Rice housekeepers honored at luncheon

Rice housekeepers honored at luncheon

BY JESSICA JOHNS POOL
Rice News Staff

In honor of International Housekeepers Week, Rice University hosted a series of special events this week to honor those who keep the campus clean, safe and beautiful.

A catered barbecue luncheon Wednesday anchored the week’s celebration. About 140 employees from Housing and Dining and from Facilities, Engineering and Planning were recognized in the Grand Hall of the Rice Memorial Center with certificates of appreciation and light blue T-shirts.

Keynote speaker Victor Vasquez, environmental services manager at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, delivered his speech in both English and Spanish and encouraged the crowd to take on leadership roles in their organization and to stay current with trends.

“Those who succeed in the times ahead will be masters of change, willing to try new directions, to meet changes in the industry,” said Vasquez.

Frank Rodriguez, director of business and facilities for Housing and Dining, and Eusebio Franco, director of custodial and grounds for Facilities, Engineering and Planning, recognized the Rice staff members who participated in Houston’s Fifth Annual Housekeeping Olympics held at University of Houston in August. Rice fielded two teams, the Rice Hoots and Team Rice. They placed first, second or third among 15 teams in the pad toss, the toilet paper toss, cheerleading and the push broom relay events.

Colleen Dutton, director of compensation and employee relations for Human Resources, thanked the crowd on behalf of the university.

“Rice is a family and you take great care of our home away from home,” Dutton said. “You create a positive first impression for students, their families, new employees and visitors.”

International Housekeepers Week festivities closed with an ice cream social Friday afternoon at the Rice Gallery in Sewall Hall.