Dear Editor:

In response to the recent feedback to the article “Students and staff share thoughts on campus improvements,” I would like to question why Mr. Ross Smith felt the need to call out specific departments on campus, with the grounds crew being the main area of focus.

Mr. Smith felt the need to question the work ethic of the department. The comments made were not only ignorant but also slanderous to one of the hardest-working crews on campus.

The SIUC grounds crew is responsible for a majority of things on campus many are not aware of. Everything from picking up litter that people around campus carelessly toss, coming in hours before campus is open to clear sidewalks on days of snow and ice, all the way to laying sidewalk so everyone can enjoy a peaceful walk around this beautiful campus.

In response to wasting money on idling vehicles, I encourage Mr. Smith to join us in the bitter, cold weather. Feel free to come pick up trash students throw out with no regard. As a hard-working employee, I enjoy jumping back in my “warm” vehicle to get a break from the freezing temperatures we encounter head-on with a smile on our faces. We work in pairs as a safety measure. At times our job requires heavy lifting and doing so on our own would be unsafe.

Thank you, Mr. Smith, for recognizing how hard we work. I encourage you to come work for us here at the grounds department. We would welcome you with open arms and cold fingers.

Lucas Damian

sophomore from Carbondale studying sports administration