Facilities

Oscar Ferrufino is January Employee of the Month

Katarina Benson — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 19:27:15 +0000

Oscar Ferrufino is January Employee of the Month Katarina Benson Tue, 12/16/2025 - 14:27

January Employee of the Month Oscar Ferrufino is a member of �鶹��Ƶ’s Essential Employees group, so he is one of the first to respond when severe weather is forecasted. A heavy equipment operator in Facilities Management, he has been an integral part of the Facilities and Campus Operations department for almost 20 years. Since 2006, his work has helped make George �鶹��Ƶ’s campuses a better place.

President Washington with January Employee of the Month Oscar Ferrufino. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

“Oscar can always be counted on to support our team, even if it is 2 a.m. with wind howling and snow flying. He is there and at the forefront without any complaints,” said Erich Miller, grounds program manager.

“Oscar demonstrates a level of stewardship, commitment, and service to the university who consistently goes above and beyond the call of duty,” said Amy Millman, executive assistant to the vice president in Facilities and Campus Operations.

“Oscar has a wealth of grounds knowledge and professionally completes any assigned task. It is a pleasure to work alongside him, no matter what type of task we’ve been assigned,” said Archie Nesbit, senior grounds supervisor.

Kevin Brim, waste and recycling supervisor, said, “Every day, Oscar goes above and beyond in service to our university. I have never heard Oscar say he doesn’t have time to help a colleague or coworker.”

How did you come to �鶹��Ƶ:

I was looking to move back to the area after moving away for a few years. I had close to 20 years' experience in a university setting, so when I searched for openings, I was happy to see there were positions available at George �鶹��Ƶ. I applied and traveled here for the interview and was hired from there.

Best day on the job:

Any day, but the best days are when I get to help colleagues in other shops that need assistance.

What do you like best about working at �鶹��Ƶ:

Flexibility with my schedule. I was able to take time off when my kids were little.

What do you like to do when you’re not working:

I love fishing and biking.

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Employee of the Month

Faculty and Staff News

Turning “trash” into treasure: diverting surplus property from the waste stream

lclarkg — Thu, 20 Feb 2025 15:27:59 +0000

Turning “trash” into treasure: diverting surplus property from the waste stream lclarkg Thu, 02/20/2025 - 10:27

When it’s time to clear out the garage or basement, some people might host a yard sale, selling old clothes, furniture, or housewares—whatever needs to go. After a successful yard sale, they might hope to have some extra pocket money.

Selling or redistributing surplus items from a public university is a bit more complicated, but the payoff is worth it. Since the arrival of Steve Pulis, purchasing manager in Facilities and Campus Operations, �鶹��Ƶ has earned more than $1 million in surplus property sales—including furniture, equipment, and more.

In 2023 and 2024, Pulis partnered with Housing and Residence Life to transfer used residence hall furniture to Virginia State University. Photo by Facilities and Campus Operations

Pulis started working at George �鶹��Ƶ in 2017 and has helped the university add money to its general fund by effectively managing the commonwealth’s surplus sales process.

We are careful stewards

Pulis earned a Silver Impact Award from his department for his efforts to partner with units inside and outside the university to increase the amount of surplus property sold, donated, or otherwise diverted from the waste stream.

As a result, George �鶹��Ƶ is now ranked at number 7 among higher education state agencies for total surplus sales in the Commonwealth of Virginia through GovDeals.

Shopping for “free”

Commonwealth agencies must follow strict procedures when it comes to the reallocation of surplus property. When offices and departments at George �鶹��Ƶ no longer need equipment, furniture, or other supplies, those items are declared as “surplus.”

Staff from Central Receiving, part of Facilities Management, pick up the unneeded items and store them in the warehouse on the Fairfax Campus. Surplus items are made available to internal departments and other state agencies for free. Pulis is often contacted by university departments and state agencies seeking specialized items.

“In some cases, I do reach out directly to other state agencies to see if there is an interest to transfer the items from George �鶹��Ƶ to the agency,” Pulis said.

Steve Pulis, purchasing manager, Facilities and Campus Operations. Photo provided

Going once, going twice . . .

Surplus property may be sold at auction through the GovDeals website, and this is where the earning really happens. Pulis examines the resale market to determine whether an item will sell at auction.

