Mike Pinder (BSc '04), manager, Building Maintenance & Grounds

Where are you from?
I was born in Lethbridge and grew up in Fort MacLeod until I was 11. My family moved to Lethbridge to eliminate the daily trips we were taking for swim practice. Between school and swimming there was not much time for anything else, but I did start working in residential construction when I was 14. Through swimming and my early construction work, I was able to have an opportunity to join the University with Sport & Recreation Services in April of 1997 following a short stint with Building Maintenance the previous summer.

How long have you been at the U of L and what do you do here?
Through swimming, I was first introduced to the University of Lethbridge shortly after the opening of Max Bell Regional Aquatic Centre in 1986. Following years of swimming at Max Bell, I had the opportunity to join the University with Sport & Recreation Services in April of 1997, following a short stint with Building Maintenance the previous summer. I have been full-time since April 2001 in various roles with Sport & Recreation Services (Operations Coordinator) & Facilities (both as Facilities & Operations Coordinator, Housing Services & Manager, Building Maintenance). During this time, I completed a Bachelor of Science degree in 2003.

I am now in the role of Manager, Building Maintenance & Grounds overseeing the operation of the combined departments. This has been an exciting and rewarding journey here at the University as I’ve watched the University more than double in physical space and student population.

What’s the best part of your job?
In my role, there is never a day like the one past. The challenge of working in Facilities and working with a diverse group of people within our department and throughout Campus is rewarding each and every day. I am always expecting the unexpected — at times I may seem too calm when a flood happens, but I am prepared to get to work to ensure normal operations resume as soon as possible. I think one of the most rewarding aspects of each of my positions has been the sense of community and the relationships made around the U of L. I’ve been involved with convocation with each of my roles here, and it is so rewarding to see the students graduating with their degrees and celebrating their experience at uLethbridge, which I’m so proud to be a part of.

How had the COVID pandemic affected your work?
Since the start of the pandemic when campus closed down, our department has remained working on campus to ensure the buildings and grounds continue to be maintained. During this past year, it has been nice to come to campus for a change of scenery from home. However, the lack of people on campus does give a sense of isolation and we are very much missing the sense of community created by so many students, faculty and staff that we support. The announcement of a return to campus helps build the excitement towards the uLethbridge campus spirit I have worked in for so many years.

What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
I am a bit of a space nerd. I follow what is happening off our planet or activities associated with getting off our planet probably more than I should (at least that is what my wife would say). I try and hide this, but with ever-increasing activities in space, it is getting harder to hide my enthusiasm. I also love camping, getting outside and into the fresh mountain air. Living a simple life for a few days or more is good for my well-being and my family.