Pride, passion and dedication to serving others is what makes up the DNA of the staff at Georgia State University. This is demonstrated daily by the individuals who take care of the buildings and grounds that we use every day.
On Friday, March 29, President Blake and EVP/COO Jared Abramson hosted a Facilities Management Staff recognition event. On the agenda, they reviewed the recent accomplishments of GSU and offered the staff a glimpse into what’s next for GSU and downtown Atlanta. President Blake celebrated many of the capital projects that have been executed since his arrival and explained how this important work is making a positive impact for the campus community. Some of the projects included the Campus Greenway/Library North addition, Hurt Park Restoration, the GSU Convocation Center, Library Commons and the Nursing Simulation Lab. The President also shared several major development projects that will reshape downtown Atlanta including Centennial Yards, The Stitch, Underground Atlanta Revival and South Downtown Development. The city is preparing to be on the global stage in 2026 when Atlanta will host eight matches of the FIFA World Cup, including a Championship Semifinal Match. President Blake also presented the next sequence of GSU projects the Facilities Management Staff will coordinate to enhance the campus experience. Projects currently under construction or in design include the Fulton Street Parking Deck, Research Tower, Summerhill Sports Complex, the GSU Blue Line and the Atlanta Campus Panther Quad. It takes a dedicated facilities team to design, build, and maintain 15 million square feet of space for 50,000 students; as such President Blake recognized the staff at GSU for their work to make our campus a special place for all.
Also, during the event Ramesh Vakamudi, Vice President for Facilities and Building Operations, and Kimberly Bauer, Assistant Vice President for Facilities Services, recognized the following staff for their extraordinary contributions:
Christian Smith - Utility Worker II, Building Services
Seabron Dock - Carpenter Foreperson, Renovations
Jamari Dean - Skilled Trades Worker, Maintenance & Operations
Norma Soverall - Custodial Forepersons, Building Foreperson
Taquia Slaughter - Custodial Forepersons, Building Foreperson
Damaris Brown - CAD/CAFM Specialist, Facilities Information Systems
Mike Ramirez - Training Specialist, Human Resources
Letay A. Abera - Custodian, Building Services Perimeter College
Lachlan Butcher, Senior Construction Project Manager, Design & Construction Services
Todd Cook Senior Director Design & Construction, Design & Construction Services
Lisa Santschi, Senior Construction Project Manager, Design & Construction Services
Nigusse Edo, Senior Project Superintendent, Renovation Services
David Staples, Director Renovations, Renovation Services
Thomas Linville, Plumber II, Maintenance & Operations
Torrence Willimas, Mechanical Equipment Inspector, Maintenance & Operations
The event culminated with tears and applause when Abdul Momen and Frank Hall were celebrated for announcing their plans to retire after 32 and 31 years of outstanding service, respectively.
“All the work Facilities Management staff do, whether it is routine cleaning or repairing building systems or delivering capital projects is critical in advancing the strategic mission of the university,” Vakamudi said.
The Facilities and Building Operations staff strives every day to make GSU’s Strategic Plan a reality by taking action to make Georgia State University be a place where people want to study, work, live, play and connect.