APRIL JUNE 2005.indd - Facilities Management - University of Virginia

Claude graduated from the Apprentice
Program in 1990. He is keenly observant
of events and trends throughout Facilities
Management and the University and, even
though there may be some problems, he
believes that the employees at Facilities
Management make up a great “family” of
good people who look out for each other.
David Mumma, originally from
Harrisburg, PA, just finished building his
house near Zion Crossroads (with the
help of friends and some co-workers) and
plans to resume classes for the Bachelor
of Interdisciplinary Studies, a part-time
degree program with evening classes
T.J. Ott & Claude Shifflett
available to UVa employees www.uvaBIS.
info His hobbies include computer work
– “NO! Not video games!” he retorts
(with his familiar, resounding laugh) to his
sidekick Richard. He also enjoys outdoor
activities including hiking, whitewater
rafting, canoeing, cycling and listening to
a variety of music. And of course, he can
always find work to do around his new
house.
Richard Purvis played warm-up band
at University of Maryland for Three Dog
Night in the early 1970’s. Although he’s
put his music on the back burner in recent
years, he was also with a 13-piece band
that played and recorded blue-eyed soul/
blues and jazz. Originally from Shipman
in Nelson County, Richard lived in
Maryland until 1990. He enjoys all types
of music, and the health benefits of Tae
kwon do.
They’ve owned a timeshare since 1989
and have traveled to many resorts
including Aruba, Puerto Vallarta, Ville del
Palmar. This summer, they will be taking
the boys with them on a trip to Mexico.
Billy Searcy enjoys watching westerns
on television but he is also very involved
with his community and Fluvanna County.
He and his wife have had several foster
children, and also do respite care for other
foster parents. “You have a good heart,”
someone commented. “No, I don’t!” he
quickly retorted, referring to a health
scare he had last year, “but I am following
the diet and exercise plan!” Speaking of
family, Billy mentions his family’s roots
in Fluvanna County as he rattles off names
of relatives in different county offices and
elected positions.
David Mumma & Richard Purvis
Greg Wood is well known as an avid
fisherman and he’s very quiet at first –
until someone asks about his latest fishing
expedition. Then his face just lights up
and he enthusiastically describes his latest
catch and keep. Greg also has family
connections in Facilities Management
– HVAC Leadman Felix Crawford and
Roofing Superintendent Mike Crawford
are his uncles. Greg is proud that he will
soon be a new uncle – his sister Angie
is married to Shaun Wills of Electrical
renovations high voltage. Greg also
enjoys studying World War II via the
history channel.
Nikki Patterson always wanted to be
an electrician ever since she watched her
uncle rewire her grandfather’s house – she
learned to read blueprints then. Nikki
realized early on that she had mechanical
talents and has been working on cars since
she was a kid. Now she spends most
evenings helping her 12-year old Steven
with homework. History is her favorite.
Her great-great grandfather Louis T.
Merritt, who served with Robert E. Lee
until Appomattox, owned a house that is
on display at the Frontier Culture Museum
near Staunton. Photography is a hobby
she pursues for relaxation – her photos
show that she has a great eye for detail and
composition.
Wayne Russell, supervisor of the
electrical maintenance crew, is originally
from Newport News where he worked as a
licensed home builder and electrician. He
and his wife of 32 years, Kathryn, returned
to North Garden in the late 1980’s so she
could fulfill her dream of running the
family farm as her grandfather had done.
Kathryn also home-schooled the twins
who are now third years at UVa, two
Mike Flowers, Nikki Patterson,
Greg Wood & Billy Scearcy
Mike Flowers has been with Facilities
other daughters who are UVa graduates
Management for 27 years and also has
- 1997 and 2001 – and she continues to
family ties to the area – his grandfather
home-school the younger twins and two
once owned a farm located on 29 North
daughters who are still at home. “The
– and his mother was a nurse at UVa for 29
farm serves as a regular vocational
years. While their two sons – ages 11 and
school,” Wayne said.
nine – keep them busy on evenings and
CC 27 members are a sharp group, very
weekends, Mike and his wife keep up with
sharp -- not only in their trade and skills
the vacation channel and enjoy traveling.
Perspective Second Quarter 2005
Jerry & Jeff Shifflett
but in their wit and sense of humor.
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