“I studied horticulture at the University, and I always thought it would be fun to come back. I love our campus and my job–it’s kind of a dream job for me. I get to take care of annuals, including the gardens at Eastcliff (the president’s mansion) and at the new Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain. 

“Since we have such a talented group of people, we’ve learned to communicate well and lean on each other’s skills. I can always call Becky for advice on irrigation, and if I need mulch at Eastcliff, I know Steven can drop some off. It’s great to collaborate with people instead of submitting work orders for everything. We also try to use our own resources when possible rather than buying them. For example, we use dogwood, pine, and birch tree materials that we harvest on campus to use as winter decorations in our planters.

“I take pride in where I work. The history of our five campuses is something really special–the same architect who designed Eastcliff designed several buildings on the Twin Cities campus as well as the Glensheen Mansion in Duluth. And of course the benefits are great too.”—Hollie Teslow, Gardener, Teamsters Local 320

Favorite tree: tamarack

Favorite place on Twin Cities campus: The green roof on top of the Cancer & Cardiovascular Research Building, as well as the metal sculpture and prairie area behind it

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“It all started with a bus pass. I visited Parking and Transportation Services (PTS) as an undergraduate student to get a bus pass, and the assistant director offered me a job on the spot. I wasn’t sure about it–I didn’t want anything to distract me from my studies–but he convinced me that a student job at the U was a great way to earn money while focusing on school. 

“I started as a parking attendant, got promoted to a student supervisor, and then took a full-time role in the department that would allow me to take undergraduate classes for free. Eventually, I want to get an MBA at the Carlson School. My boss is supportive of me, and my professors have worked with me as well when family circumstances and illness have delayed getting my first degree. 

“I’ve stayed at PTS for more than 15 years because it’s much more than parking. We are here to serve as the face of the University. A parking attendant is often the first and last person someone sees at the U, and it’s my goal to put a smile on their face and give them the best experience possible.

“The benefits here are great. I’ve been able to use vacation and sick time to take care of myself, and the gym reimbursement program rewards me for working out. I also save extra money for retirement through Fidelity [in addition to the University’s pension plan].

“I would love to see more people like me working at PTS and at the U in general. This is a job for everybody. The people I work with are the reason I’m here, and this is an environment where you’ll feel welcome.”—Farhiyo Ahmed, Operations Manager, Civil Service

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“After high school, I wasn’t sure what to do. I did a semester of community college and then came and worked at U Market Services, and I’ve been here for four years. The social aspect is the best part of working here for sure. It’s such an accepting, inclusive environment, and I enjoy engaging with my coworkers every day. 

“When COVID hit, I was grateful for the stability of my job. I felt safe, like I could depend on the U to take care of us. 

“I’m only 21, so I’m not sure what’s next for me. Someday I’d love to study anthropology since I find cultures fascinating. I might take classes toward my first bachelor’s degree for free through the Regents [Tuition Benefit Program], or maybe I’ll work my way up to a manager role. We’ll see.”—Seth Lopez, Stories Specialist, Teamsters 320

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“Seeing the stability that my mom and older sister had through their University jobs made me want to work at the U. I joined U Market Services in 2013 as a stores specialist, and now I work at the Facilities Management Central Order Desk. 

“My days go quickly, as my work keeps me busy and engaged. Every day I get to learn from experts in the trades, including carpenters, electricians, plumbers, and custodians. I like that at the end of every day, I’ve accomplished a lot.

“The benefits at the U are great, especially the Employee Assistance Program. The medical coverage I have through the U is awesome. It gives me a sense of security because I know I won’t be burdened by medical bills if anything happens. 

“The fact that most people work at the U for a long time speaks volumes. The wealth of knowledge that people have here is invaluable, and I’ve seen many people with decades of service retire from U Market Services. I want to be able to say that I’m retiring from the University at the end of my career, though that’s still a ways away.” —Emily Oberfoell, Principal Office and Administrative Specialist, AFSCME Unit 6 - Clerical

Emily is pictured here with her sister, Allison Bintner (right). 

