Cindy Guhl believes that small gestures make a big impact. The residents on the 5th floor of Burge Hall, where she has been the custodian for the past 3 years, would agree. Guhl has been at the University for 4 ½ years. Prior to coming here, she spent 38 ½ years working at Oral B/P&G.
In March 2022, three students nominated Guhl for a UI Staff Award. All three highlighted Cindy’s efforts to get to know them on a personal level. Recent graduate, Ahava Atar, wrote “Not only is Cindy an amazing worker, but she also loves to engage with all the residents and brings a little bit more sunshine to everyone’s day. For as long as we’ve been here, Cindy has gone out of her way to make a connection with all who pass her”. Guhl was very touched by their gesture, “It’s an honor to be here and create memories with them”.
Family is clearly important to Guhl, who has four sons, four grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Every year she adds a new group of students to the growing list. “She shows genuine care for each one of us which is reassuring as we are all away from home. In a way, she’s like a mother and we are all her children”, shares Atar. Guhl keeps in touch with many of the students after they leave the residence hall. Some come back to visit and keep her apprised of their lives. Recently, one former resident brought in their new kitten. Guhl states “When you come to school it’s exciting and scary at the same time. I like to be that little piece of home”.
Even though the residents in Burge Hall cycle out each year, Guhl has been able to recreate this inclusive and supportive environment. “It gives me joy to see their smiling faces every day. I always like to give them a hello or a compliment. I feel that something as small as a compliment could make their day. I’m [also] guilty of bringing them cookies. That makes them feel more comfortable to talk to me”. The residents in turn reciprocate Guhl’s gestures with their own acts of kindness. They celebrate birthdays, holidays, and milestones with each other. “I have gotten some really lovely surprises from the girls. They’ve decorated my custodial closet. On Valentine’s Day they covered the door in hearts”. Each heart said something nice about Guhl.
It’s clear that Guhl takes pride in her daily work and in her relationships. “Cindy has a unique energy about her and makes all the residents on our floor feel welcome and special. She has baked treats for us, and truly has a passion for people and for getting her job done well’, Claudia Wilcox. Guhl shares “I always treat my bathrooms, like I was cleaning for my children. I take pride in that”.
Guhl received the Richard E. Gibson Merit Staff Award for Innovation and Excellence in Customer Service, at a formal ceremony, on October 11th. This award recognizes an employee’s outstanding creativity and innovation in process improvement or exceptional achievement in providing customer service.
