October 2020

The JK Williams Administration Building was built in 1932 and named for the 17th A&M President in 1997. The east side (front) of the building has 14 ionic columns. An ionic column is one of three column styles builders used in ancient Greece. These columns feature portraits in the capital, sitting on top of the column shaft.

Much information can be found detailing the extensive architecture of this building at https://aggiearchitecture.wordpress.com/2016/10/29/jack-k-williams-administration-building-1932/

This phenomenal example of architecture has experienced two phases of renovations over the past four years to restore the original beauty of this almost 100 year old building.

Phase one focused on restoring the East side of the building balustrade, the east steps and columns. A two piece pier system was installed to correct the foundation and the masonry was cleaned, repointed, and sealed. There was much patching, leveling, and water proofing required in the restoration. The outside light fixtures were replaced with LED.

Phase two included work on the North, South, and West side of the building as well as completing the East wall. It began with a lead abatement by Phoenix One. The outside steps on the West side were completely replaced. Tile was replicated and recast, masonry was cleaned, repointed, and sealed. Patching, leveling, water proofing, and joints re-grouted on all three sides. All lighting was replaced and enhanced to allow good visibility in the evening.

As if this work would not be enough on its own to restore the beauty of this building, all of the grates on the windows were removed and cleaned with an intensive wax process before every detail being restored to its former glory. This work was performed by Michael Van Enter, Chief Conservator of Van Enter Studio. The doors endured the same grueling process and the result is breathtaking.

We encourage you to take a moment to stop by and appreciate the work that has been done to restore this iconic piece of Texas A&M history.

Grady Winkler was the inspector for Phase 1 and Phase II

Joe Phillips was the EDCS Project Manager for Phase I

John Cargill and Mildred Trevino were the EDCS Project Managers for Phase II

SSC ON USING BATTERY POWERED EQUIPMENT

The Grounds department for Texas A&M places high importance on lessening our impact on the environment. We began researching and testing electric grounds equipment several years ago to help with that cause. Since that time electric battery technology has really improved and we have begun implementing electric equipment into our daily routine across campus. In addition to being powered by a renewable form of energy, most of the battery equipment is significantly quieter than the gasoline powered version. This makes for a more pleasant experience for the people close to the work area as well as the groundskeeper operating the equipment. Provided by Ricky Scher, Grounds Turf Manager

CONGRATULATIONS TO CUSTODIAL GEM WINNER OF THE YEAR MARIA G. ALVARADO

Maria was selected as the 2020 GEM winner of the year Award for Custodial for Texas A&M College Station.

She is an unsung hero who seldom gets the credit she deserves. She is always on the front line taking charge.

Maria has many fine qualities and attributes that makes her stand out above others and she consistently delivers outstanding customer service.

Maria started out as a Custodial worker and was soon promoted to lead custodian. From there she was promoted to her current position of Assistant Custodial Supervisor.  She has grown rapidly in her position and is recognized as a peak performer by her customers, co-workers, and peers.  Maria consistently goes beyond the call of duty to get the job done. She is extremely loyal and dedicated to SSC and to the custodial department where she has served faithfully for the past 28 years.

Maria G. Alvarado is a true GEM!

SSC MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT OFFERS FOUR YEAR APPRENTICE PROGRAM

SSC Services for Education has a four-year apprentice program that requires taking 576 hours of academic classes and completing 8,000 hours of on the job training (OJT). Apprentices receive an USDOL Certificate of Completion when completing the program. Now they are qualified to take their Texas license test. We use on line training from Penn Foster and TPC to meet USDOL requirements. Each apprentice takes 50 examinations, must maintain a 70% average, and has a mentor to direct his OJT. Apprentice benefits include increasing skills, earning above average annual pay increases and receiving a good pay increase when obtaining a license. All license trade technicians have high job security because demand exceeds supply. 

Presently, SSC College Station has 16 apprentices: four electricians, six HVAC and six plumbers. Each apprentice is assigned a mentor to direct their on the job training. Mentors provide a written evaluation from their apprentice annually.

Any maintenance technicians interested in this program should contact their supervisor for more information.

A “TRULY OUTSTANDING” SSC REPRESENTATIVE

Mr. Jim Uehlin has been with SSC for almost five years.  He serves SSC and his clients at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas as a Project Manager 2 and a member of the Engineering, Design and Construction Services (EDCS) group.  Jim is wrapping up a renovation of the Psychology Building on the main campus and received high praise from his client representative for the project: Dr. Heather Lench, the Department Head for Psychological and Brain Sciences.  The email of praise was passed along by numerous VIPs on its way to SSC: from Dr. Lench, to Dr. Pamela Matthews (the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts), to Dr. Jerry Strawser (the Executive Vice President for Finance and Operations), to Mr. Ralph Davila (the Executive Director of Facilities and Dining Administration) and finally to Mr. Richard Gentry (the SSC Division Vice President – TAMUS).

Dr. Lench’s email is as follows:

I’ve had the opportunity to work with multiple people in the SSC organization, and every once in a while there is one that is truly outstanding, and I like to share when that happens! We’ve been working with Jim Uehlin on the renovation for the basement of the Psychology building. From the start, he’s been supportive and involved us (the users) in decision making and project timelines. His advocacy during the project helped to keep budgets and timelines on schedule (amazing during a pandemic!), limited noise disruptions to our students, and quickly resolved any issues in construction. He clearly had strong relationships with the contractors and was up to date on every aspect of the project. I keep telling him he should be permanently assigned to our building, but I suspect his talents probably mean he is needed elsewhere.

Jim’s client-focused approach and his attention to small details has allowed him to shine on this project!  This is one more example of SSC providing Legendary Customer Service for our valued clients.

COMPASS GROUP RETIREMENT PLANS HAVE MOVED

GEM Winners

Custodial

Helen Britton

Tammy Brunkenhoefer

Loudes Moreno

Ricardo Rodriguez

EDCS Quarterly

Kenny Marek

Grounds

Gnet Acosta

Austen Guerrero

Adam Macik

Maintenance

Eboni Daniels

Kelly Titus

CUSTODIAL NEW ASSOCIATES

Ashley Barnes

Marquaylon Brinston

Brianna Charles

Breanna Davis

Maria DeMedrano

Ernest Diaz

Jatyrius Edwards

Tiara Gooden

LeAndre Griddine

Abigail Guerrero

Alicia Harris

Arianna Isaiz

Taylor Izayah

Edith Landin

Abigail Lopez

Marquis McClenton

Lindsey Medina

Deyanira Navarro

Flor Ramirez

Jordan Robertson

Cherokee Robinson

Martina Robles

Leonor Rutiaga

Cedrick Satchell

Esmeralda Valtierra

Cassandra Zamora

GROUNDS NEW ASSOCIATES

Darrell Bunch

Jorge Bustos

Adam Gamble-Uguru

Jeramee Griffin

Luke Kozelsky

Steven Landrum

Antonio Maldonado

Juan Pineda

MAINTENANCE NEW ASSOCIATES

James Gardner

Johathan Hartmann

Tasha Nealy

Joseph Smallcomb

Kyle Treybig

James Wagner