KU announces May employees of the month


LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas has announced its Employees of the Month for May 2014. They are as follows:

Name: Ed Kiernan

Start date: May 18, 1994

Title: General maintenance worker

Ed Kiernan
Ed Kiernan

What that means: Ed Kiernan, who began his career in custodial services, now  identifies, orders, maintains and repairs specialized cleaning equipment for custodial crews so they can perform their jobs more efficiently, including in emergency situations. Kiernan keeps inventory of all custodial equipment for Facilities Services, documenting all serial numbers and den locations, and when items are misplaced he will hunt down equipment and put it where it belongs. He is instrumental to the FS organization and is a one-man shop, utilizing one custodian, when that individual isn't covering his normal custodial obligations. Kiernan maintains and orders all parts and equipment for all of the FS custodial department, working independently with custodial and maintenance functions. 

Notable: Kiernan consistently finds new ways to keep equipment running by cannibalizing antiquated equipment to achieve its maximum use.  He is also very adaptive at finding improved equipment for the department.  Custodial services has a large piece of equipment called a Kivac, for which Kiernan was able to find a new piece of equipment that performed all of the same functions, plus some added functions, and at a much lower price.  He has the ability to acquire equipment for emergencies in swiftly, often delivering items personally, which saves the university thousands of dollars in equipment rentals and contractor service charges. During the Facilities Operations and Housing merger, Kiernan demonstrated a willingness to embrace change and go the extra mile.  He has been known to drive through campus on his days off to make sure the correct flags are flying, or he will come in at midnight, if necessary, to demonstrate a piece of equipment to the night shift. 

 

Name: Gail Trottier

Start date: July 18, 1999

Title: Cutter/draper

Gail Trottier
Gail Trottier

What that means: Gail Trottier has worked on numerous productions, ranging from operas and plays to musicals, for the Department of Theatre. Costumes for these varied productions are often constructed from hand sketches and need to be true to the designer’s vision. Construction of costumes includes making patterns, cutting, draping, and fitting in order to bring costumes from concept to reality for stage productions. These endeavors are typically time sensitive and require exceptional organizational skills in order to meet tight deadlines. There also is a large teaching function associated with Trottier’s position and student workers assist in preparation and proper maintenance of costumes.    

Notable: Working in the performing arts field requires adaptability and tenacity.  An example of this was building costumes for large productions such as the musical “Into the Woods” the opera “La Boheme,” then moving on to a highly complicated show such as “The 39 Steps,” in which two characters needed to quick-change while playing 20 characters.  All was accomplished smoothly and the costumes all looked great on stage.

In addition to her dedication to the her craft, as well as her service to the faculty, staff, and students of the theatre department, Trottier also demonstrated her commitment to the KU community by creating informational displays touting the newly formed School of the Arts.  This was done at her own initiative.