(Archive November 15, 2011) Who Keeps MWCC Clean?

By Christopher Kyprianos | Observer Contributor

First impressions count. Everyday those who walk through the doors at Mount Wachusett Community College immediately notice how nice, clean, fresh and orderly everything is, especially when it comes to the first floor of the main building. The reason behind this is because of two very special women who take to heart the services they provide MWCC. Their faces are familiar to most everyone who attends or works at the college, but few know their stories.

Eleanor Gauthier and Chelsea Coppenrath are the two team members responsible for maintaining the areas from the café’s double doors right on down to the art wing. They clean the windows, floors and bathrooms, which they state with enthusiasm, “Are the cleanest on campus!” Both women gain personal satisfaction from the work they do and are very happy to be providing a refreshingly clean environment mountobserver.com for all. Gauthier is a twelve year full time veteran of the maintenance staff, while Coppenrath began in 2005 while a Human Service work study student. This past July she happily secured a 25 hour per week work shift. Each is content with their positions, yet Coppenrath commented, “I’m happy being here, but I would love to be full time here. That would make me absolutely content!”

This dynamic dual are even found outside in the winter, shoveling and keeping the walkways clear and safe. The women agreed, “We are the eyes of the college. We are the first floor people. We are the show casers of the first floor.”

The team does it right, whether they are at work or tending to their personal affairs. Gauthier’s zest for life extends beyond the workplace where she can occasionally be found riding with her partner on their Harley, enjoying a walk in the fresh air, playing with her five grandchildren or watching some of the little one’s street hockey games. Coppenrath shared that she enjoys being a home body, cleaning and cooking around her place and working on arts and crafts when time permits. Coppenrath also enjoys providing assistance to an elderly woman who very much appreciates her help.