Every weekday Campbellsville University custodians start at 7 a.m. in the physical plant, a building they share with transportation, maintenance and grounds. Emails and work orders are sent in from all around campus, and it’s their job to fulfill those requests. A plethora of tasks are laid out for each person to do as they are handed their master keys. Before everyone goes their separate ways, they all get in a circle and pray. They pray for families, loved ones, the university and concerns like sickness or surgery. They pray for each individual as they start their morning, because to everyone in that circle, they are family.
Renee Marcum has worked at CU for 25 years. Starting in 2001, Marcum was a custodian assigned to the Gosser Fine Arts Center. Fifteen years later, she took the opportunity and became the custodial supervisor after the previous one retired.
“I’ve seen quite a few people come and go,” said Marcum. “I’ve seen a lot of people succeed after coming though here.”
Throughout the years, many of Marcum’s peers have moved to other jobs with the experience as a custodian on their shoulders. Some now work in other positions at CU. Some went on to get jobs at hospitals after finishing their education. Three of her employees are getting their master’s degrees through CU right now.
“While they’re getting their education, they’re working their job and they get to experience other people, see all kinds of different cultures… it’s a plus,” Marcum said. “Use these experiences to your advantage.”
Marcum has seen many people better themselves while working at CU. There is more gained from the job than keeping the campus clean.
“I’ve been able to establish good relationships with people,” said Marcum. “We also provide a safe place for the students.”
When looking for custodians, Marcum looks for those who can appreciate the job and have a desire to help out. Age or position does not matter to be a custodian. She lets all her custodians know that people watch what they do and that their work does not go unnoticed. A good character is important to work under Marcum.
A custodian might be the first person a freshman meets on campus. They make sure students can trust them and lean on them if they need any help.
Dixie Hourigan is a custodian at Stapp Hall who wants the students living there to feel like they are at home. She has a soft spot for everyone living in the building.
“I have two boys and eight grandkids, but I consider all of them here grandkids,” said Hourigan. “We’ve cried together, we’ve laughed together, we’ve prayed together.”
For the past four years, Hourigan has spent mornings cleaning the lobby and taking out all the trash while wishing everyone a good start to their day. Nine restrooms need to be cleaned every weekday.
“I try to keep it clean, for this is their home away from home,” Hourigan said. “I want them to feel like it’s home.”
The students at Stapp appreciate and recognize her work, always saying good morning and stopping to chat when they see her.
“It warms my heart,” said Hourigan.
The effort custodians put in at CU provides everyone with clean environments, getting rid of potential distractions or sicknesses. They also help with campus events frequently, keeping spaces in order.
One of these custodians is Rhonda Wright, a custodian assigned to the Heilman Welcome Center. She has been a custodian at CU for 20 years. Being in the welcome center, she gets to greet a lot of people.
“I get to meet people from all over the world,” Wright said. “That fascinates me so much.”
Students always thank Wright for cleaning and helping around the building. She loves the students at CU and is glad she can lend a helping hand to those who pass by.
“I had a student that needed prayer… I try to help them,” said Wright.
Overall, Wright has loved her time at CU. She has made a lot of friendships throughout the years with many coming and going.
“I’ve enjoyed myself,” Wright said. “I’ve seen a lot of changes over the years. We’ve grown a whole lot.”
