Rick Cartojano, ITC housekeeper, is thanked for his
hard work by Shirley Mock, ITC educational specialist.
They stand in front of a batik painting created by Mock,
as they examine an old storage jar. The art piece
celebrates the people of a mountainous area in the
Philippines, Cartojano's birthplace.
Housekeepers saluted for hard work, masterful caretaking
(Oct. 1, 2002)--In observance of National Housekeepers Week, we salute the UTSA housekeeping personnel in the Department of Facilities Services.
There are 84 housekeepers and seven housekeeping supervisors at the UTSA Tri-Campuses: 70 at the 1604 Campus, covering 1,860,547 square feet of floor space; 15 at the Downtown Campus, covering 385,563 square feet; and 6 at the Institute of Texan Cultures (ITC), covering 177,000 square feet. These staff members support at least 100 special events each year, working various shifts to take care of the campuses from 5 a.m. to 1:30 a.m.
Maxine Farrimond, Edda Mayer and Giselle Diaz from the Office of the President know about the demands placed on the housekeeping staff. They wish to thank Joe Rubio, assistant director of custodial services, and Richard Hernandez, executive housekeeper, and other staff members who always get the job done, even though requests are often given to them at the last minute.
"We know they have given their talent and hard work with enthusiasm
and dedication to make the faculty, staff and students proud to work in beautiful,
clean and well-organized surroundings," said Farrimond. "Their behind-the-scenes
heroics, from finding podiums, to putting up banners, to rearranging set-ups
for hundreds of people, make us look good with their magic knowledge of where
everything is on campus. We can never tell our colleagues how truly grateful
we are for all their support and help."
Shirley Mock, ITC educational specialist, describes housekeeper Rick
Cartojano as "a master caretaker" of the ITC Programs staff.
"I look forward to his blue shirt and ready smile," said Mock. "He
actually vacuums my keyboard periodically. That is quite a job because I have
a bad habit of munching Cheerios while I work."
"Rick will always pause in the hall and survey the wax job he has carefully nourished and buffed to a fine shine on our battle gray linoleum floor. He makes it look pretty and it makes me happy to see him take such pride in his work. Occasionally we will talk about the Philippines where he was born, and one of the favorite places where I have lived. One day I will do an exhibit on the Philippines and he will be my consultant."
Phyllis McKenzie, ITC educational specialist, reports that Fred Zepeda often shares his experience and skills in ways that go far beyond his job description. Zepeda was formally ITC supervisor of housekeeping and is now at the 1604 Campus.
"While at ITC, Fred took part in a committee planning a new exhibit about Tejano history," McKenzie said. "He initiated community contacts, conducted interviews and sought out artifacts, even loaning some of his personal heirlooms. Responding to needs, Fred volunteered to be camera operator on several critical video shoots. This field work, which required long hours outside of work time, produced an excellent video record."
Zepeda's filming included the Cinco de Mayo commemoration in Goliad, Diez y Seis de Septiembre in Crystal City and a Good Friday evening Pesame service in San Fernando Cathedral.
His volunteerism has enhanced other ITC programs. He carved wooden centerpieces for the ITC Christmas breakfast and donated two for auction with proceeds going to the employees' GED fund. Of American Indian descent, Zepeda takes part in tribal gatherings. He has dressed in full regalia for ITC public events, greeting visitors.
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TODAY'S HEADLINES:
Pharmaceutical
researcher to speak at UTSA Oct. 7
Nobel
winner to speak at Oct. 12 science conference
GLBT
Pride Week set for Oct. 7-11 at UTSA
Touring
actors to portray life of artist Frida Kahlo
Housekeepers
develop new work and study skills
Housekeepers saluted for hard work, masterful caretaking
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© The University of Texas at San Antonio, 2002