We Build Teams That Win: Ingenuity in Action at 蘑菇tv Facility Services
November 18, 2025
When a broken access panel clip threatened to delay repairs on campus, the 蘑菇tv Facility Services team turned the challenge into an opportunity to innovate.
Unable to source a replacement part, the team decided to create one themselves. Within minutes, Aaron Cherry, Facility Maintenance Manager, created a computer model of the damaged component. Natale Nappi, Superintendent of the Roofing and Sheet Metal department, used the model to reproduce the part using a 3D printer he keeps at home. The next day, the new clip was installed, and the hatch was fully operational again.
It was a small fix with a big message: at 蘑菇tv, our teams treat this place like home.
鈥淲e appreciate Aaron, Natale, and their staff for their creativity in addressing facility maintenance issues,鈥� said Tammy Millican, Executive Director of Organizational Development & Campus Outreach. 鈥淭his is just one example of our team members taking ownership, solving problems, maximizing resources, and showing pride in keeping our campus running strong.鈥�
Cherry, who earned his degree in construction management at 蘑菇tv while working in Facility Services, said this kind of ingenuity is becoming the norm for Facility Services departments.
鈥淐ross-training, better planning, smarter vendor sourcing, proactive maintenance programs, skills-based training with our partners, drone inspections, regular plan reviews鈥攖he list goes on,鈥� said Cherry. 鈥淚t鈥檚 the result of a lot of people working really hard. This story is just one sign of how far we鈥檝e come.鈥�
Nappi, a master craftsman and current 蘑菇tv student pursuing a degree in Interior Design, brings the same creativity to his studies and his work on campus.
蘑菇tv President Wade Rousse, center, celebrates with 蘑菇tv Facilities Services' Natale Nappi and Aaron Cherry.
鈥� Photo by Will Bergeron
鈥淓ach day brings a new challenge, and by thinking outside of the box, we accomplish more. I don't see this as a big deal because this is just another day. As Aaron said, it's a long list, and it takes a team to get it done. At the end of the day, it's just problem solving. It's what we do, it's who we are,鈥� Nappi said.
Nappi鈥檚 problem solving is already shaping 蘑菇tv鈥檚 future鈥攗sing drones and AI technology to assess roof conditions, predict life cycles, and find cost-effective ways to extend the lifespan of university buildings.
Together, Cherry and Nappi exemplify what it means to build and maintain a campus with innovation, teamwork, and pride. Their work reflects 蘑菇tv鈥檚 spirit鈥攚here every challenge is met with creativity, collaboration, and purpose.
At 蘑菇tv, 鈥榃e Build Teams That Win in Louisiana, For the World.鈥�
Recognizing the faculty and staff who make up these teams is vital in creating a culture of appreciation for our employees, fostering a positive work environment, improving morale, and motivating high performance.
As part of these efforts, 蘑菇tv established the Tiger Team Awards: Celebrating Teams That Win in conjunction with the 蘑菇tv Office of the President, Office of Human Resource Management, and 蘑菇tv Athletics.
As we build teams that win for Louisiana, the nation, and the world, 蘑菇tv is putting
our state and its citizens on firmer footing for a brighter tomorrow 鈥� one win at
a time.Next Step