PSFC custodial E Team receives MIT Excellence Award

Paul Rivenberg  |  PSFC

June 21, 2018

Three members of the MIT custodial staff have been singled out for their exceptional care of the buildings that make up the Plasma Science and Fusion Center. In a ceremony held at Kresge Auditorium on June 20, custodians Manuel (Manny) Costa and Audilia Fernandez, and machine operator custodian Emily Scoppettuolo were honored with the MIT Excellence Award. As part of the Department of Facilities, they are known as “Team ‘E’ for Excellence.”

MIT President Rafael Reif introduced the team, noting that the work that is being done by these second shift custodians has a tremendous impact not only on the Center, but on the comfort, efficiency and morale of those who work there. “Their contributions do not go unnoticed by those who benefit from their efforts,” he said. 

Audilia Fernandez joined the Facilities team in 2001. Reif quoted praise from members of the PSFC staff.

 “She is well liked and respected by all of us, and by her peers, who try to make sure they carry on their work to her high standards. She is so loved that when she appears in the halls she is greeted like a rock star. Audilia’s dedication to MIT has rubbed off. Both her son and daughter have followed in their mother’s footsteps to jobs at MIT.”

Manny Costa, who has worked at MIT for 31 years, has recently retired. Letters of recommendation pointed out his unique service to the PSFC.

“In addition to his demanding custodial duties, Manny is our watchman. Nothing escapes his attention. He’s honest, hardworking, adaptable and a powerful positive force, always making a point to compliment his coworkers on a job well done. Manny has been a dedicated MIT employee for decades.  – and the Center staff is grateful for every day of that tenure.”

Emily Scoppettuolo has worked at the Center for over 25 years. She was singled out for her generosity towards her colleagues and the PSFC

“Around holiday time in December, when most of her coworkers were already away on vacation, Emily made a point of tending to two buildings instead of one. She wanted to make sure they were sparkling clean and well stocked for those who might be around for the holidays. And it’s not unusual for Emily to go through the building on a spot-checking mission, because she feels her job is a direct reflection of her values.”

The MIT Excellence Awards are presented to acknowledge extraordinary efforts made by members of the MIT community toward fulfilling the goals, values and missions of the Institute. The PSFC custodial team received their award in the category of “Serving the Client.”