by Amber Rozzisi
When Gardener Tim Stokes found important belongings of an MSU student, he immediately knew what he had to do.
Stokes works on maintaining the landscape around Akers, Fee, Conrad, Hubbard, Holmes and McDonel halls, along with IM East. On the morning of May 10, he was cleaning up near the bike racks at Hubbard Hall following student move-out on campus. Stokes noticed a cell phone leaning up against a wall and, when he approached it, he also found a student’s wallet.
“Because it was raining that day, the phone was wet and the cards and items in the wallet were stuck together,” Stokes said.
After allowing the phone and wallet to dry, Stokes looked up the student’s permanent address and phone number on the MSU website’s “find people” search.
“I found her home phone number and called,” said Stokes. “Her mother answered and was very appreciative.” He then sent the student her phone and wallet via FedEx the very next day.
“I really just wanted to get her belongings back to her,” he said. “If something like this happened to my daughter, I would like somebody to be able to do the same for her.”
Being a parent himself, Stokes understands the appreciation the student’s mother showed. “When your kids are away, you just hope humanity takes care of them,” he said. “It’s comforting for parents to know that their children are being taken care of.”
According to Stokes, the Landscape Services crews often come across situations like this. Whether it be returning lost items or helping students with flat tires, the employees are always willing to help. “Everyone here is laid back and good natured, I think most of the employees would have done the same thing,” Stokes said.
Stokes said the best part of his job is the ability to not only create relationships with fellow employees but students and residents on campus as well. “The students are important to us,” he said. “If they weren’t here, we wouldn’t have jobs. “
Although Stokes downplays his own honesty and dedication, Landscape Services Manager Gerry Dobbs said Stokes is an outstanding employee and an important asset to the Physical Plant.
“He is passionate about his job and really truly believes in service,” said Dobbs. “He does well with customer service because he creates relationships and knows people as his customers on a first-name basis.”
May 28, 2009
Bookmark or Share