The sale of surplus state property through auction or direct sales sends money back into the university’s general fund.

“Steve has increased the amount of university surplus sold through GovDeals by roughly $69,000 a year,” said Kat Sirotin, director of purchasing and fiscal services in Facilities and Campus Operations. “Initiatives like this help infuse funding back into the university’s general fund while also supporting our sustainability goals by diverting used equipment and furniture from the waste stream.”

Giving items a new life

Decommissioned spaces are one source of surplus property. Upon the closure of the university’s instructional site in Loudoun, and the former library space in the Johnson Center, university staff planned for the repurposing or sale of surplus items.

Another recent surplus sale? Extra personal protective equipment (PPE) purchased during the COVID pandemic, such as disinfectant wipes, masks, and wipe dispensers. Items not sold on GovDeals were donated to Serving Each Other, a nonprofit organization that distributed items to clinics, assisted living facilities, and to support hurricane relief in North Carolina after the devastation of Hurricane Helene.

Surplus property also results from regular upkeep and replacement of furniture and equipment. In 2023 and 2024, Pulis partnered with Housing and Residence Life to transfer used residence hall furniture to Virginia State University, an HBCU near Petersburg, Virginia.

Going where help is needed

When students move out of their residence halls, the Patriot Packout offers an easy way for them to donate unwanted items, instead of tossing them into the trash. Through Pulis’ efforts, some of those unwanted items are sold on GovDeals, transferred to other state agencies, or donated to nonprofit organizations.

In accordance with state policies and procedures, Pulis helped redirect clothing, furniture, and household items from the Patriot Packout to Serving Each Other, which directed the items to displaced individuals impacted by a fire at a housing development in southeast Washington, D.C.

Repurposing for a purpose

After receiving a request to remove furniture from Fenwick Library’s A Wing, Pulis came up with a creative way to repurpose the items. He collaborated with the City of Fairfax Fire Department and asked if they could use the furniture for their training exercises. The answer? “Yes.”

Sometimes, surplus property gets to take a heroic turn in its second life.

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Breaking down the composting process

lclarkg — Thu, 23 Jan 2025 14:46:23 +0000

Breaking down the composting process lclarkg Thu, 01/23/2025 - 09:46

Cindy Smith, a professor in the Department of Environmental Science and Policy, took her EVPP 302 Biomes and Human Dimensions students to a composting facility last fall to give them a front-row seat for food and yard waste recycling.

Photo by Cindy Smith/College of Science

In the course, students examine human impacts on ecosystems. Because human activities often have a harmful effect on ecosystems, Smith also aims to show students positive, real-world examples of how humans can help mitigate these impacts.

“I want students to experience successful programs that are doing positive work, like keeping yard and food waste out of our landfills where the breakdown would produce methane, a powerful greenhouse gas,” said Smith.

The field trip also offers insight into a career path for those interested in sustainability.

The Convertus composting facility, located in Manassas, Virginia, produces certified compost, mulch, and soil amendment products in bulk. The facility can process 80,000–100,000 tons of organic waste per year. This includes yard waste, tree branches, and food and restaurant waste.

A milk hauler dumps excess or expired milk products, which Convertus uses in the composting process. The students noted that it made the area smell like vanilla creamer. Photo by Cindy Smith/College of Science

During the field trip, students watched stages of the composting process, from the delivery of waste to the grinding, mixing, aerating, screening, and composting. They observed the different effects of various materials.

“The students were surprised to see a red tint in the leachate pond [during our visit], which resulted from red wine waste being processed,” said Smith.

�鶹��Ƶ sends compostable scraps from multiple sources to the Convertus facility. Food waste is collected from campus dining and retail locations and Bigbelly Solar Zero Waste Stations. Two pilot programs collect compost materials in the form of paper towels from restrooms at the Facilities complex at Fairfax, and food waste from Katherine Johnson Hall at the Science and Technology Campus.

“It's great to see all this organic waste getting recycled into an economically viable product, rather than buried in a landfill or sent to a waste water treatment plant,” said Smith.

