OMAHA, Neb. – Every weekend, Leroy Peters takes his wife, Catherine, out for breakfast at Le Peep on 72nd and Pacific Streets. After they finish their meal, they drive through the nearby College of Saint Mary (CSM) campus so that Peters can check on the grounds.
For Peters, the assistant director of facilities, caring for the campus and the people who live and work there is more than just a job. “My view has always been to treat the campus as someone’s home,” he said.
After 17 years of maintaining and improving CSM’s buildings and grounds, Peters is retiring.
“Throughout his time at CSM, Leroy has embodied our mission through his genuine care, hospitality and love for others,” said Kris Czerwiec, assistant vice president of operations. “He has been a steady and familiar presence for generations of students, faculty and staff.”
Finding a Home at CSM
Peters, who grew up in Omaha, started his career working in a lumberyard and eventually got hired as a machine operator at Control Data Corporation, a pioneering computer company. While working there, Peters ran machines that produced the disk arrays used by NASA’s Mission Control during a space shuttle launch. Peters remembers receiving T-shirts and gifts from NASA.
A desire to advance his career led him to an elevator company then Lucent Technologies, a telecommunications company owned by AT&T. The company paid his tuition at Metro Community College where he received an associate degree in industrial maintenance. He later earned his Bachelor of Science in Management from Bellevue University.
After getting laid off, Peters accepted a position as a painter at CSM. The job was meant to be temporary until he found a position that allowed him to utilize his management experience.
“I fell in love with the place,” he said. Peters connected with the Sisters of Mercy, the mission of the College and the Catholic values.
He soon earned an engineering certification and became assistant director of facilities. “I liked training and working with other people,” he said. “If a person came in and didn’t have the skill set, I enjoyed showing them how to do the work.”
Leading the maintenance team, he often completed more than just the requested projects that came in work orders.
“I really wanted to make things better for the students. I made sure the dorms were a place I would want my daughter to live,” Peters said.
Katty Petak, senior director of alumni relations, said Peters always made students’ needs the center of his work. “It was never just about fixing things,” she said.
As enrollment grew, the campus evolved. Stevens Hall, formerly Madonna Hall, was built. Mercy Hall was remodeled. The Lied Fitness Center was constructed. The College also purchased the apartments where the Sisters of Mercy live. These changes brought an increased workload for the maintenance team. But Peters’ commitment to maintaining a functional and beautiful campus along with the relationships he built, kept him motivated.
“Leroy is a patient and thoughtful teacher,” said Ruben Gonzalez, a maintenance technician. “I’ve learned how to take care of an entire facility, from ice machines to lighting to groundskeeping, because of him. He always goes above and beyond. He’s a good supervisor and a good friend.”
Leaving a Legacy of Care
In addition to his dedication to maintaining and improving the buildings and grounds on campus, Peters will be remembered for his warmth, sense of humor, storytelling and the homemade desserts that he often shared with the campus community.
“For nearly two decades, Leroy has been a pillar of the CSM community, from students to faculty, to staff and the Sisters of Mercy, he has in some way made a positive impact on their lives,” said Dan Spargen, director of facilities. “His loving demeanor and get it done attitude will not be forgotten any time soon. It is rare to find such a caring and driven person all wrapped up into one individual.”
Peters’ kindness allowed him to develop close bonds with many of the Sisters of Mercy, and CSM faculty, staff and students.
“If you’re kind to someone, they’ll remember that. You can change someone’s life just by being kind. Even many years later, they’ll remember it,” Peters said. “I always try to be kind.”
He recalled helping a new student change her tire. Years later, she shared that it was Peters who made her feel safe and comfortable on campus. He’s also worked closely with the sisters who live on campus, fixing things in their apartments.
“I always enjoyed Leroy and appreciated everything he was willing to do for us,” said Sister Corrine Connelly. “When we need something done, we call Leroy. Don’t tell Dan, but we bypass the work orders and just call Leroy. We’re really going to miss him.”
Continuing His Work at Home
As he transitions into retirement, Peters’ work won’t be done.
“As a manager and engineer, I’m on call a lot. I spend a lot of weekends and holidays here. I’m ready to spend more time at home,” Peters said. “My wife has a work order list that is more massive than the College’s. I’m sure she will enjoy telling me what to do around the house.”
Peters and his wife, who have two children and four grandchildren, plan to travel, tend to their flower garden and continue their tradition of decorating their home for each season and holiday, especially Christmas. The couple, who have been married for 48 years, share a love of Hallmark Christmas movies and enjoy decorating every room in their home during Christmas.
“It’s just fun. My wife loves it, and if there’s something I can do to make her happy, I’ll do it,” he said.
For Peters, retirement is bittersweet. He looks forward to having time off and spending time with his wife, but he’ll miss caring for the College and the people at CSM.
“All of the people I’ve met over the years have meant a lot. I’ll miss the students, the staff and my maintenance crew that love to come to work every day,” he said.
