Unsung Hero Award Criteria #2: Consistently provided a positive impact on the student experience with their behind the scenes contributions and/or their daily interactions with students.

You will often see Greg walking around all parts of the building...checking on everything from water pressure in bathrooms to the dish machine in dining. He will often talk with the student staff to make sure if they are hearing complaints about it being "too hot" or "too cold"...or he will walk through Starbucks...just to keep his ears open to see what students are saying. I would describe him as a "ghost"...he is around...ears always open and listening to what folks are saying. He will stand in the background at events and will work with the event hosts...he will ask if lights need to be turned down, or if a space needs cooled off. He is just as crucial to the success of our building as any other staff member.

Unsung Hero Award Criteria #3: Embraced the mission of the Division of Student Affairs and incorporated it into their own work.

I think that Greg is a great embodiment of the SA mission that says that: Student Affairs supports students as they learn from and navigate life’s opportunities and challenges. Every single day here in the MUC is an opportunity and a challenge. We are the highest trafficked building that hosts such a wide array of events. We have a lot of guests to try and appease. Greg does an amazing job of making sure that if it is a day of "challenges" (over flowing toilets, down air handler unit, etc.), that he has a quick solution to make sure that we can still meet the needs of our guests. On the days of good "opportunities" for students (programs, events, fairs, etc.) that the MUC is putting her best foot forward and showcasing all that she has to offer. Greg makes sure the building is in the best shape each day to make sure we are giving all of our guests a good first impression of SIUE and our building.

Unsung Hero Award Criteria #4: Participates in the SIUE campus community and displays school spirit with students, faculty or staff.

You will NEVER see Greg without and SIUE t-shirt or sweatshirt on. Every single day, he is rocking something that says SIUE. He is the first to go to the Cougar Store to buy the new Sweatshirt or t-shirt that is on the Flash Sale...and will wear it until it has holes in it. His grandmother worked at SIUE for over 20 years and he will tell you stories of coming to campus in the 70's and being in "awww" of how much this place had changed of the years. He loves SIUE and is so proud to work here.

Unsung Hero Award Criteria #5: Indicates strong potential for future leadership roles in the Division of Student Affairs.

This is almost a redundant question for this category. The whole point of an "unsung hero", is that they are behind the scenes, and not necessarily in the spotlight. LOL. I think that within "his world" of facilities management and other building engineers, there may be leadership possibilities for Greg...but I do not predict that I would see him joining a committee within the division anytime soon. I think Greg is the type of person that honestly, if asked, would consider anything...but also knows that his comfort zone is carrying around a flashlight and wrench, ready to crawl into a tight spot to inspect something. If there is a leadership role that would entail that...then sign him up!