Learn more about sustainability at George �鶹��Ƶ

More about the Department of Environmental Science and Policy

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George �鶹��Ƶ earns solid gold in sustainability

lclarkg — Thu, 06 Jun 2024 13:56:18 +0000

George �鶹��Ƶ earns solid gold in sustainability lclarkg Thu, 06/06/2024 - 09:56

For its commitment to campus sustainability, �鶹��Ƶ has earned a Gold rating in the STARS (Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System) Assessment. STARS is a self-reporting framework for colleges and universities to measure their sustainability performance and is offered by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE). George �鶹��Ƶ has received four consecutive STARS Gold ratings and was the first Virginia university to earn that rating in 2014.

George �鶹��Ƶ earned a Gold rating in the STARS assessment for the fourth consecutive time, Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

STARS was administered by staff from University Sustainability and University Business Consulting. This year, George �鶹��Ƶ demonstrated improvements in several performance categories, earning a total of 73.66 points. The university’s score increased 13% since the last assessment in 2021. The threshold for earning a Gold rating is 65 points, and George �鶹��Ƶ is only 11.34 points away from earning the highest honor, STARS Platinum. Rankings are valid for three years.

Amber Saxton, program manager in University Sustainability, co-led the university-wide assessment with Minh Le, senior consultant in University Business Consulting.

“STARS recognizes what we are doing well, puts our sustainability planning and execution in context with peers nationwide, and helps us create a roadmap for continued improvement,” Saxton said. “�鶹��Ƶ’s Gold rating reflects a comprehensive effort from stakeholders across the university, from research to operations.”

Sustainable purchasing is part of George �鶹��Ƶ's STARS Gold rating. Locker room renovations for the men's soccer team included sustainable upgrades like lockers made from recycled content and responsibly sourced materials and energy-efficient lights. This project was supported by the Patriot Green Fund. Photo by Shelby Burgess/Office of University Branding

Consistent success in campus sustainability

George �鶹��Ƶ has consistently earned high scores in the STARS categories for sustainable transportation programs, stormwater management, and academics and research. George �鶹��Ƶ also scored highly in the innovation category for its on-campus gardens, food bank (the Student Support and Advocacy Center's Patriot Pantry), and sustainability project grant funds (Facilities’ Patriot Green Fund and the Institute for a Sustainable Earth’s new �鶹��Ƶ as a Living Lab fund).

The on-campus gardens help �鶹��Ƶ score consistently high in the innovation category on STARS. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

High marks in these categories reflect the commitment of stakeholders across the university.

“�鶹��Ƶ departments and colleges have prioritized sustainability as a strategic part of their performance criteria and benchmarks for progress,” said Greg Farley, director of University Sustainability. “�鶹��Ƶ has set a goal to be the highest-scoring AASHE STARS school in Virginia by 2030, so University Sustainability and its partners will need to keep pushing forward.”

Measuring the culture of sustainability

This year, George �鶹��Ƶ earned new points in the sustainability literacy and culture category for launching a survey to measure students' sustainability literacy, culture, and behavior. Recent graduate Nikita Lad, PhD Environmental Science and Policy ’24, and K.L. Akerlof, associate professor of science communication, administered the survey to a representative sample of undergraduates in fall 2022 and spring 2023.

“The survey measured what factors affect students' sustainability behaviors and whether their knowledge and behaviors changed through formal or informal programming during their college careers,” said Lad.

The theoretically informed survey model found that time spent on campus and informal program participation influenced students’ nature connectedness and norms, which in turn affected sustainability behaviors. Lad shared the research study through a webinar with other members of AASHE and hopes to collaborate with other universities on future iterations of the survey.

Through Bioblitz, the �鶹��Ƶ Nation crowdsources the identification of species across campus. Photo by Cristian Torres/Office of University Branding

Bioblitz made an impact

George �鶹��Ƶ earned new points in biodiversity this year thanks to Bioblitz, a crowdsourced assessment of plant and animal species on campus. Through an app, the �鶹��Ƶ Nation helped identify and monitor endangered and vulnerable species around the university. In spring 2024, more than 500 biodiversity observations were entered into the Bioblitz app by 107 observers, documenting 273 species.

Bigbelly solar waste stations were recently installed across George �鶹��Ƶ's campuses. Photo by Facilities

Moving toward zero waste

New efforts to improve waste diversion boosted George �鶹��Ƶ’s score in that category. Facilities Management, University Sustainability, Auxiliary Services and Operations, and other campus partners worked to expand composting, reduce single-use plastics, and promote the use of certified compostable and aluminum products.

