The UNK Staff Senate Employee Recognition Committee announces Larry Rauert as the UNK Employee of the Month for November 2002.
Larry Rauert is the Grounds Supervisor (Exterior Area Leader) for the Department of Facilities. Since Larry's arrival in April 2001 at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, he has done a superb job landscaping the campus and supervising the landscaping crews. One of Larry's major achievements has been the landscaping project for the Nebraskan Student Union renovation. Many times during the summer, Larry could be found laying sod long after dark so that the Union area would be ready for students' arrival. He and his crew continue to make improvements to the renovation project area.
In addition to working on special projects, Larry does a remarkable job anticipating the needs of the campus in order to keep the grounds clean and attractive. He installed trash containers near residence halls and in high traffic areas. He also added planters around the residence halls and in other areas, which added a cheerful, welcoming touch for students, staff, faculty, and guests. Larry solicited input from others on the types of flowers and bushes for the planters, thereby developing team spirit to add to the attractiveness of the campus.
Larry is enthusiastic and willing to assume new and difficult assignments. During the past summer, he and his crew helped the Division of Residential and Greek Life move 130 bed frames and mattresses from Stout Hall to Randall Hall to accommodate a large camp. Then two days later, he and his crew moved the beds and frames back to Stout Hall.
Summer is not the only time that Larry shines. In the winter he works around the clock supervising a crew that provides snow removal services to clear sidewalks and curbs for the convenience of everyone at UNK.
Because of his dedication to students, to colleagues, and to the wider UNK community, the University of Nebraska at Kearney is pleased to name Larry Rauert as the Employee of the Month for November 2002.