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January employees of the month

Vince Avila, Jr. Unclassified employee

Vince Avila, Jr.

Current title: Associate director of student housing for planning and development.

What that means: Avila is responsible for the effective and efficient function of a physical plant including more than 60 buildings and 100-plus acres on campus. The areas under his direct leadership comprise a $200 million capital investment and fixed-asset inventory.

Notable: In addition to overseeing work on the Crawford Center, Avila has given constant attention to the Hashinger Hall renovation, encouraging contractors, vendors and other staff members.

Jerry Wilson University Support Staff

Jerry Wilson

Current title: Facilities Operations Custodial Services.

What that means: Wilson's primary areas of responsibility are the Dole Institute of Politics and the Networking and Tele- communications Services offices. In addition, he serves as backup staff for the Visitor Center, the Landscape and Garage Facilities, and Nichols and Youngberg Halls.

Notable: Wilson's expertise in cleaning carpet and floor tiling make him Facilities Operations' first choice for last-minute flooring projects.

Quotable: "He is a hard worker, friendly and always professional," said Anna Hines, associate director of NTS.

KU HISTORY

The Jayhawks entered this year's NCAA basketball tournament with a No. 1 seed and hopes to vindicate the stinging first-round losses of the previous two years. Though the first-round eliminations are fresh in the minds of fans, KU basketball historian Blair Kerkhoff calls the loss to Wichita State in the 1981 NCAA tournament's Sweet 16 one of the 10 most memorable losses in the team's history. For more, visit www.kuhistory.com