Hail to the Orange, Hail to the Blue” in the stadium, most are likely oblivious to the amount of work that goes on before, during, and after to make their game day experience uneventful off the field. But those in the know can be certain that F&S has racked up another victory with their contributions to game day operations.

Go Illini, go!

Summer Construction 2024

FIRST FLOOR EAST JOINT EXPANSION REPLACEMENT AND EAST RAMP PAINTING

This project included the prep and painting of exposed structural steel on the east side of Memorial Stadium, including all steel associated with interior ramps between grandstand and the east main concourse and all exposed steel under the upper east balcony.

In addition, this project removed the existing expansion joints in the precast concrete stands of the east side grandstand and balcony and installed new expansion joint material. This process required temporary removal and reinstallation of the metal bench seating to facilitate access to the expansion joints.

SOUTH RESTROOM AND CONCOURSE RENOVATIONS

Facility improvements at Memorial Stadium renovated restrooms, including partitions, fixtures, selected plumbing, finishes, and other related upgrades, on the south side of the facility. The project included renovating the concourse areas on the south side of the stadium, including lighting, painting, graphics, and other related improvements. Horseshoe renovations feature updated restrooms and provide the game day patrons a modernized and improved experience in the south concourse.

HVAC REPLACEMENT AT FICE AND NE TOWER ROOF REPLACEMENT

The HVAC system on the northeast side of Memorial Stadium was replaced to improve climate control and energy management in associated spaces. The roof in the area above occupied academic and office space on the second floor of Fighting Illini Center for Excellence (FICE) was also be removed and replaced with a new system. The existing copings, flashings, and insulation were removed and replaced. A new lightning protection system was installed as a part of this work.

EXTERIOR STONE AND MASONRY CLEANING

This project cleaned Memorial Stadium’s stone to restore it to its original color. The work helped restore the outside of the facility ahead of the 100-year anniversary celebration.

WEST PARAPET REPLACEMENT

This project removed and replaced the existing west brick and stone parapet wall on the sixth floor of Memorial Stadium. The work included the salvaging and cleaning of the existing stone and the installation of matching brick with appropriate through wall flashings and control joints.

UPPER EAST RESTROOM PARTITIONS AND FLOOR

The east balcony restrooms at Memorial Stadium were enhanced with new partitions, plumbing fixtures, and epoxy flooring.

For the Fans!

A couple of pipefitters and plumbing projects improved Memorial Stadium in 2023.

For the Fans!

On the east side: the upper stands received new plumbing lines, new restroom sinks and stalls, and improved hot water systems. A couple of bright orange water stations dot the east, too, perfect for refillable containers.

Plumbers foreperson Matt Faulkner detailed the changes:

“A lot of the fixtures were mismatched from installations made through the years – we used what we could over the years. This time though, we were able to replace all of the toilets, flushometers, lavatories and faucets throughout the lower east side.”

“There will be water usage savings,” Faulkner said. “Some of the older toilets were 3.5 gallons per flush, but we reduced all of the toilets to 1.28 gallons per flush. We installed water heaters for each of the restrooms on the lower east side. The new Chicago faucets are metered, which means they shut off after a certain amount of time, usually less than a minute. This will help with maintenance also, less inventory to carry, more efficient repairs.”

When you’re at a game and you think you should leave (2023), you’ll find:

74 New Toilets
74 New Toilet Flush Valves
74 New Toilet Seats
56 New Urinals
56 New Urinal Flush Valves
20 New Lavatories
20 New Chicago Metered Faucets
20 Point of Use Mixing Valves
8 New 30-Gallon Water Heaters
2 New Drinking Fountain Water Stations

A House of Brick

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

By Jalynn Bugaj
F&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, capabilities, and overall contributions. Despite these obstacles, they bring a diverse perspective and valuable expertise to their roles.

Stereotypes can place a significant burden on women working in the trades, creating a challenging environment where they often face misconceptions and biases. However, the women at F&S agree that their workplace fosters a collaborative environment where everyone is helpful and engaged.

The supportive nature of their colleagues, combined with F&S’s dedication to diversity, plays a crucial role in creating a workplace where everyone can thrive and contribute their best, significantly enhancing their overall work experience.

“While there are barriers that I have to work to break due to the culture we all exist in, I have met some of the most amazing people here willing to support me and make sure I have the tools to succeed,” said Laura Abbott, pipefitter apprentice.

“As a union member, the fact that I am not needing to travel long distances within my local is a big plus! All of the tradespeople I have met are very respectful,” said Dawn Rambole, sheet metal worker. Rambole has been with F&S for 19 years.

“The university is a very inclusive and diverse workplace. I’ve met people from all walks of life, with a vast variety of knowledge,” said Jordyn Brock, pipefitter apprentice.

Enhancing Diversity in Trades

When asked how organizations and workplaces can further support diversity and inclusion, particularly for women in crafts and trades, a common theme emerged: the need to raise awareness within the school system. Many young women may not consider the trades as a viable career path simply because they lack exposure or awareness of these opportunities.

