For nine years, Libby Foust has worked as a building and facilities coordinator for CALS. She manages 11 different buildings, including Riley-Robb Hall, Morrison Hall and Stocking Hall. Foust’s commitment to finding creative, cost-effective solutions for projects earned her the ‘Unsung Hero’ Core Value Staff Award in 2017.
Here, Foust reflects on her experience as one of Cornell’s essential employees during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Before the pandemic, what did your typical work day look like?
My day usually starts at 6:00 a.m. I check emails from overnight, and my phone starts to ring. Within minutes, I have one or two people in my office with questions or concerns. Most of the day is spent between 11 buildings dealing with problems or issues. I work with custodians, tradespeople, contractors, staff, faculty and students every day. The calls and emails regarding the buildings cover everything under the sun.
What has been the most rewarding experience in your current role at CALS and why?
My most rewarding experience is twofold. First, is having the opportunity to make a difference in peoples’ work lives and work spaces. We spend most of our time at work, and if I can make someone’s work day go better by providing more heat, for example, or better lighting, I have done my job.
The other rewarding experience is the opportunity to work closely with so many people. I believe a good attitude, showing appreciation and striving to do the right thing go a long way in developing great relationships. I also am part of a great facilities team and highly respect my managers and co-workers.
Of all the buildings you manage, do you have a favorite?
That is a tough one — simply because it’s not so much the building but the atmosphere inside it. Therefore, I have to say all of my buildings are my favorite. All of my departments are friendly, supportive and appreciative. They are caring, giving people.
I remember a couple of Christmases when we learned about families in need, or in one case, a young woman who took in six brothers because the biological mother couldn’t care for them. The outpouring of support from everyone was overwhelming.
So, I can’t pick a favorite building…but I can tell you that Biological and Environmental Engineering, Microbiology, Food Science and Animal Science are my favorite departments!!!
How has your work changed during the pandemic?
Overnight we went from buildings full of people and activity to total silence and emptiness. There were so few people around that there were days when I never spoke to a soul. Our roles immediately changed as we were tasked with constantly going through all of the areas in our buildings on the lookout for any leaks, smells and other possible problems.
When folks left, they assumed they would be returning soon. I found myself taking on the tasks of feeding fish and watering plants as I went through my buildings!
What has been the most challenging issue you’ve tackled in the last few months?
I think the most challenging issue was that our tradespeople were also sent home, so there was no one to keep the maintenance work and project work going. I became the go-to person for all of my departments because I was the only person actually at work. But we knew we had to all stick together to keep the university going. Thank heavens for many zoom sessions!
Do you think there are any silver linings as part of this “new normal?"
I don’t agree with the term “new normal.” To me, this is a temporary hardship, and we will overcome it as we have everything else we have faced. I believe we have been handed several silver linings. As far as my role goes…while I greatly miss the human activity on campus, I have seen that things can still be accomplished remotely, thanks to zoom and other sites. Business goes on.
A few nights ago, my son said, “So far 2020 has been a horrible year.” But I reminded him that even though bad things have happened, we will learn from the experience and good things will come from it. We have seen acts of love that should also be at the forefront of media coverage. We will remember this time like we did 9/11. We are part of history, and someday he can tell his children about the pandemic and how it affected us all.
A native of Troy, PA, Foust moved to the Ithaca area in 2003. Outside of work, she enjoys carpentry, hiking and volunteering, as well as tinkering on her ’64 Chevy Impala. She spends as much time as possible with her son, daughter, family and friends.
Header image: Foust in her office. Photo provided.
