Celebrations for the Investiture of John Karl Scholz as the 19th president of the University of Oregon began Thursday morning, May 30th, with the ceremonial planting of an Oregon white oak (Quercus garryana) on campus to mark the day.

Pictured is Jane Brubaker, Landscape Designer with the Grounds Crew, presenting President Scholz with the plaque to mark the commemorative tree.

With much sadness, we share that Dan Pennisi passed away on Thursday, May 2nd. Dan worked for CPFM for 5 years, starting as a Custodian and making his way to a Trades Maintenance worker in the Mechanical/Plumbing Shop. He was integral, both to his crew and our campus. He will be missed by many both on and off campus. Our thoughts go out to Dan's family and friends. 

Pictured here is Aaron Maxwell (driving forklift), Dan Roll, Nick Sloss (both in the basket), and Harrison Freeman (on the ground), hanging flower baskets around campus!

Thanks for keeping our campus so lively and colorful!

Gene Mowery, Owner’s Representative with Design and Construction, is retiring at the end of June after 17 years with the University. Gene started his tenure with the University working as a Planner under AVP Chris Ramey within Campus Planning. Through a reorganization effort several years ago, Gene became an Owner’s Representative within the Design and Construction team leading large-scale projects from cradle-to-grave. Gene has forever left his fingerprints to the fabric of our wonderful campus by leading notable projects that include: The Ford Alumni Center, PK Park, Student Rec Center Expansion, Chapman Hall, and currently the Heritage Project (Villard and University, our founding buildings). Upon leaving UO, Gene will continue his highly active lifestyle that entails backpacking, world travelling, road trips, and being with his family. Gene has been invaluable to the department and to the University. We thank Gene sincerely for all his long-standing contributions, professionalism, and passion for his position; he was an integral member within our D/C team.  We genuinely wish Gene the very best on his new adventures.

Todd Gardner, Stephen Klatt, and Alastair Millie spent the majority of a day working in the tunnel at Gerlinger Hall to replace an 8” steam valve that was leaking. They had to cut frozen bolts, work in the 100F and extremely humid tunnel, and maneuver the old 200lb valve out of place and the new one into place. These guys did an excellent job!

Facilities Services hosted the annual in person Facilities Liaison Lunch Meeting, where nearly 100 people from across campus attended. The presentation slides are attached here and contain valuable updates from across campus.  

August is VPFA Everyday Inclusion Month! 

This year, the theme is Nourish to Flourish. The VPFA diversity committee is planning activities for August and will be sharing those soon (if you have ideas or requests, let us know!)

In preparation for August, we need your help to design the sticker that will be distributed to all who participate in Everyday Inclusion activities. Stickers will again be printed in full color and shared with employees throughout August. Grab your creative vehicle of choice: Will it be charcoal or watercolors? CoPilot or Gemini? Mr. Sketch markers or Crayola Silly Scents?

Whatever your medium, send us your submissions via email to VPFAdiversity@uoregon.edu or delivered to the VPFA office in Johnson Hall. If you have multiple design ideas, send them all! Check out some of last year’s delightful designs for inspiration.

**Sticker designs that use UO trademarks or brands must comply with UO policies and procedures: https://communications.uoregon.edu/uo-brand/marks-logos **

Contact Debbie Sharp or Deborah Butler with questions.  

Please submit your sticker designs by end of day on June 21, 2024.  

Well done Pat Bolls, Quinton Cole, and Garrett Lloyd for building this custom cabinetry in the Student Recreation Center Break Room. 

I wanted to say "kudos" to Nick Grant and Alex Smith from Custodial for their work at Pacific 306. Some benching was removed, and the floors looked simply awful. When I called Nick, he was quick to respond and got his team on the job swiftly. The floors were stripped and polished, and they look fantastic! It completely changes the quality of the space. - Renee Benoit, Owner's Rep

Thank you Wally Morris & Michael Philley for cleaning the exterior paint that was left behind at Matthew Knight Arena during the Investiture Ceremony. You put in a lot of effort to restore the windows and doors to their original shine. We appreciate your hard work! 

Dear CPM Work Control staff,
Thank you so much for your extensive hard work and determination in taking down the antisemitic material and vandalism that has been posted around campus. It has been extremely challenging to walk around campus lately and feel safe, and the entire Jewish community is grateful for your dedication to creating a safe and inclusive environment. Please know you are supported by your students! You are making a difference!
Thank you so much, Jake Thompson

Nick (and all), I walked into a completely different-feeling office this morning. Wow, what a huge difference. Thank you, thank you. - Carol Keese

Thank you to Tucker Clawson & Bob Lyman for your work on the Computing Center All Gender Restroom Update!
- Alorie Mayer

Wednesday, June 5, 5:00-6:30pm- Sayak Valencia. Speaker Series. Mafias: The Cultures of Narcotraffic: Mexican writer, scholar and women's and trans rights activist, Sayak Valencia will be talking about Gore Capitalism. Location: Fenton Hall 110.

Thursday, June 6, 4:00-6:00pm- Latino Roots Celebration: Join us for an evening of storytelling and cultural celebration as University of Oregon students present their short documentary films on the experiences of Latino Oregonians. Location: EMU Ballroom. Open to all, free to attend.

Friday, June 7, 5:00pm- WGSS Feminist & Queer Zine Launch: Join us for the official launch party of the Gender Collective's inaugural issue, "Future Building: Hope and Praxis". Location: Gerlinger Hall. Open to all, free to attend.

Saturday, June 15, 3:00-5:00pm-Nontraditional and Military-Connected Graduation Celebration: The Nontraditional and Military-Connected Graduation Celebration is a chance to honor and celebrate the hard work of nontraditional students and military-connected students. Location: EMU Redwood Auditorium (Room 214). Open to the general public.

Pablo Hernandez Reyes with a Llama on campus outside of the John Jaqua Center!

Please share your projects, campus news, photos, and kudos. You can email content for the newsletter to workcontrolcenter@uoregon.edu.

Thank you!