Pre-Graduation gratitude for staff

Dear University of Richmond staff members:

On behalf of the senior class, I would like to say thank you for everything you do. I don't think Richmond would be able to exist without you -- staff, maintenance, grounds crews, everybody. I am concluding my fourth year here, and it has been such a wonderful experience for me because of your hard work and friendliness. I may not know all of your names, but I am thankful, as most students are, for everything you do.

Beginning with aesthetics, if it wasn't for the grounds crew, which makes this campus so beautiful, I wouldn't have come here.

When I first saw this campus, it was a spring weekend, and I knew I was going to come here because it was so beautiful. There is a reason that the University of Richmond is considered one of the most beautiful campuses around: you. The energy, time and effort you contributed put Richmond on the map and made this campus a wonderful place to be. Thank you for working so hard to make this school so picturesque.

On the other side of the coin, I would like to thank the university staff for keeping this campus so beautifully clean. I know how messy and sometimes inconsiderate students can be, especially when alcohol gets involved, and it gives me even greater respect for you that you give us the benefit of doubt.

I feel like every time I have seen an employee in a dormitory hallway, I receive a warm greeting, and even though not all of us act like it all the time, we are thankful for that. I think sometimes we lose sight of what would happen to this campus if it wasn't for your efforts, and I am sure it wouldn't be pleasant. So thank you for keeping our campus clean and enjoyable.

I am sure there are other people I am missing, but if it wasn't for Karen England and Kelly Huk, I think the Business School might melt down or explode. For almost any issue you have, it is one of those two whom you go and see.

And that isn't even close to what their job fully entails.

The craziest part about it is that those two always have so much on their plate, yet almost every time you walk into their offices, you will be greeted with a smile and a warm hello. And I am sure every other school and department has the equivalent. So thank you for keeping our school running smoothly.

To all of the D-Hall employees and other food service employees, I can't give you enough credit. You are what keeps this campus nourished, and we wouldn't be able to go on without you. D-Hall is a whole lot better than most other college cafeterias.

I worked at a place similar to D-Hall during past summers, and it is really frustrating how inconsiderate people can be. And I know some of us can be pretty inconsiderate sometimes; thanks for putting up with it.

We don't always remember that you are responsible for most of us eating three meals a day, seven days a week (maybe not so much on the weekend though). But it amazes me that nine times out of 10 you are always friendly and willing to help. So I thank you for delivering such high-quality service and putting up with us day in and day out.

To anyone who feels they were left out of this, just because you weren't mentioned specifically doesn't mean we aren't thankful. We are. And I know what you do isn't charity work; you do what you do to make a living. But you still deserve all of our thanks and gratitude because I don't know what percentage of tuition goes to you all, but it is not enough.

And for underclassmen and those students who aren't graduating this year, try to keep in mind the efforts of those who work here. Maybe step outside of your comfort zone and say thanks to whoever cleans your hall, wipes down the tables in D-Hall, or performs whatever functions that make this school work.

A nice "thank you" can go a long way. Again, thanks to all university employees for everything you do. It is greatly appreciated.