George �鶹��Ƶ is expected to improve further in this category in the future, with the installation of new Bigbelly solar waste stations across its campuses, the development and implementation of new design standards for “zero waste” bins, the addition of glass recycling, and the future launch of a reusable food container pilot and paper towel composting.

�鶹��Ƶ earned one of the highest STARS ratings among Virginia universities. As of April 2024, the University of Virginia earned 74.85 points, �鶹��Ƶ earned 73.66 points, and Virginia Commonwealth University earned 66.4 points. Participating institutions can earn points toward a STARS Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum Rating, or earn the STARS Reporter designation.

Sustainability at George �鶹��Ƶ

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�鶹��Ƶ as a Living Lab

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Strategic Direction

George �鶹��Ƶ creates more spaces for students to gather with new building

ckearney — Mon, 03 Jun 2024 20:18:30 +0000

George �鶹��Ƶ creates more spaces for students to gather with new building ckearney Mon, 06/03/2024 - 16:18

�鶹��Ƶ broke ground on the Activities Community Wellness Building on the Fairfax Campus on Monday morning. The facility is designed to enhance campus life by providing a gathering place for students to engage with each other and deepen their sense of belonging at the university.

Professor Michael "Doc Nix" Nickens takes a selfie during the groundbreaking of the Activities Community Wellness Building. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

The groundbreaking featured remarks from George �鶹��Ƶ President Gregory Washington, representatives from Facilities and University Life, and associate professor of music Michael “Doc Nix” Nickens, leader of the Green Machine band ensembles.

“This is truly a students-come-first building,” said Rose Pascarell, vice president for University Life. “It’s really about listening to the needs of students who have consistently said to us: ‘We want more space to gather. We want to be able to come together more easily. We want to engage with each other.’ Which is exactly what we know is part of the magic sauce of George �鶹��Ƶ and actually the secret sauce of student success and student retention.”

The groundbreaking featured remarks from George �鶹��Ƶ President Gregory Washington, representatives from Facilities and University Life, and Professor Michael “Doc Nix” Nickens. Photo by Evan Cantwell/Office of University Branding

The 25,000-square-foot concrete and tension fabric structure, to be located behind the Recreation Athletic Complex, will be built by Hoar Construction in partnership with Powers Brown Architecture and civil engineer IMEG Corp. and is scheduled for completion in 2025. The $11 million building will feature two full-sized basketball courts and meeting spaces for the university's 350-plus student groups, and it also will provide practice space for the Green Machine.

“If anything personifies our students, our diversity, our rich heritage, our innovation, our spirit, it actually is the Green Machine,” Washington said. “So having that entity have a focal point, a centerpiece, a gathering point, a rallying point, is probably one of the most important things we can do.”

Nickens, who fought back tears during his brief remarks, is thrilled that his ensembles will now have a space they can call home.

“If you think we have delivered so far, you wait till we move [into] this spot,” Nickens said, motioning to the construction site, pierced moments later by a line of gold shovels.

Learn more about the Green Machine

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Meet the �鶹��Ƶ Nation: Kevin Brim

lclarkg — Wed, 24 Apr 2024 14:06:43 +0000

Meet the �鶹��Ƶ Nation: Kevin Brim lclarkg Wed, 04/24/2024 - 10:06

Kevin Brim

Job: Recycle/Waste Management Supervisor, Facilities Management

Can I recycle this? At some point, anyone who has approached a recycling bin (or set of bins) with good intentions has asked this question, either aloud or in their mind.

Helping the community understand the parameters of recycling and composting is one of the biggest challenges in recycling and waste management, according to Kevin Brim, supervisor in Facilities Management at �鶹��Ƶ. “It can be confusing trying to decide what is recycling, trash, or compostable,” said Brim.

His team is working hard to change that.

Keeping it clean: Putting the wrong items in a recycle or compost bin can lead to contamination of waste streams. Brim and his colleagues in Facilities Management are making it easier for the George �鶹��Ƶ community to recycle, compost, and properly dispose of items.

