Although this semester is deemed the spring semester, there is not much about it that screams spring, at least not yet. Diving head first into the second part of the academic year, students arrive back to campus mid-January and are often met with a winter wonderland. Swirling winds, icy sidewalks and almost infusible snow piles that reach halfway up a tree’s trunk can make it difficult to navigate the university, whether on foot or in a vehicle. Luckily for us Stags, Fairfield University has an incredible grounds crew team that ensures that students can have the safest journey to class possible.
Being from Massachusetts, I know that the unpredictability of snow storms can throw a wrench into anyone’s plans. Nearing the end of winter break, a large blizzard hit most of New England. As a sophomore who does not have a car on campus, I was worried I would not make it back in time for the first day of classes as I was depending on others for a ride back. Springing (get it?) into action, the University allowed those of us impacted by the storm to return a day early with no extra charge. This ensured that my parents could make the three hour and thirty minute trek to campus and back before the snowflakes even started forming in the sky.
With most students still enjoying their break, campus was silent as the snow began to fall. The only noises one could hear were the sounds of the dedicated workers spreading salt, plowing and shoveling before more than a dusting even formed. This allowed me to make an albeit freezing journey to the Media Center for some dinner, without having to worry about slipping on ice or having to walk through large piles of snow. Although this situation was far from typical, whenever the Connecticut news weather teams predict that snow, ice or freezing temperatures will impact our week, the University has their grounds crew prepping days prior, gassing up large plow trucks and salting before the ice forms.
“Fairfield handles storm preparation well,” sophomore Raquel Deleo agrees, “even before it starts snowing they have plows ready to go. Also, well after the storm if there is ice, they take care of it too.”
No matter the time of day or how cold it is, the Fairfield University community can count on the grounds crew working as diligently as possible. From late-night walks back to my dorm from the Library or early morning treks to the Rec Plex if there is snow on the ground, there are hard workers making sure that campus residents will be safe.
A member of the Women’s Rowing team, Deleo has many early mornings where she walks from her warm dorm in Langguth into the frosty dawn air in order to get to practice.
“One day after a storm, on the way back from the erg room I saw a landscaper putting ice melt over the path to ensure it melts for the safety of the community,” Deleo describes.
Around Valentine’s Day was the last time Fairfield saw snowfall and even though colder temperatures are becoming a little more rare, with this past Sunday having a high of 45 degrees Fahrenheit, grounds crew are still working hard to make sure pathways are not icy.
As a resident in Avery Dulles Hall, there is one particular point of the sidewalk near the entrance that always freezes over. In my own experience, I have yet to walk past that frozen patch without it being freshly salted.
“They do some incredible work,” Junior Christian Sehlmeyer states.
As a Junior living in the townhouses, Sehlmeyer explains that every time there is a winter storm, the University shovels porches and front steps for residents. Sehlmeyer notes that the members of his house are especially thankful to have one less thing to worry about during the school year.
Although they are often overlooked, the Fairfield University grounds crew does a consistent and incredible job of keeping campus snow and ice-free.
With the stress of classes, internships, clubs, work and whatever else students have on their plates, we can all be extremely thankful that we never have to worry about salting or shoveling ourselves. The unwavering hard work put forth by the University’s grounds crew allows stags to never have to stress about getting to classes or navigating campus safely in lue of a winter storm.
“I am very thankful that the workers clear the paths early so I can walk safely to practice,” Deleo states.
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