Employees honored for efforts during tropical storm

Employees honored for efforts during tropical storm
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BY DANA BENSON
Rice News Staff

Tropical Storm Allison was one of the most devastating weather events in recent Houston history, but the storm brought out the best in Rice employees.

Three Rice staff members and one former staff member and alumna stand out in particular for their efforts during Tropical Storm Allison. Veronica Sellers, off-campus housing manager; Robert Schoepf, preventive maintenance supervisor; Fidel Gonzalez, custodial supervisor; and Sue Deigaard ’91, a former employee in the alumni affairs office, all were recognized for their work to protect campus property and help colleagues and visitors to campus who were affected by the storm.

The four were honored by Rice President Malcolm Gillis and the board of trustees at the October board meeting.

Schoepf spent two days on campus supporting the university during the flood with minimal rest and little sleep. He and his preventive maintenance staff of five technicians from the Department of Facilities and Engineering were directly responsible for monitoring sump pumps, electrical power distribution systems, emergency generators and other equipment.

“This team worked diligently while bailing water out of basements, covering high voltage electrical equipment from water hazards, unplugging storm-drain inlets to reduce street flooding and removing computers and associated electrical equipment from a flooding office floor,” Gillis explained to the board. “Robert’s dedication prevented thousands of dollars of additional damage to the campus during the flood. His leadership demonstrated a commitment level that went above and beyond the call of duty.”

Schoepf emphasized the group effort that went into the work of the preventive maintenance staff during the June flood. “It wasn’t just me who worked so hard. A lot of people put themselves at risk. People even came back to campus once the flooding started. It was tremendous to see that kind of teamwork.”

Gonzalez also was on campus the night of June 8, when the storm was at its worst.

“Fidel took decisive action to protect Rice property,” Gillis noted. “He quickly removed computers that were sitting on the floors, and he rushed to pick up emergency equipment from the gym.”

Gonzalez, who has worked in Rice’s facilities and engineering department for 13 years, found himself a near-victim of the flood when his van stalled in rapidly rising water on College Way. He and a co-worker had to climb out through the vehicle’s window into chest-high water. Nevertheless, Gonzalez “proceeded to inspect other trouble spots on campus, working all night and all day Saturday,” Gillis said.

While not highly visible during the storm, Sellers also provided important support. Throughout the storm and its aftermath, she sustained housing operations for hundreds of students and campus visitors even though one-fourth of the housing stock was flooded. One of her key contributions, Gillis said, was providing housing for an Air Force medical group that was called in to operate a field hospital in the Astrodome area. She also arranged for housing for a Teach for America group and for people stranded in the Texas Medical Center.

“While working 12-hour shifts or longer for several consecutive weeks, Veronica remained positive and resolute and led her staff to behave in a similar manner,” Gillis said to the board. “She has demonstrated a gift for making things run smoothly; the flood only served to make this more obvious. She truly exemplifies what we recognize as the ‘Rice Spirit.’”

Sellers said she was “deeply appreciative” of the recognition by Gillis and the Rice board.

“I feel that it also recognized the efforts of the entire housing and dining team working together during a very difficult time,” she added.

Former employee and alumna Deigaard showed following Tropical Storm Allison that she still is very much a part of the Rice community. She coordinated the Rice Employee Donation Project, which provided assistance to victims of the storm through the collection of needed household items. She established a Web site that matched those who were in need of specific items with those who were donating the items.

“Over 20 families benefited from Sue’s inspiration, helped by more than 40 staff, faculty and student volunteers during a seven-day period,” Gillis said. “Our thanks and appreciation go to Sue for initiating this volunteer project.”

Gillis started honoring employees before the board of trustees through the Staff Recognition Program in 1995.