GVSU receives facilities award for quality improvement

Grand Valley State University’s “Quality Improvement Initiative” has been selected to receive the Effective and Innovative Practices Award from APPA (formerly the Association of Physical Plant Administrators).

The initiative included several different cost-cutting and quality improvement projects. One example explained how custodians commissioned students in residence halls to carry trash from the top floors down to designated areas. This small change saved the university $20,000 a year in staff labor time, according to Tim Thimmesch, assistant vice president for Facilities Services at Grand Valley.

Thimmesch also said a newer, more efficient mower was purchased to maintain the university grounds.

“It’s such an honor to be recognized in this way,” Thimmesch said. “Staff members at all levels were involved in the initiative. This is truly an indication of the really good things we’re doing here and the important programs we’re putting in place.”

APPA is the association of choice serving educational facilities professionals. An international association dedicated to maintaining, protecting, and promoting the quality of educational facilities, APPA represents more than 1,500 learning institutions serving more than 4,700 individuals.

The award will be presented in July during a reception at the APPA 2007 conference in Baltimore.