Seeking closure

A tree surgeon for the UNC Facilities Department still is waiting to see his name on a campus map.

William "Bus" Hubbard has been climbing trees to maintain the grounds of the UNC campus for 52 years, making him the longest-working employee in the University's history.

University officials announced a new grounds facility would be named in his honor during a March 2003 Employee Forum meeting.

But town politics prevented the project from getting off the ground.

The new grounds facility originally was planned to be built in the first stage of development of Carolina North, UNC's planned research satellite campus.

It was canceled after neighboring Chapel Hill residents protested, said Bruce Runberg, associate vice chancellor for planning and construction.

The construction of the building has been postponed indefinitely because it has been hard to find another site, said Kirk Pelland, the University grounds director.

"It is still our hope that we'll get it built," he said, "Money's not a problem; finding the site isn't easy."

Officials say they might have identified a new site near the current grounds facility building. Final plans will be presented to the University's Board of Trustees either in their November or January meeting, Runberg said.

Runberg said that if the location is approved, the building will be completed in several years.

A specific date has not been set because the final plans have not been approved yet, but Runberg said he is optimistic construction will proceed without delay.

"I don't foresee any issues associated with that," he said.

Most UNC officials who know Hubbard agree he is deserving of this honor.

"Bus is such an amazing individual," Pelland said. "He is someone who loves his job. He's an exemplary grounds employee, an exemplary human being."

"It's kind of like naming the Dean Smith Dome after Dean Smith when he was still coach," he added.

Hubbard is appreciative of the honor, and he said Thursday that he is not worrying about the delays of the project.

"He never has the least negative comment about it," Pelland said. "I think he has every expectation that it will happen. There is no doubt in his mind."

At the ceremony, Hubbard took his honor graciously.

"Bus is kind of a quiet person," said Tommy Griffin, chairman of the employee forum.

"It put a smile on his face. He was very appreciative, and when you get a smile on his face, it says a whole lot."

Hubbard said this year is his last, but his friends say he's been saying that every year for more than a decade.

Although he's been at the University since 1953, Hubbard said the work doesn't get old.

"I enjoy my job a lot," he said. "I like working with everyone."

 

Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.