Photo by Christina VanHorn,
UNH Human Resources

In 1971, Judy Koski got a housekeeping job at UNH when her daughter started school. She never dreamed she would still be here almost 34 years later. "It was a temporary job to make a little extra money," Judy says. "Many people in my family have worked and retired from UNH, so I knew it was a good place to work."

As time passed, Judy grew to love the atmosphere of the University. "People are so respectful," she says. "I've felt like part of the family. I just stayed and my life changed." The years have been good to her. After going from a Building Service Worker, to a trainer, to a manager, Judy now fills the position of Quality Assurance Coordinator for the Facilities Services Department. Her main duties are to ensure that UNH cleaning standards are being met in all UNH in-house and privatized cleaned buildings. She also coordinates product evaluations and the third shift special projects cleaning team.

To perform her job well, Judy must possess a thorough knowledge of buildings, as well as cleaning procedures, products, and standards. And while she supervises a team of third shift workers, she no longer works the late shift herself. "I used to. It was a very tough shift," Judy says. "I sort of woke up when I went to days. I never realized what a daze I was in!" she laughs.

For Judy, the most satisfying part of her job is knowing that the housekeeping department plays an integral role in keeping the University safe and sanitary. "The impact on the appearance of the buildings has brought many potential students to UNH," Judy says. Her own children attended UNH as well. She has also been impacted by members of the UNH community. She cites professors who have had a positive impact on her, such as Clark Stevens, "who had a love of forestry," and Fred Lewis, "who not only teaches here but extends his talents to patients in nursing homes with kindness and compassion."

Volunteer work is very important to Judy. One of her most meaningful hobbies is the work she does for an organization called Court Appointed Special Advocates for Abused or Neglected Children (CASA NH). Judy got involved with the program after meeting a representative at a volunteer fair. One of her own children is also involved in social work, and CASA NH seemed like the perfect opportunity for Judy to get involved. "Always whenever I heard about abuse, I thought, 'Why doesn't somebody do something?' So I finally said, 'There.'"

When she's not working or volunteering, Judy enjoys spending time with her grandchildren. She's a huge fan of UNH hockey. She also appreciates the opportunities available to her at UNH to learn about diversity. "The diversity of people and programs that I would have never been aware of [had I not worked here], have helped me to be a better person."