The mission of Facilities Operations is to serve the University by developing, operating, maintaining, and renewing excellent campus environments for teaching, learning and research, leadership, working, and personal growth. We support the University's mission through the development of education, guidance, and partnerships that promote health, safety, and protection of the environment.  We respect and appreciate each individual’s contribution in service to the University and its mission to positively impact the metropolitan community.

Take a look at this time lapse video of the restoration of an outdoor sign at the EIC (Environmental Interpretation Center).  Every now and then it’s nice to take time for something above and beyond the daily requirements of our job.  Here is our painter, Tyler Petee, doing just that.

This sign was carved a number of years ago by a volunteer, so Tyler did his best not to change anything that was originally done by the artist.  However, the wood was in bad shape from being out in the elements for so many years. Tyler decided the sign needed a little TLC (and 12 hours of hard work) in the hopes of restoring it and extending its outdoor life.

With the approval of his manager, Kevin Headrick, Tyler got to work, sanding off as much of the loose and damaged paint as possible. Next, he repaired the wood and make it ready to face the elements for years to come. Cracks on all sides of the sign were filled and the excess wood filler was sanded off. Some of the old paint from the lettering required a Dremel for removal. After that, the makeover really began with the use of a water-based urethane. This type of paint is more resistant to sun fading and is also a harder surface paint which will help to protect the sign from the elements for many years to come.