Hobart and William Smith Colleges

Through the pandemic, HWS Housekeeping has worked around the clock to provide a clean and safe learning environment. With gratitude for their essential work, we go behind the scenes of daily life at HWS and spotlight several staff members. Above features Louis Freier, who has the longest tenure of 31 years, cleaning the Ballroom in Hirshson Hall.

Kevin Johnson poses in Stern Hall. Johnson began working for HWS Buildings & Grounds in 2016. The Housekeeping staff have kept 300 additional hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipe stations stocked and ready for use this year.

In the Gearan Center for the Performing Arts, Jennifer Decker uses an electrostatic sprayer, a tool that is part of the Colleges' enhanced cleaning and disinfecting protocols. Decker has worked for Buildings & Grounds since 2016.

Michelle Driscoll disinfects surfaces in Blackwell House. She has worked on campus for 18 years.

Shawn Rowe vacuums in de Cordova Hall. He began working for the Colleges in 2010.

Tommy Cook poses in Comstock Hall. Cook, who has worked on campus for 30 years, landed his first position when he was 16 years old.

While wearing her Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church mask, Tricia White Golden poses in Hirshson Hall. She has worked for Buildings & Grounds for 21 years.

Shawn Frank cleans Caird Hall. He has worked on campus for 10 years.

Vicky Shattuck cleans the floors in the Scandling Campus Center. She has worked on campus for 18 years.

Ricardo Santiago poses in the Gearan Center for the Performing Arts. He has worked for Buildings & Grounds for five years.

Kandy Ray vacuums in Stern Hall. She has worked on campus since 2011.

Laura Williams dust mops in Stern Hall. She has worked at the Colleges for 10 years.

Lorenzo Marin works in the Scandling Campus Center. The newest member of the Housekeeping staff, Marin began working for the Colleges in 2020.

Colleen Curle cleans the Sanford Room. She began working for Buildings & Grounds in 2016.

Kenyatta Haji West vacuums in the Warren Hunting Smith Library during an early morning shift. He has worked at the Colleges for 10 years. While there is a 24-hour room located on the first floor of the library, the rest of the building closes at night for cleaning.

Wendy Newkirk disinfects surfaces in the Warren Hunting Smith Library. Newkirk began working for Buildings & Grounds in 2010.

Jason McIntyre poses between stacks of books in the Warren Hunting Smith Library. He has worked at the Colleges for two years.