Grounds team receiving award with images of tree on car and tree removal

Oct. 27, 2021

In mid-October, after storms came through the area, a tree split and fell on a car parked near the Sullivant Public Safety Center. 

The Facilities' Grounds team quickly arrived. They lifted the tree off the car, then drove the car out from under it for the vehicle's owner. The crew also cut up and removed the broken tree.

This act, just one example of the great work they do year round, earned the Grounds team the UNT Brand Ambassador of the Month Award for October. It's the first time a group has earned the recognition. 

“You all helped someone who really needed help and didn't know what to do,” President Smatresk told the crew when presenting them with the award Tuesday. “You didn't have to do it. But you jumped in and showed you're caring and what nice people you really are. And I got to thank you for that. That's the kind of thing that helps to brand our university and promote the spirit we have here of being a caring place.”

Chad Crocker, Facilities' interim associate vice president, says it was awesome for the crew to receive the award.

“This team has gone above and beyond — with COVID and ice and snow removal with Snowmageddon, and then helping a young lady out whose car was stuck under a tree. It's phenomenal what this team does, and getting recognition like this, it's amazing.” 

If you have a faculty or staff colleague you'd like to nominate, email brandambassador@unt.edu and tell us why you're nominating the individual. The recipient must exhibit at least four of the 12 UNT brand attributes.