New mural, students show appreciation for employees

The University of Notre Dame was ranked first among “America’s Best Large Employers” by Forbes on February 12, 2025. Just two weeks prior, a new “Dignity of Work” mural depicting Notre Dame custodial staff and service employees was dedicated in Geddes Hall.

Annually, Forbes partners with market research statistics firm Statista to compile a report of America’s top midsize and large employers. After being featured on the Forbes “Best Large Employers” list six times, including being ranked twentieth best large employer in 2024, Notre Dame has climbed to the top of the list, above recurring top picks like Google, Trader Joe’s, and Costco, among others.

In response to the ranking, University President Father Robert Dowd, C.S.C. told Notre Dame News, “Our accomplished and dedicated employees are our most valuable asset, and it is because of their efforts that the University is receiving this wonderful recognition.”

Vice President for Notre Dame Resources Heather Christophersen echoed Fr. Dowd’s praise: “Being recognized as a Forbes top employer is a testament to the culture of care, belonging and excellence that defines our Notre Dame community.”

To preface the 2025 annual rankings, Forbes states, “Research over the past decade has shown that employees have remained relatively steadfast when asked what they care about most in an employer: compensation, employee development and advancement opportunities, meaningful work, supportive colleagues, and workplace well-being and flexibility.” 

Exactly two weeks before the release of the Forbes ranking, the university recognized its staff and custodial workers by dedicating and revealing the “Dignity of Work” mural in Geddes Hall on January 29. The new mural was produced by the Institute for Social Concerns (ISC) in collaboration with Notre Dame Building Services staff.

The mural spans across the wall along the main floor stairwell of Geddes. The work depicts 33 images of Notre Dame service employees in the mixed mediums of either photography or painting against a leaf-like patterned background painted in the colors of the ISC logo.

ISC Director Suzanne Shanahan told the Rover, “The ‘Dignity of Work’ mural depicts a small subset of the more than 250 Building Services workers serving more than 150 buildings across campus.” Shanahan continued, “Some depicted in the mural are current or recently retired workers and are drawn photos from University Archives.”

Shanahan explained, “The suggestion for the mural was made by Bridget Filipski who leads a crew of 16 custodial staff. Building services are the often invisible staff that make the daily work of everyone else possible. As Bridget noted at the opening reception: ‘Everybody wants to be seen.’”

Building Services leader Bridget Filipski told the Rover, “The dedicated workers in [the] mural are people, past and present, who have been employed at Notre Dame. They were chosen at random by the artist to depict a ‘working in action’ feel in the Mural.”

Filipski related the mural to the recent ranking from Forbes, saying, “The mural highlights the importance of the workers by giving them value and recognition for the service they perform on a daily basis.” Filipski also attributed Notre Dame’s high ranking to its Catholic identity. She explained, “‘Valued’ is what one feels when supported by an employer that truly lives by the Catholic teachings, such as Notre Dame.”

Shanahan echoed this sentiment, telling the Rover, “I don’t know much about the Forbes ranking or how they are calculated. I can say that the Dignity of Work and Rights of Workers are core principles of Catholic Social Teaching. It makes sense that [a] Catholic University, in particular, would embrace such a tribute to workers. It also might explain why so many people across campus have been so thrilled about the mural.”

The ISC was not alone in its recent recognition of university faculty and staff. Students also expressed their praise of Notre Dame staff.

In reference to the “Dignity of Work” mural, sophomore Emmy Baldwin told the Rover, “I am glad to see Notre Dame recognize the hard work of our staff.” She continued, “While it may seem that their work goes unnoticed, students see the difference that our workers make. Margaret, who cleans the facilities in Lyons, works well before most of us are awake to ensure that the bathrooms and hallways are clean.”

Another student told the Rover, “We never take the time to think, ‘Who takes care of those who take care of us?’ or stop and thank them for what they do. Since coming to Notre Dame, I have been loved by every worker, custodian, and staff member.”

Employees of Campus Dining and custodial services expressed appreciation for their positive work experiences at Notre Dame with the Rover, mentioning the mutual relationships between staff and students. 

Michelle Wilcowski works at the South Dining Hall Grab and Go, and has been employed with Notre Dame for nearly two years. When the Rover asked about her favorite aspect of working with Campus Dining, Wilcowski answered, “The students.” She continued, “You end up getting a good relationship with them when you see them all the time. We’re kind of like a mom away from home.”

Clare DiFranco è una studentessa di contabilità e Italiano. Lei preferirebbe essere nel sole di Sicilia adesso, ma le nuvole di South Bend sono abbastanza. Le manda un email a cdifranc@nd.edu per una traduzione di questo messaggio. 

Photo Credit: Irish Rover

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