Eastern Region
Keith Woodward
ERAPPA Vice President of Technology & Communications
For the first time in its existence, the ERAPPA board and its committees (technology & communications, education, and membership) and chapter presidents all gathered in
Then ERAPPA president Kevin Petersen (
The educational committee has been at work setting the educational agenda for the upcoming year. Under Willy Suter’s (American University) leadership, the following things have been established: obtaining Dr. Steve Sobel as this year’s Circuit Speaker, working to ensure that our members are aware of the valuable educational resources available through ERAPPA’s education resource library, and beginning to collect information from the membership about training topics.
At the 54th Regional Meeting in Syracuse, September 26-29, hosted by the New York chapter, new officers were elected. The slate for the 2004-05 term is President & APPA Junior Representative, Ron Dupuis, Wilfrid Laurier University; President-Elect, Leon MacLellan, St. Francis Xavier University; Vice President of Chapter Affairs, Fred Long, La Salle University; Vice President of Education, Willy Suter, American University; Vice President of Membership, Sarah High, University of Maryland, College Park; Vice President of Technology & Communications, Keith Woodward, Quinnipiac University; Treasurer, Sherri Vucci, Smithsonian Institute; Secretary, Jim Barbush, Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education; and APPA Senior Representative, Kevin Petersen, Catholic University of America.
The meeting was a huge success, with over 600 people crowded into the OnCenter in downtown Syracuse for educational sessions as well as visits to our Business Partners. Monday morning opened with Jim Boeheim, basketball coach from Syracuse University, talking about leadership and his keys for success. In addition to the plethora of educational offerings, one highly attended event was the Tuesday panel discussion featuring six university presidents. The conference concluded with a presentation from Barry Roberts entitled “Practice Safe Stress.”
“Steve Bellona (Hamilton College) and Bob Britton (Syracuse University) did an outstanding job as co-chair and chair,” said Ron Dupuis who was also the liaison to the host committee and worked with them for the last couple of years. “In every facet, the conference was a great success. I’m looking forward to the 55th Regional Meeting in Atlantic City, New Jersey, October 2-5.”
The ERAPPA website (www.erappa.org) has been overhauled and updated and is drawing lots of attention from all 11 chapters. “It provides current information to all of us,” said technology committee member Dan Gearan. “Not only can the members get information from their local chapter sites, but the ERAPPA site is now a place to find information on all regional activities.”
An electronic newsletter has replaced the one region members used to receive via the U.S. mail. ERAPPA members will get more frequent communications but with fewer pieces of content. Michele Estep (American University) and Cynthia Linz (Cutler Associates) continue to serve with distinction as the editors of the newsletter.
Scholarship winners for the 2005 year include Stephanie DeStefans (
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Southeastern Region
Kate Van Sant
SRAPPA Vice President for Communications
With the theme of “Jazzin’ Up Your Facility,” the 2004 SRAPPA regional meeting was hosted by Xavier University October 29-November 2 at the New Orleans Hyatt Regency. The City, known as “The Big Easy,” for its legendary hospitality, excellent food, and entertainment, greeted approximately 400 attendees to SRAPPA’s 53rd gathering.
The conference began with a golf tournament at the Eastover Country Club, followed in the evening by the first official Multi-Cultural mixer, with a program designed to increase the involvement of women, diverse nationalities and races, and younger professionals within the region. The mixer was very well attended and a number of enthusiastic potential members from different backgrounds were welcomed into the SRAPPA family. Following the mixer, all attendees enjoyed an Early Bird reception featuring hot hors d’oeuvres and an outstanding vocalist.
Synthia Smith of ARAMARK presented an informative and thought-provoking Diversity Workshop at Sunday’s breakfast, followed by the First Timers’ meeting, where newcomers had a chance to introduce themselves and add their ideas to the mix. Board members and SRAPPA veterans were on hand to welcome first timers and offer assistance and support.
Cheerful yellow and white drapery festooned the Exhibit Hall, which opened for lunch with delicious food prepared on site, sponsored by SDI and Sempra on Sunday, and Siemens and ADT Securities on Monday.
Almost 70 exhibitors participated, offering a wide variety of services and products. Four delightful women from the
Thirty-two educational sessions provided information and expert contacts during the conference.
On Sunday night (Halloween) all embarked for a “Creepy Cruise” on the Creole Queen. Gentle temperatures and clear skies, along with luscious food, a Dixie Land band, and a costume contest made for a perfect evening on the
Monday’s breakfast included an address by APPA President Ed Rice, and a presentation on the Center for Facilities Research (CFaR).
Attendees enjoyed a special treat Monday evening—Jazz Night at Xavier University, sponsored by Sodexho. Following a meal of chicken cordon bleu and a welcome by Xavier’s President Norman C. Francis, internationally-acclaimed musician, teacher, and recording artist Dr. Michael White and his colleagues provided a verbal and musical history of jazz.
