John Wipperfurth wins 2019 CALS Academic Staff Award for Excellence in Service
Over the next few weeks, eCALS will highlight each winner of a 2019 CALS Award. Winners were recognized at an award ceremony on Wednesday, May 1.
Congratulations to John Wipperfurth, recipient of the 2019 CALS Academic Staff Award for Excellence in Service. Wipperfurth is the building manager of Russell Labs. Every day, hundreds of students pass through the building, which also houses faculty and staff performing a wide range of teaching, research and outreach activities. In serving this diverse group of people, Wipperfurth displays an amazing grasp on their needs.
With a proactive approach to maintenance, he ensures that the 57-year-old building functions properly, even in a polar vortex. In addition to day-to-day operations, he helps coordinate special projects, such as improving the energy efficiency of the HVAC system and the remodel of the forest and wildlife ecology teaching lab.
Wipperfurth has a knack for identifying and supporting individual strengths, and is always looking for training opportunities for others, ultimately making the full team work efficiently. He is a supportive manager, talented carpenter and valued member of the Russell Labs team.