If you see campus custodial staff today, make a special effort to say thank you.

Oct. 2 is National Custodial Appreciation Day and University Facilities is spreading the word so UB custodians are properly recognized for all they do behind the scenes, from early mornings to late nights, often unbeknownst to the rest of campus.

University Facilities employs 280 cleaners spread across first, second, third and weekend shifts seven days a week throughout all academic buildings — classrooms, offices, labs, restrooms and public spaces — to keep UB’s three campuses safe, clean and welcoming every day, says Stacey Modicamore, assistant director of buildings and grounds.

“Before most of us arrive, they’ve already been through classrooms making sure desks and surfaces are clean, chairs are straight, whiteboards are wiped and the floors are ready for the next round of teaching and learning,” Modicamore says.

They’re the ones who restock restrooms before the morning rush, handle recycling and waste so campus stays sustainable, and clear snow and ice around entrances and emergency exits to ensure campus buildings stay safe and accessible, she says.

And when there’s a water leak, a slippery floor or an urgent cleanup, they’re the first to respond. They were integral in keeping the campus safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, she adds.

“Their quiet dedication makes it possible for the rest of us to focus on our work, studies and research,” Modicamore says. “Without them, UB simply wouldn’t ‘go.’

“So, please take a moment today to acknowledge their contributions,” she says, “whether it’s with a kind word, a smile or a simple “thank you.”