Committee reports were presented and officers elected at the Tuesday breakfast business meeting, sponsored by TMA and Priority Systems. Other sponsors included: Cintas and Foxcor for the t-shirt exchange luncheon and UNICCO and Integrated Facilities Services for Tuesday night’s reception.
Gaspar J. “Buddy” Stall, historian, comedian, and Mardi Gras authority, gave the group a presentation of fun facts about
Officers installed at the Banquet were President, Joe Fisher, West Virginia University; President-Elect, Marion Bracy, Xavier University; 1st Vice President, Jim Hellums, University of Memphis; 2nd Vice President, Glenn Reynolds, Duke University; Vice President for Long-Range Planning, Jeff Turner, West Liberty State College; Vice President for Communications, Kate Van Sant, West Virginia University; Vice President at Large, Sylvester Johnson, Tulane University; Secretary/ Treasurer, David Gray, Middle Tennessee State University; APPA Junior Representative-Elect, Bob McMains, Emory University; APPA Junior Representative, Bill Elvey, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University; and APPA Senior Representative, Jim Roberts, Campbell University.
The 2005 conference will be held October 8-11 in Memphis, Tennessee and the host school is the University of Memphis. Jim Hellums will head the host committee.
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Midwest Region
Ernie McVay
MAPPA Newsletter Editor
The MAPPA Educational Conference really rocked and rolled in 2004. Home of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland, Ohio welcomed MAPPA members and guests to the shores of Lake Erie. From an appearance by John Denver (aka host Gene Matthews from Case) during the opening Tradeshow and Reception, to dinner at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, to the best of Motown during the closing banquet, this conference was all about rockin’ and rollin’ and nothing rocked more than the educational programming.
The conference was held at the beautiful and historic Renaissance Hotel. Our hosts from Case Western Reserve University provided outstanding hospitality and coordinated a near perfect event for 202 participants, 32 spouses and guests, and 211 Business Partners with their 70 exhibit booths.
Fifty attendees enjoyed the golf outing to Fowler’s Mill. For those non-golfers, our hosts arranged for tours of their beautiful campus, including the renowned Richard B. Lewis Building, or a tour of the General Electric Lighting Institute.
The conference officially kicked off Sunday evening with the Business Partner Tradeshow and Reception. Since it was Halloween night, many guests came in costume and were treated to a nice meal, interesting and informative exhibits, and even an Elvis sighting (or was that Jim Cesen from Case?). At the conclusion of the tradeshow, a jam-packed, first timers MAPPA attendee reception was held. It was quite exciting to meet and welcome to MAPPA the large number of first time attendees. The final event of the day was the Business Partner reception where we had a chance to mingle with and thank our outstanding and valued business partners.
Monday morning began with a welcome address from Gene Matthews followed by keynote speaker, Dan Keller—the Cotton Candy Man. Dan is vice president and general manager of the Cedar Point Amusement Park. He first impressed the audience by relating how when the host committee asked the amount of his speaking fee, he replied that he did not want a fee but that the funds earmarked for him should be given to our selected charity—New Life Community. Drawing parallels between running a facilities organization and an amusement park, Dan urged everyone to stay as enthusiastic as a roller coaster rider shown in one of Cedar Point’s television commercials and to stay on the cutting edge of innovation in order to attract new students.
Following the first networking break, the educational sessions began with an emphasis on providing participants with a tool to take home with them. The tradeshow followed the morning’s educational sessions where participants had the opportunity to browse the exhibits and booths of our Business Partners while enjoying lunch. At noon in the exhibit hall, a new feature—the 20-minute topical session—began with two sessions conducted per hour. These sessions continued throughout the afternoon.
A trip to Cleveland is not complete without a visit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Our tour included dinner on Monday evening underneath the glass pyramid designed by famed architect I.M. Pei. After dinner, the museum was opened exclusively to MAPPA members for several hours of meandering down memory lane. Regardless of one’s taste in music, there was something for everyone in the museum.
Tuesday began with the annual business meeting and was followed by additional educational sessions, winding down with the
The conference concluded with the annual MAPPA banquet. Following dinner, Becky Hines from The Ohio State University assumed the presidency from Chris Ahoy of Iowa State University. Befitting the wonderful meal that had just been enjoyed, Hines compared the offerings of MAPPA membership to a smorgasbord and challenged each member to bring a new member to the feast. The MAPPA officers for 2004-05 include: President, Becky Hines, The Ohio State University; President-Elect, Jerry Carlson, Illinois State University; Secretary, John Ott, The
On Wednesday morning, our hosts from Case Western Reserve University had one last chance to shine. After breakfast, those with later departure times could either tour the Case campus or take the General Electric Lighting Tour. A special thanks goes to our host and program committees for all their hard work.
