Feb. 21, 2017

Carlos Salinas goes above and beyond in his daily work

Professional Faculties Building caretaker is today’s Unsung Hero
Carlos Salinas and Michelle Krbavac at home in the Professional Faculties Building.

Carlos Salinas and Michelle Krbavac at home in the Professional Faculties Building.

Is there an Unsung Hero you work with at UCalgary? Tweet your amazing story during RenewFest, Feb. 21-24 using #ucalgary50 or share your story with us. Recognition should be offered every day and in abundance. During RenewFest, say thanks to a colleague with an e-note or consider formally recognizing a colleague for a U Make a Difference Award.

According to the Faculty of Nursing’s Michelle Krbavac, Carlos Salinas is an indispensable member of the team.

“His industriousness and attention to detail mean that our building always looks its best, but it’s more than that,” she says of the Professional Faculties Building caretaker. “In addition to his great work ethic, he is just a friendly, positive, considerate person.

“One day I was walking to my office, my arms full of boxes, and I was trying to figure out where I was going to place everything in order to get my keys to open my door,” she continues. “When I peered around the boxes, I saw Carlos coming out of my office: he had seen me coming, run ahead, opened my door, turned on my light and was heading back to help me,  wishing me a good morning. It is those small things that make you feel good — and inspire you to have a great day.”

Originally from Argentina, Salinas arrived in Canada in 1975. Among his other positions, he has worked for PanCanadian Petroleum (now Encana) and spent 15 years at the Olympic Oval. He currently works at Walmart as well as UCalgary and has spent the majority of the past three years in Professional Faculties. And that is where he — and the faculties of Social Work and Nursing — hope he stays.

“I’m very happy here,” Salinas says. “The people are friendly and treat me well.”