Waste no time: Brim knows he is part of something impactful, and interacting with the George �鶹��Ƶ community is what he likes best about his job. “I’ve been at �鶹��Ƶ for 18 years, and I learn something new every day,” Brim said.

Protecting the Earth isn’t a one-person job: Waste diversion efforts stretch across the university and rely on the involvement of many units—and the actions of individuals. �鶹��Ƶ Facilities, University Sustainability, �鶹��Ƶ Dining, and others are working to help George �鶹��Ƶ reach its Zero Waste goal: diverting 90% or more of all waste items away from the trash through reuse, recycling, and composting.

Learning the ins and outs: Brim’s first job in George �鶹��Ƶ Facilities was as a quality assurance inspector for the university’s housekeeping contract. Brim moved to the waste/recycle team in 2011, learning every aspect of the operation from the ground up. That knowledge and experience led him to his current role as the supervisor of that team.

Spreading the word: Brim takes pride in his team and how they help foster a culture of sustainability at �鶹��Ƶ. “I ensure my team knows just as much as I do about waste and recycling here at �鶹��Ƶ,” Brim said. His team’s interactions with others on campus help inform the community about the proper disposal of different items, protecting �鶹��Ƶ’s recycling and composting streams.

It all comes back to serving George �鶹��Ƶ students, according to Brim. “Students are the reason we are here, so they’re our target audience,” said Brim. “I’m always interested in hearing their input on what we can do better, or what they would like to see.”

Harnessing the sun: Expanded composting access is part of a long-term strategy to improve George �鶹��Ƶ’s waste diversion rate. Brim’s team recently installed new Bigbelly zero waste stations on the Fairfax and �鶹��Ƶ Square campuses, some of which include solar-powered, waste compacting compost bins. Brim’s team plans to install more Bigbelly stations, expanding their availability across all of �鶹��Ƶ’s Virginia campuses.

Saving the scraps: Composting efforts will also increase in campus dining locations. “�鶹��Ƶ Facilities is looking to expand our composting programs with all food vendors on campus, with a main focus on behind-the-scenes food waste,” Brim said. These composting streams are often easier to control, ensuring a clean composting product.

The glass is half full: This spring, George �鶹��Ƶ launched a glass recycling program, with purple recycling trailers parked on the Fairfax Campus. Brim says the glass recycling program has expanded to collect glass bottles at catered events on campus.

“We will continue to divert as much away from landfill and incinerator as we can,” Brim said.

Reduce, reuse . . . relax: Outside work, Brim spends time with his wife of 33 years (his high school sweetheart), three adult children, five grandkids, and two dogs. “They all keep me pretty busy,” he said. Relaxing in the backyard tops the list, too. “It’s the little things in life,” Brim said.

Learn more about �鶹��Ƶ's Zero Waste goals

Find more ways to make a sustainable impact

Don’t trash it, compost it: �鶹��Ƶ Facilities adds 23 Bigbelly zero waste stations to campuses

lclarkg — Thu, 15 Feb 2024 18:38:11 +0000

Don’t trash it, compost it: �鶹��Ƶ Facilities adds 23 Bigbelly zero waste stations to campuses lclarkg Thu, 02/15/2024 - 13:38

�鶹��Ƶ Facilities has installed 23 Bigbelly zero waste stations on the Fairfax and �鶹��Ƶ Square campuses. These solar-powered stations support �鶹��Ƶ’s recycling and composting goals through their user-friendly design, technology upgrades, and capacity-based alerts.

Five of the new Bigbelly stations on the Fairfax Campus include solar-powered, waste compacting compost bins at outdoor patio sites. Expanded composting access is part of a long-term strategy to improve �鶹��Ƶ’s waste diversion rate—the amount of waste composted, recycled, repurposed, or otherwise diverted away from trash.

Bigbelly zero waste stations support �鶹��Ƶ's recycling and composting goals. Photo by �鶹��Ƶ Facilities

The Bigbelly zero waste stations expand the waste collection benefits achieved through �鶹��Ƶ’s industrial composting pilot. Launched in August 2022, the composting pilot included the installation of �鶹��Ƶ’s first indoor zero waste station in the Starbucks located in Northern Neck on the Fairfax Campus. The project was funded by University Sustainability's Patriot Green Fund (PGF). A previous PGF grant supported the installation of Bigbelly’s smart-waste management system at the patio outside the Starbucks.

