Spotlight On...

Executive Vice President of Columbia University Facilities Joseph A. Ienuso received the 2009 Energy New York Award (ENYA) on April 29. The New York Energy Consumers Council (NYEEC), the event organizers, recognized Joe for demonstrating exceptional leadership in strengthening the energy reliability and economic competitiveness of New York. Under Joe's leadership, Columbia has engaged in several initiatives to conserve energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In 2007, the University joined Mayor Bloomberg's PlaNYC Challenge to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 30% by 2017. Other sustainable initiatives include green building and clean construction efforts, establishment of green roofs, use of hybrid vehicles, and the utilization of geothermal energy. Click here to read more.

Although he held a law degree, Boubacar Maiga wanted to do more public service and decided to start over in a new field. In 1999, Boubacar joined the Facilities team at Columbia University Medical Center (CUMC), as a cleaner and member of Transport Workers Union of America (TWU). He would spend three years at that position before he was sought out to work within Facilities' Campus Operations, attending to the needs of the Morningside Campus' science buildings. A few years and several promotions later, Boubacar's talents were sought out for management. He is now the director of custodial services. He says, "I am really appreciative and proud of this achievement ... I have very solid support from both my staff and management team, and I am very grateful to them for all that we have accomplished with this department." To read more about Boubacar, click here.

Melvin Bolar has spent 43 years working at Columbia University. As Heavy Cleaner for custodial services, Melvin ensures that Low Library maintains its cleanliness. Each day, he undertakes a variety of tasks ranging from cleaning entire offices to emptying garbage cans and recycle bins. He counts a good day on the job as "when it's busy, when it's jumpin' like a 10-cent movie." Melvin also enjoys the health and the support he has received from Columbia, saying they contributed to his ability to recover from various ailments and medical emergencies. Click here to read more of Melvin's profile.

As the building's superintendant for the past 15 years, Loretta Zuk has helped make 547 Riverside Drive feel like home to its residents. Loretta has recently become a New York accredited realty manager from the Thomas Shortman Training Program. In her spare time, Loretta is also an artist, currently working on an abstract series called "Vibrations." 

As Executive Director of Environmental Field Compliance for Manhattanville Development, Ramesh Raman aims to make Columbia's new mixed-use campus in Manhattanville a model for "green" urban development. To ensure that this happens, Ramesh is using his Environmental Performance Commitments Plan (EPC Plan) and making sure that all construction equipment is outfitted with air pollution control devices and use Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) fuel. For more information, please read the Fall '08 issue of Off the CUF.

Veeramuthu "Kali" Kalimuthu, assistant mechanic for CUF Undergraduate Residential Operations, performed a heroic act of bravery by rescuing an unidentifiable man from the subway tracks at the #1 train's 116th street station. To read more click here.

Columbia University Public Officer Patrick Oakley and Facilities Mechanic Derek Powell recently teamed up to apprehend a thief who was targeting unattended property on campus. Both were instrumental in identifying the man from a Security Alert that was sent out by Public Safety on April 4, 2008. To view the complete story, click here.

Richard Bussert, Facilities Director of Landscaping and Grounds knows his way around campus.  Every morning, Richard tours our award-winning campus by foot, checking the condition of the campus grounds to make sure it's clean and attractive for the University community.  "I often reflect on the beauty of the architecture and landscape, and amidst the activity of the lawns and plazas come to recognize a sense of pride in what I do and where I work."