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“I just love it here. I started with Facilities Management nearly seven years ago and now work in Capital Projects Management as a business manager. My coworkers and I handle onboarding, meeting scheduling, contract administration, and more so that our design and project delivery managers can focus on improving buildings across our five campuses.

“The people here are fun, interesting, and team-oriented. I get to work with people across the University system, and everybody is willing to help me with whatever questions I have. In the building I work in, we get together for potlucks, Community Fund Drive events, even stretching breaks. There’s good work-life balance too, so I have plenty of time to enjoy Minnesota’s seasons. 

“I moved to Minnesota for the winter. The silence a snowfall brings is beautiful, and I find it soothing to be indoors as the snow falls. I also enjoy ice skating and walking in the snow with my dog, Reggie.

“The University is like a small city. We have such a wide spectrum of people working here and a variety of job opportunities. Whatever your talent, you can put it to good use at the U.”—Janee Meyers, Business Manager, P&A

Favorite place on the Twin Cities campus: the pink granite fountain at Lilly Plaza

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“I started in Landcare as a student worker, and I had a great time working alongside nice, smart, motivated people. I was hired on full time in 2005, and I’ve been here ever since.

“My job was easy enough to learn, but there are always new challenges. I love working outdoors on our beautiful campus. 

“We can take overtime as additional pay or save it as additional vacation time. That’s a huge benefit of working here.”—Becky Schmidt, Irrigation Technician, Teamsters Local 320

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“The healthcare insurance is what convinced me to come here. I was getting frustrated with the high cost of insurance elsewhere and about to have my first kid. I had graduated with a bachelor’s from the U years ago, so I started looking into jobs here since I had heard the benefits were great for employees. I started at U Services three years ago, just before my son was born.

“I like that I work at an organization with a mission that I support that also offers excellent family benefits. The University has a huge pool of job opportunities, so there’s something here for everyone.”—Bryn Rose, Stores Specialist, Teamsters Local 320

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“I’ve been at the U since ‘93, and I didn’t plan on being here for 30 years. But what happens is you start working, you move around to different parts of the U, you get experience, and you realize that you can spend the rest of your career here. 

“If a job’s not working out for you, you can always try a different job on campus. That’s how I got to U Market Services, and now you’ll always see me with a smile on my face. I’m continually meeting new people, and it’s been fun to watch the campus change over the years.

“The job security is another thing that’s kept me here for so long. I’ve never been afraid of being laid off.”—Jeff Ryg, Delivery Service Driver, Teamsters Local 320

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“We receive packages for the entire Twin Cities campus and stock everyday materials that the campus needs to function. U Market Services can also buy commonly used products (such as toilet paper and lab materials) in bulk, which saves departments money.

“The benefits and the people I work with keep me around. Everyone’s usually got a smile on, but if you’re having a rough day we’re here for you. As essential workers we’ve been supporting each other through this entire pandemic. Plus the hours are great. I work 6:30–2:30, which gives me time after work to do whatever I want.

“One big misconception I see is that people outside of the U think you have to have gone to the U to work here. Not at all. It’s a welcoming environment regardless of where or if you went to school. And if you want to, you can take classes for free or reduced price while working here.”—Drew Cramer, Stores Specialist, Teamsters Local 320

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“Before joining the University three years ago, I didn’t think I was University material, but campus needs people like me caring for it. I think the University represents a nice balance of people–you have the students, the staff, the professors, and visitors all coming together to enjoy our beautiful campus. 

“My favorite part of working here is the harmony between us and the variety of wildlife we get to see every day. We see a variety of birds, squirrels, bunnies, ducks and ducklings, geese and goslings, and foxes. I have one tree that I call Turkey Tree because of how many turkeys I see perched in its branches.

“The best time to see wildlife on campus is right away in the morning. We see hawks, eagles, and fledglings soaring over the river. And of course, there's nothing like seeing a mob of turkeys majestically stopping traffic and no one seems to mind.”—Ernest Bergmann, Senior Laborer, Teamsters Local 320 

Favorite type of tree: I appreciate the mighty oak.

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