Commencement is a large event no matter how you look at it. The students’ final event of their Undergraduate (or Graduate) career is full of pomp and circumstance. But have you ever thought about how long it takes the campus to look so nice or how much hard work goes into it?
Beginning in the spring, Physical Plant employees are working tirelessly to beautify the stadium.
-10 gallons of paint were used for touch ups inside and outside the stadium
-Construction of bases for the 55+ International Flags used prior to the ceremony
-The 55+ bases used during the ceremony for the International Flags were touched up
-The gates to the field are being cleaned and oiled for ease of use
-The 1st landing of the bleachers was repaired by a mason
-Ramps were constructed to ease the transition between the sidewalk and the field
All of this was in place by Monday, May 6th because the flooring, stage and chairs arrived the next week.
Other detailed work that the Physical Plant was involved with for Commencement included the following:
-The Landscape Services Management staff planted flower boxes, planters and gardens to beatify the entire campus.
-The green space was cared for after the winter took its toll.
-Four Physical Plant Commencement planning meetings occurred to aid in the communication and coordination throughout the plant staff.
-The company was hired for the stage landscape; two moving trucks were rented for use during commencement week.
All staff were in high gear to make sure that the graduates and their guests had a wonderful experience at the University of Massachusetts 144th Commencement exercises.