UND Associate Facilities Director Paul Clark to be honored with a retirement reception Friday
Paul Clark, associate director of facilities and a 40-year employee of UND, will be honored at a retirement reception Friday, Sept. 14, from 2 to 3 p.m. on the second floor of the Chester Fritz Auditorium.
A native of Brooten, Minn., Clark earned his bachelor's degree in education in 1972, and began working at the University that year as the plant services student employment coordinator. He was named plant services director I in 1974, director II in 1979, and associate director of plant services/facilities in 1986. He is responsible for grounds, snow removal, landscaping, building maintenance and custodial services, laundry services, recycling and garbage collection.
Clark received the first Ken and Toby Baker UND Proud Award in 2000, the Spirit of Sioux Award in 1996, the National Residence Hall Honorary Member Award in 1995, the Plant Services Golden Hammer Award in 1991, and the UND Outstanding Meritorious Service Award in 1986. He is an active volunteer both at UND and in the community.
A stalwart during the Flood of 1997, Clark was central to the flood fight and later cleanup. For decades, he has spent winters getting up in the middle of the night to gauge snowfall and call grounds crews to remove it before the University opened. During the flood fight, he prepared for and helped fight the flood, throwing sandbags as well as directing operations.
"After we finished sandbagging on campus, we went downtown to assist the City of Grand Forks," said Larry Zitzow, director of facilities management. "Our arms grew several inches but we kept going to save the campus and the city. The days were long and we thought it would never end. I especially remember when we were sandbagging by Hughes Fine Arts, trying to save the electrical transformer. Paul fell into the water with his waders and got soaked, but stayed there all night until the transformer was safe. After the flood, Paul was instrumental in the cleanup. I have had the pleasure of working with him for 39 years. I know of no kinder person."
Clark is also famous for his attention to detail.
"It is always a surprise to ride in Paul's car," said Janice Hallin, assistant to the director of facilities management. "You never know what he may have picked up along the road or on campus grounds. Paul cares so much about the appearance of campus and is more than willing to do whatever it takes. Our buildings are clean, the grounds are well maintained. His staff doesn't want to let him down."
During retirement, Clark looks forward to spending time with family, doing volunteer work, and hunting and fishing.
Contact:
David L. Dodds, Media Relations/Writer & Editor, Office of University Relations, 701.777.5529| david.dodds@und.edu
