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Employees Brave Record Storm

Staff efforts keep Dartmouth going despite extreme conditions

Apparently, the word “closed” isn’t as airtight as it sounds when it applies to Dartmouth College during a snowstorm. Though well over a foot of snow fell on campus during blizzard-like conditions on Feb. 14, and the College was officially closed, many employees worked long hours under difficult conditions to keep Dartmouth going for students and for work that never takes a day off.

Jeff Helms of the FO&M grounds crew clears snow from a walkway at Thayer School during the Feb. 14 snowstorm. Although the College was officially closed, many employees came to work and kept essential operations running smoothly. (Photo by Joseph Mehling '69)

For starters, it was possible to get around campus because of the snow clearing efforts of staff in Facilities, Operations, and Management (FO&M). “Everyone showed up ready and prepared for a long day,” says Bob Thebedo, director of the grounds department. “This is what we do.” Thebedo says his department and the labor crew, directed by Bill Sanborn, worked closely together to remove snow from roadways, parking lots, and sidewalks.

“It’s so important to stress that it’s a team effort,” Thebedo says. “There are machinists, electricians, roofers, locksmiths…The custodial staff cleared snow from the entryways to the buildings. That’s critical work. No one person can do all of this alone.” John Gratiot, associate vice president for FO&M, says, “Dozens of people have thanked us for the great job FO&M employees did during and after the storm. It was a terrific job by a dedicated group of workers.”

Nearly 100 Dartmouth Dining Services (DDS) employees came in to work, and they made it possible for people to eat hot meals or grab a cup of warming hot chocolate on the wintry day. “We served 9,670 meals that day from 7 a.m. through 1 a.m. Thursday morning,” says Tucker Rossiter, director of DDS. The DDS staff even prepared a special Valentine’s Day dinner with beef tenderloin and lobster tails. “We tried to keep everyone well fed and happy,” Rossiter says.
With 3,300 students on campus, members of the Office of Residential Life were available, as were staff members in Safety and Security. “Our office never closes,” says Harry Kinne, director of Safety and Security. Some faculty members held classes, and if students wanted to cozy up with a book, or complete a final paper, the nine Dartmouth libraries were open.

Meanwhile, employees at the Dartmouth Skiway and the Dartmouth Cross Country Ski Center were celebrating the fresh snow by grooming trails and renting skis. Andrew Harvard ’71, director of Outdoor Programs, joined students in a trek out to the newly constructed Harris Cabin to shovel off the roof.

Many other offices throughout the College reported employees battling the elements to come in to work, if only for a half day. Other employees completed time-sensitive work from home.

After the storm, The Dartmouth editorial board thanked all the employees, specifically those in FO&M and DDS, for their efforts. “If not for their dedication, students would not have been finally able to enjoy the winter wonderland that is so central to the Dartmouth experience,” read the editorial.

By STEVEN J. SMITH

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