Campus News - May 8, 2000

Spotlight

Vollbrecht sets up campus for fun

By Laurie Mellas-Ramirez

Carol Vollbrecht Special Activities Supervisor Physical Plant Department

If there’s a “fun activity” on campus, Carol Vollbrecht, Physical Plant Department special activities supervisor, ensures it runs smoothly. Last May, commencement enjoyed a few added touches. “I did all the set-up for my own commencement and then I got the day off,” she laughed. “I made sure everything was extra pretty and nice because it was mine, too.” From state fair to student fiesta, Vollbrecht and the PPD staff are called upon to provide set-up and tear down services – electrical power, tables and chairs, trash removal – it’s all in a day's work. Commencement rolls around again this week and Vollbrecht is busy as a bee ensuring a safe, comfortable event at the Pit. “We go in Thursday morning and everything has to be set-up by Saturday. It has to go like clockwork – there’s no time for slip-ups,” she says.

Vollbrecht has been in charge of special events for three years and with the department for 14. She started out in the remodel section as one of the first tradeswomen before an injury moved her into office work, including positions in accounting and customer service. She designed a master calendar for PPD staff that notes the locations of major campus events “so custodians and grounds people can avoid problems and keep the campus looking its best,” she says. “First impressions are everything and we want to help with the University’s mission to attract new students.”

Back in the classroom this semester, Vollbrecht has her eye on a master’s degree. “It felt strange not taking classes. It’s stimulating – gets your brain flowing,” she says.

A devoted mom, until recently most of her spare time was spent shuttling 15 year-old Justin to his special activities. “He just got his learner’s permit. Now it’s him chauffeuring me, I hardly ever get to drive,” she laughs.

The two share a creepy crawly interest. “We’re fascinated by spiders. They’re cool, nice little pleasant creatures that walk around and eat bugs,” she says.

Getting rid of unwanted insects is one activity that’s no fun. “I don’t kill spiders – maybe a black widow if it gets too close,” Vollbrecht says.

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