In last week’s Rose Cafe we had a conversation with Chris VanDruff, Manager of West Campus Housing Facilities, about all the work that goes on behind the scenes to make this a comfortable home for all of us that live here. He first spoke to us about his background as a tradesman and how this position was a change for him as he was no longer doing the physical labor. As manager of West Campus Housing facilities he coordinates and plans the logistics of corrective maintenance for all of West Campus. VanDruff talked to us about the prioritization methods for determining the urgency of fulfilling a maintenance request. His top priority is fixing any issue with lighting, along with that priority is ensuring the security systems of each of the houses is functional, if a card-reader is broken, or a door does not latch, he will always have a worker on it immediately.

VanDruff was very explicit about his primary concern as manager: the safety and well-being of the residents of West Campus. The consuming nature of classes here don’t really give students the opportunity to realize that they live in a place that needs constant maintenance, a majority of which goes on right under their noses yet is so vital to keeping them safe and comfortable. It was very refreshing to access a different perspective on such an undervalued service we receive here on West Campus. Having the chance to meet Chris VanDruff was very comforting to me, knowing that my safety and well-being lie in the hands of such a responsible and experienced professional was very reassuring in a place that is so far from home.