“There could be more awareness for young people that the trades are a good option for all sexes. If a female likes being active and creating with their hands, a trade may be a job they enjoy that pays well. They say choose a job you love and never work a day in your life,” said Rambole.

“The problem for me is kids not knowing trades are an option for them,” said Brock.

For Abbott, outreach is the answer. “Finding schools and programs where we can make early impacts and demonstrate what we do,” she replied.

From Teaching to Trades

Abbott, who spent five years as a middle school physical education teacher before transitioning to the trades, describes the switch as exactly what she was seeking in her career. She notes that her teaching background has been beneficial in her new role.

“Going through the teacher education process and learning how to learn helps me every day in my career. The problem-solving processes, critical thinking, and knowing how to best use my available resources have made me very good at my job,” Abbott said. “I would say too, that having taught, I carry with me some of that same spirit and desire for the betterment of community that originally drew me into teaching. The opportunities are just different.”

Abbott explains that although she enjoyed teaching and was successful at it, several key factors prompted her career change. One significant factor was the emotional and spiritual demands of the profession, a reality that Abbott found increasingly challenging, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic with its shifts between remote, hybrid, and in-person learning.

Abbott felt that her “spirit and energy” would be best spent in a different line of work, which is why she transitioned to her current role as a pipefitter.

“I leave this job every day happy. I have enough money in my wallet and enough mental and emotional reserve left to live my life after hours. That was something I didn’t always have in my teaching career,” said Abbott. “I get to learn something new every day in my job. There is always a new aspect of my work to refine. I feel a sense of pride in the work I do that I didn’t always feel before. I can see where I began and where I am now and be proud of that growth.”

“It’s also such a unique learning environment and very different from a traditional schooling background. I get to work with people from so many different back grounds and skill sets, and I get to take bits and pieces of knowledge from them and synthesize my own work ethic and skill toolbox. The direct one to one mentorship you can get out of this teaching style is amazing,” Abbott added.

Encouraging Women in Trades: Advice, Support, and Opportunities

For women considering a career in the crafts and trades, the women at F&S encourage taking the leap. They share that pursuing this path has been a decision they have never regretted. Embracing a career in these fields has provided them with a profound sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.

“My advice for women interested in the trades is, do it! You want a job to support yourself or your family? Teach you the necessary skills to do the job properly and safety? Always have someone to answer your questions, no matter how small? Visit your local union and they can help get you started! Oh, and if you’re ever intimidated, remember all you need is a taller ladder and a ‘cheater bar,'” said Brock.

“You are your own best advocate, seize every opportunity with both hands, and take that risk,” said Abbott.

Abbott, tired of feeling isolated on occasion, collaborated with other like-minded individuals to set up a group called Coalition of Labor Unions for Women or CLU-W, where women of any union or trade can come together to create a space to discuss struggles and get support. Other wellness initiatives include finances, women’s healthcare, and childcare. The group is open to anyone who wants to join.

“If you take pride in your quality of workmanship your work can leave a lasting legacy for generations to come,” said Rambole.

The women of F&S are not just skilled laborers: they are pioneers in their fields. Their dedication and expertise speak volume, shaping a more inclusive and resilient campus community at the heart of F&S and paving the way for future generations.

Shop Spotlight: Plumbers

Pipes surround us!

Inside the hundreds of buildings and acres of land encompassing the Urbana campus, F&S plumbers have a lot of responsibilities to keep liquid moving. They are in charge of all fixtures you’d regularly find in any building, including faucets, toilets, urinals, sinks, drinking fountains, sanitary and storm pump systems, and hot water heat exchangers. The plumbers also repair, maintain, and install more complicated systems like deionized water and reverse osmosis water systems, safety shower and eyewash equipment, and whole-building hot water mixing valves, along with domestic hot water heating systems.

3 questions with Terry Bagwell, plumbing shop foreperson

You’re a new foreperson, but have been with F&S for more than 15 years. How important is experience in plumbing and/or any crafts and trades?

As with all the crafts and trades here, experience is very important. We rely heavily on every one of our plumbers and have confidence we have the knowledge to repair anything that is assigned to us. That makes being a supervisor in the plumbing shop a lot easier.

What’s a typical type of project for your team?

Due to the number of older facilities on campus, pipes are in need of constant repairs. But, we’re not just talking about clogged toilets and dripping faucets; we have labs that have glass waste pipes and deionized water lines made of aluminum and other complicated plumbing systems. We also have a lot of storm and waste water pumps that need repairs. We also don’t just repair things, we also have crews that remodel bathrooms and labs; recent examples include Construction Engineering Research Laboratory and Veterinary Medicine. With buildings of all ages spread across a large campus, the ‘atypical’ job here has become commonplace.

What’s your favorite part about working for F&S?

Sometimes working in older, more unique buildings can be a challenge. That’s what makes it so rewarding because we get to maintain systems that have been replaced elsewhere in the industry. Since we do maintain them, they are still in good working order, and that’s a source of pride for our shop and all of F&S.