As we look forward to the 2005 educational conference in
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Central Region
Vickie Younger
CAPPA Newsletter Editor
The 2004 annual meeting of the Central Association of Physical Plant Administrators (CAPPA), hosted by Metropolitan Community Colleges (MCC), was held October 9-13, at the Hyatt Regency Crown Center, Kansas City, Missouri. This great location is in the heart of the city, within a mile of the MCC Administrative Center, the Broadway Plaza, and the Penn Valley Campus. Everyone seemed to be in a festive mood as they arrived in the city known for barbeque and blues. This meeting certainly had something of interest for every person who attended.
Twenty-four educational sessions were scheduled which followed four tracks: innovative technology and applications; leadership and management; maintenance and operations of buildings and grounds; and professional development. Sessions conducted by higher education members included: Skill-Based Training: Closing the Gaps; Can Gorillas Teach Us about Campus Improvements?; APPA Supervisor’s Toolkit—How It Can Benefit Your Organization; Power Project Management: Predicting & Preventing Problems and Pitfalls; and Performance Contracting Six Years Later: Successes and Lessons Learned. The remaining sessions were provided by Business Partners who gave terrific support and sponsorship throughout the event.
One hundred thirty-eight Business Partners, representing 70 companies, showcased products and services ranging from architecture to waterproofing. They also sponsored the golf tournament, City of Fountains Tour, Sunday Night Football, welcome breakfast, breaks, lunch buffet, the bar-b-q competition and night at Union Station Pavilion, the jazz crawl, and the awards banquet and reception.
The spouse/guest program was well attended and included admission to any of the conference functions as well as two special events. The special events included a trip to
Running concurrently with the conference was Supervisor’s Toolkit: Nuts and Bolts of Facilities Supervision. This new training program from APPA was presented by regional trainers and included 30 participants from 14 institutions. It focused on direct interaction between supervisors on systematic approaches that can be used in organizing, managing, motivating, and meeting customer expectations. The group worked at skills enhancement in these areas and on other difficult people situations and proudly reported that one of their own was the winner of the grand prize drawing for the Caribbean Cruise.
The banquet and awards ceremony celebrated the hard work and dedication of many outstanding members. Terrific entertainment capped the evening and those “strong of heart and constitution” headed out for the Jazz Crawl. David Millay, University of Arkansas/Little Rock, gave an overview of early plans for CAPPA 2005. We are looking forward to another exciting year!
The business meeting was held Wednesday morning. Reports were given and President Ed Rice led the installation of new officers. The 2004-05 CAPPA officers include: President, Darrel Meyer, Metropolitan Community Colleges; 1st Vice President, David Millay, University of Arkansas/ Little Rock; 2nd Vice President, John Greene, Trinity University; 3rd Vice President, Michael Johnson, University of Arkansas; APPA Junior Representative, Art Jones, Black Hills State University; APPA Senior Representative, Al Stoverink, Southeast Missouri State University; Education Chair, Pat Apel, Maryville University of St. Louis; Information Services Chair, Terry Major, Southeast Missouri State University; Membership Chair, Randy Culver, Black Hills State University; Secretary, Arthur E. Sykes, Eastfield College; Treasurer, Neal Swarnes, Cottey College; and Newsletter Editor, Vickie Younger, Kansas State University.
A really big CAPPA thanks to Jane and Darrel Meyer and the Metropolitan Community College staff for hosting such an outstanding event!
Mark your calendars for September 16-21 and join us in Little Rock in 2005!
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Rocky Mountain Region
Mark Shively
RMA President
The 52nd RMA meeting was held September 18-21, 2004, in Jackson Hole, WY, with the theme of “New Thinking.” Attendees stayed at the picturesque Jackson Lake Lodge which featured 60-foot picture windows framing the Grand Tetons and was situated on a bluff overlooking Willow Flats where moose could be seen grazing.
APPA representatives attending the meeting included APPA President Ed Rice, who addressed the attendees at the Tuesday’s morning breakfast, Executive Vice President Lander Medlin, and Publications Manager Betsy Colgan.
Along with registering for the meeting on Sunday, attendees could play in a golf tournament at the Jackson Hole Golf and Tennis Club or choose to take a bus tour to
Monday’s keynote speaker, Dr. Philip L. Dubois, president of the University of Wyoming, spoke on the changes that are affecting higher education and the challenges facilities management will face with these changes. Educational sessions on Monday included Change Management, Facilities Management’s Role in Recruitment and Retention, Total Ownership Experience, and Motivational Environments.
Monday evening’s social event was a trip to the Diamond Cross Ranch owned by Grant and Jane Golliher. Grant says “horse whispering is borrowed wisdom and older than the hills and plains the wild mavericks run.” Using a restraint-free approach, he demonstrated his skills in training a young colt and by the end of the demonstration was riding Fury with ease. Grant also entertained RMA attendees with his legendary cowboy poetry. A wonderful dinner of barbeque ribs and chicken topped off the evening.
