Richard "Dick" Hunt, University Heights manager for the Office of Residential & Greek Life, has been named Employee of the Month for July 2004. A KSC/UNK employee for more than 20 years, he has provided on-site services to scores of students living at the apartment complex.
He not only does the routine work necessary to maintain the complex efficiently, he works to improve the complex. When he's not busy with his daily responsibilities, he can be found building playground equipment for the children of University Heights residents, remodeling the kitchen and bathroom areas in the Activity Room, or assisting the maintenance staff in one of the traditional residence halls, where he has reconstructed front desk/reception areas and remodeled offices.
Dick, his wife and their four children live on-site, which means that he is available to residents at all times of the day and night. His dedication to University Heights residents was especially evident this past Christmas Eve when he worked on a backed-up sewer drain in one of the laundry rooms. After the 2001 hail storm, the majority of windows at University Heights were broken. He worked tirelessly to ensure that residents' apartments were secure after the damaging storm. Throughout the summer, on a routine basis, he can be found mowing the expansive University Heights grounds.
Taking care of the apartments and grounds is only part of what Dick does on a daily basis. He cares for the people who live there. He knows the residents in all 100 apartments as individuals. And they know him. Many talk about his generosity in helping them move in, his graciousness in assisting them with their housing contracts and how, in the winter months, he works tirelessly to keep their doorways clear of snow.
Further, he takes care of details that residents aren't always aware of--cleaning the apartments before new residents move in, making spot-checks of the night boiler room to the ensure that the complex is being heated as it should. And he does his work efficiently, quietly and without complaint.
It is with sincere appreciation that Staff Senate gives their continued good wishes in recognizing Richard "Dick" Hunt as the July Employee of the Month.