Farewell tribute to Joe Deluca, Richard Wisniewski, and George Xiques
The many facilities that grace the campus are resources that enable our faculty and staff to create transformative learning opportunities, outstanding co-curricular activities, and a home for our students. As high school students tour Lafayette, our campus is helpful in attracting them to the College. Efforts by many members of the Finance and Administration Division are critically important in ensuring that these facilities thrive. Lafayette is very fortunate to have many talented maintenance staff.
Three employees in Finance and Administration have retired this year: Joe Deluca, custodian (top left); Richard Wisniewski (top right), mechanical trades A level employee; and George Xiques, assistant director and sustainability manager, Engineering and Planning Department.
Hired on Feb. 12, 1979, Joe was a custodian throughout his tenure here. Dedicated to creating a wonderful home away from home and classrooms for our students, Joe spent most of his time on College Hill cleaning and disinfecting various buildings on campus. During the challenging time of the COVID-19 pandemic, he was dedicated to providing a safe, clean environment for our students, faculty, and staff. Joe was well liked by his co-workers and would often be heard talking about the New York Yankees.
Hired on Nov. 15, 2010, Richard was an HVAC mechanic for Lafayette’s many facilities. A talented mechanical trades professional, Rich was also skilled in several other trades. During his tenure here, he repaired, serviced, and tested many of the emergency generators on campus. An effective professional in helping to create a wonderful environment at the College, Rich was admired by his co-workers and valued by members of the Lafayette community. Because he was renowned for completing his projects so quickly, he was given the nickname “Wiz” by his colleagues.
Hired on Nov. 14, 1994, as assistant director of plant operations, George Xiques managed sustainability projects on campus, including the new campus generator, LED lighting in Kirby Sports Center, and HVAC improvements in several buildings. George was named manager of sustainability and environmental planning in December 2007. When former Lafayette President Dan Weiss signed the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment in January 2008, a sustainability committee of faculty, staff, and students led by George was appointed to oversee environmental initiatives that enabled Lafayette to become better stewards of our planet. George contributed to creating a greener campus through his sustainability and energy conservation initiatives. He was admired by everyone who interacted with him.
Joe, Rich, and George, your outstanding talents for maintaining and advancing the campus have been invaluable. Please know that you are missed. We hope you enjoy your retirement.