Tuesday began for some with a trail ride along the crest of the Tetons. The views were spectacular and some of the riders wished the horses would pay more attention to the trail rather than to the views and to the other horses. Sessions for the day included Facilities Management from an Academic Perspective and Facilities Reinvestment: Capital Renewal/Reinvestment. In the business meeting, future meeting sites were announced: 2006, Billings, Montana, hosted by
The 2004-05 RMA officers are President, Mark Shively, University of Wyoming; 1st Vice President, Tommy Moss, Colorado State University; 2nd Vice President, Eakle Barfield, Montana State University; Secretary Treasurer, John Morris, Colorado State University; Newsletter Editor, Paul Smith, Pima Community College; APPA Senior Representative, Paul Smith, Pima Community College; and APPA Junior Representative, Dave Brixen,
The grand prize winner of the big screen TV, donated by the Arizona Sponsor Group, was Lee Richardson, facilities manager,
Thanks to Jenn Coast, conference co-director, Mike Milam, educational programs, Stan Hobbs, prizes and gifts, Rachael Sisneros, Kari Hallingbye, and Darcy Bryant, for business partner and financial support.
The 2005 RMA meeting will be held September 11-14 in Vail, Colorado and hosted by Colorado State University. See you there!
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Pacific Coast Region
John Schulze
PCAPPA Newsletter Editor
Scott Burns and his incredible staff from San Diego State University hosted the 53rd annual meeting and educational conference in beautiful sunny downtown San Diego. The theme for the conference was “Work—Sun—Fun” in no particular order and every effort was made to maintain this balance throughout the four-day conference.
The conference was well supported with 305 delegates and 73 vendor representatives in attendance. Thanks to the great weather, some of the vendor booths and part of the lunch areas were outside with easy access to the interior spaces. J. R. Huffman and James Alwine of San Joaquin Chemical once again provided a generous donation for educational scholarships and sponsored a great evening’s entertainment at a local restaurant in San Diego’s historic Gaslamp district. This continued a long history of generous support by San Joaquin Chemical and they are much appreciated by PCAPPA.
The educational sessions followed three tracks: Code and Technical Issues, Sustainability, and Innovative Practices. Educational sessions for these three areas included Sustainable Campus Operations from the University of Washington, Impacts of New Codes on Elevators from Tyco/Simplex, and The Place for Covey in Facilities Management from the University of Puget Sound. Mark Hunter, chair of the Education Committee, observed that one of his most enjoyable duties in helping to host a conference is reading and compiling the comments received from the evaluations of the presentation. Over 800 evaluation surveys were received and contained many positive, helpful comments and suggestions for improving the process.
PCAPPA’s Board has established an Educational Scholarship program to provide financial aid to individuals who wish to attend the PCAPPA conference or other APPA programs. A total of $21,500 has already been awarded, and more scholarships are currently in process. The roots of this success may lie at least partially in the fertile soil of current economic reality. Still, PCAPPA is extremely pleased to be able to assist those members in need of support. Seventeen individuals received $1,000 awards to attend the 2004 PCAPPA Annual Conference in San Diego. An additional three individuals have received scholarships for an APPA educational program. Institutions represented by these awards include one Canadian province and five states, ranging from
The “fun” part of the conference included a trip to San Diego’s new baseball park to see the Padres battle the Dodgers for a playoff slot, and a bay cruise that provided a close up view of the new aircraft carrier museum featuring the Midway. The obligatory golf tournament was held at the beautiful Torrey Pines Golf Course and the conference ended with a deep sea sport fishing trip.
Towney Angel, the incoming president, asked the members to join him in recognition and appreciation of the leadership Chris Christofferson has been providing during his second term as president of PCAPPA. “It is service with distinction and deserving of our gratitude,” stated Angel.
The 2004-05 officers of PCAPPA are President, Townsend Angell, Reed College; President-Elect, Scott Burns, San Diego State University; Vice President Annual Meeting, Craig Benjamin, University of Puget Sound; Vice President-Elect Annual Meeting, Tony S. Valenzuela, San Jose State University; Secretary/Treasurer, Johnny Torrez, University of California System; Newsletter Editor, John Shultz, Foothill-De Anza College; APPA Senior Representative, John Wong, British Columbia Institute of Technology; and APPA Junior Representative, Chris Christofferson, Stanford University.
In 2005, we will travel to the Tacoma, Washington, where Craig Benjamin and the University of Puget Sound will host the conference in the new Tacoma convention center. With Mt. Rainier and Puget Sound to serve as a backdrop, this should indeed be a memorable and beautiful setting for a great conference. Plan to be there October 1-5.