Capacity alerts from Bigbelly solar zero waste stations increase the efficiency of operations for recycling and housekeeping staff, who are automatically alerted when the stations need to be emptied.

“Thanks to the daily efforts of �鶹��Ƶ Dining and Facilities recycling staff, �鶹��Ƶ’s first sitewide composting pilot was able to consistently divert clean compost away from trash while informing best practices for adding composting access at future campus locations,” said Colleen Regan, zero waste specialist with University Sustainability.

The solar powered stations send real-time alerts to Facilities and housekeeping staff when the bins need to be emptied. Photo by �鶹��Ƶ Facilities

To successfully divert food scraps and other compostable items, the university must maintain a clean compost stream. Design changes were installed at waste stations to help reduce waste contamination. The Max-R zero waste station inside the on-campus Starbucks offers helpful design features like waste stream co-location, restrictive lid openings, and color-coded messaging. The station is made of more than 1,600 reclaimed milk jugs, supporting �鶹��Ƶ’s post-consumer recycled purchasing goals and guidance.

The involvement of �鶹��Ƶ Dining was crucial for the success of the industrial composting pilot. �鶹��Ƶ Dining staff identified difficult-to-sort items, inventoried common contaminants during weekly audits, and piloted behavioral and educational interventions to support appropriate waste disposal.

"Bigbelly has a huge impact on our daily operations” said Kevin Brim, recycling and waste management supervisor with Facilities. “The stations' technology makes us more efficient in performing our duties. We’ve seen an immediate impact with environmental challenges like wildlife—[fewer] yellowjackets at the bin, [less] wind-blown litter—and the operational challenge of keeping up with �鶹��Ƶ's growth and overall population day to day.”

Learn the best ways to sort your compost, recycling, and trash. Check out the Zero Waste �鶹��Ƶ page and see the complete list of zero waste locations.

Sustainability at �鶹��Ƶ

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Elevating �鶹��Ƶ’s Green Studio with the Patriot Green Fund

lclarkg — Wed, 13 Sep 2023 13:48:34 +0000

Elevating �鶹��Ƶ’s Green Studio with the Patriot Green Fund lclarkg Wed, 09/13/2023 - 09:48

The Green Studio, located on �鶹��Ƶ’s Fairfax Campus, is a permaculture garden, outdoor studio, and lab space dedicated to hosting ecological art and design projects by students from across the arts and sciences. Founded in 2010 by Mark Cooley, associate professor in �鶹��Ƶ’s School of Art, the Green Studio has been home to numerous projects over the years.

Jennifer Ashworth, manager of the Green Studio, wanted to elevate the space in preparation for more student projects in the future. She applied for funding through University Sustainability’s Patriot Green Fund and was granted financial support to revamp the garden in preparation for the new academic year.

Photo by Audrey Kwayke/�鶹��Ƶ Facilities

The Patriot Green Fund is a $100,000-per-year sustainability fund provided by �鶹��Ƶ Facilities to make �鶹��Ƶ’s campuses more sustainable through infrastructure improvements and student research projects.

In May 2023, the Patriot Green Fund Committee, which includes students, faculty, and staff, approved Ashworth’s application and awarded $1,200 toward the acquisition of new soil and plants for the garden.

An overarching goal of the project was to support the garden as a thriving ecosystem and sanctuary for native wildlife. Ashworth, who joined �鶹��Ƶ in 2022, selected native species that would combat overgrowth and facilitate maintenance of the space, while also crafting a visually appealing garden.

Photo by Audrey Kwayke/�鶹��Ƶ Facilities

Beyond the immediate benefits, Ashworth has a long-term plan for the garden. She envisions it as a living, learning laboratory for educational workshops and projects. By collaborating with campus classes in the arts, environmental studies, and civil engineering, she wants to create opportunities for students to engage in hands-on learning experiences and develop a deeper understanding of the ecosystem and sustainable practices.

