Have you thanked a custodian today? October 2 is National Custodian Day

Photo: Janet Gray, Mirjana Celic and Kyle Beatson are three of more than 220 hard working custodians at McMaster, whose work taking care of campus helps create a Brighter World. 

When someone looks lost on campus, it is often a custodian, those unsung heroes who clean the hallways, classrooms and all the places in between, who lend a helping hand.     

“I love first-year students. It’s sweet when you can see they are looking around, you can tell they are lost, and you can guide them through where they need to go. It reminds me of when I was new, too,” shares Niki Bourgeois, a custodian with McMaster for 20 years.  

Today, October 2nd, is National Custodian Day –– a day to appreciate our campus custodians’ essential role in caring for our campus.  

“Our custodial teams take pride in their role in supporting the university,” says Ehab Kamarah, associate vice-president and chief facilities officer.   

“They work around the clock to ensure that the university is always ready to welcome back our students, faculty and staff to clean and safe spaces each morning.”  

With 56 buildings on McMaster’s main campus, it takes over 160 custodians from Facility Services and another 68 dedicated residence custodians from Housing & Conference Services to keep the university in top shape. The dedicated members of these teams, working together and supporting each other, get the job done.   

Anna Notto, the south team manager, who works closely with Niki, shares that sentiment, “I have an amazing team. They work well together, they jump in and help each other, and I’m thankful for each and every one of them.”  

We don’t have to think back too far to remind ourselves of custodians’ critical role in the university’s operations. Whether it’s after-hours, in lousy weather or during a global pandemic, custodians continue to show up and support the health and well-being of our entire community.  

“I am so proud of the great work that our staff do and how they have supported every challenge we have faced,” says Carlos Figueira, director of Custodial, Grounds, Logistics and Mail Services. 

Being a custodian is hard work and often happens in the background of our busy campus. The next time you see a custodian, take a moment to say thank you –– and ask for directions, if you need them.