Hurricane Sandy did not deter AU staff from running the Terrace Dining Room, Eagle’s Nest and maintenance operations despite lack of public transportation.
Grounds and facility management staff worked during the hurricane from Oct. 28 to Oct. 30, according to Assistant Vice President of Facilities Management Vincent Harkins.
The grounds staff handled fallen trees, branches and debris while resolving problems with roof and ground drainage that occurred during the hurricane. Meanwhile, Facilities Management responded to internal and external building leaks and reports of broken glass.
Both teams stayed in the Asbury facilities management office and slept on cots, Harkins said.
AU grounds staff and facilities management staff were compensated for the extra hours worked, which exceeded the standard 40 hours a week, according to Harkins.
Eight Aramark workers and some supervisors stayed overnight in residence halls on Oct. 29, Harkins said. Approximately 45 Aramark workers came in Oct. 30 despite the University closure, for which AU provided them with free lunch and dinner at TDR.
Bon Appétit management also provided room and board for Bon Appétit workers who chose to work during the hurricane on Oct. 29 and 30. They were housed in the Holiday Inn on Wisconsin Avenue, according to Residential Director Michelle Mooney.
“Employees that came in on Monday carpooled with others that lived nearby,” she said. “All chefs came in early and managers went out doing what needed to be done. We do what we need to do.”
Bon Appétit compensated all employees for the hours worked overtime, according to Mooney.
Bon Appétit employees had the choice to not work during the hurricane if family and transportation conflicts arose.
“It’s unbelievable,” Mooney said. “The dedication you see in people.”
jsmith@theeagleonline.com