^{I’m excited for the next generation of students to explore the Green Studio," Ashworth said. "It’s their space—an open studio space for research, experimentation, expression, or just a space to absorb. It’s wild and beautiful and worth discovering.”}

Photo by Audrey Kwayke/�鶹��Ƶ Facilities

To get involved and volunteer in the Green Studio, visit University Sustainability’s volunteer portal or reach out to Jenn Ashworth.

Individuals with innovative ideas to further enhance sustainability at �鶹��Ƶ are encouraged to apply for funding through the Patriot Green Fund.

Sustainability at �鶹��Ƶ

Explore the Patriot Green Fund

In This Story

Mark Cooley

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Campus News

Giving surplus furniture a new life at another state university

lclarkg — Thu, 03 Aug 2023 13:13:22 +0000

Giving surplus furniture a new life at another state university lclarkg Thu, 08/03/2023 - 09:13

In This Story

Dr. Shannon Jordan

�鶹��Ƶ recently partnered with Virginia State University (VSU) to transfer surplus furniture from �鶹��Ƶ residence halls. Through the efforts of staff from �鶹��Ƶ Facilities and Housing and Residence Life, more than 850 pieces of furniture were transferred to furnish newly opened residential spaces at VSU, an HBCU located near Petersburg, Virginia.

Photo provided by Facilities Communication

The surplus furniture included couches, dining chairs, coffee/end tables, and more. State surplus property policies allow for re-use amongst state agencies in an effort to reduce costs.

“Any surplus property needs to be managed appropriately. This transfer is classified as ‘re-use,’ and I am always looking to divert anything from a landfill,” said Steven Pulis, purchasing manager with �鶹��Ƶ Facilities. “Finding a way to transfer the property from one [state] agency to another is a viable solution and a ‘win-win’ for both universities.”

Following the university’s core value of careful stewardship, �鶹��Ƶ staff arranged for the responsible re-use of the surplus property. Kevin Brim, recycle/waste supervisor with Facilities, took the initiative to contact other state universities, asking if the furniture could be used elsewhere. VSU responded with gratitude, and the transfer was initiated.

“Being able to repurpose materials versus [sending them to the] landfill or incinerator is always best practice toward our Zero Waste Goals,” said Brim. “Supporting an HBCU was just the icing on the cake, with the cherry on top.”

The furniture transferred to VSU included lounge furniture from Eastern Shore, Dominion, and Commonwealth halls, as well as the dining chairs from Liberty Square.

“We typically replace a portion of the thousands of desks, chairs, beds, wardrobes, and other furniture in the dorms every year due to end of life or wear and tear,” said John Rogers, associate director of housekeeping with Housing and Residence Life.

The staff involved expect to find more opportunities to maximize the use of surplus furniture in the future. “I am so happy the furniture could be given a second life at Virginia State,” said Shannon Jordon, Chief Housing Officer and associate dean of �鶹��Ƶ Housing and Residence Life.

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Patriot Pop Quiz: Mascots of the 1990s

lclarkg — Wed, 19 Jul 2023 18:39:39 +0000

Patriot Pop Quiz: Mascots of the 1990s lclarkg Wed, 07/19/2023 - 14:39

Question:

One person has portrayed three different �鶹��Ƶ mascots over the years, including the tricorn-hat Gunston (1993), the brief Gorilla period (1994), and the fuzzy Gunston (1996).

He is still a �鶹��Ƶ employee. Who is it?

Gunston, 1996. Photo provided by �鶹��Ƶ Athletics

Gunston, 1993. Photo provided by �鶹��Ƶ Athletics

Answer:

George Malenich, plumber, Facilities. Photo provided

George Malenich, �鶹��Ƶ Square plumber, Facilities Management

“I loved being the mascot at �鶹��Ƶ. The exposure opened doors for me. I did the play-by-play for �鶹��Ƶ women’s basketball and hosted a sports talk show at WGMU radio with several students. We had great guests, including legends like Dick Vitale, Arnold Palmer, and Gus Johnson. [Former �鶹��Ƶ Men’s Basketball Coach] Jim Larrañaga was a frequent guest, too," said Malenich, also a �鶹��Ƶ alum.

"Being the mascot helped me land the job as a plumber here 26 years ago, which is a position I love," he said. "I was courtside for the Final Four run in 2006. One of my greatest thrills was being in the second row of the press section for the UConn upset—in regular clothes, not dressed as a mascot."