Everyone who participates in sports dreams of playing a perfect game, and Charles Hassell Jr. realized that dream in December 2005 when he scored a 300 in bowling. Although he’s been a bowler since 1985, that was the first time Hassell had bowled a perfect game. After graduating from Centennial High School in 1979, Hassell worked at Avis Rent-a-Car for five years and attended Parkland College, where he studied business administration, before joining the UI’s staff in 1985.
Tell me about your career at the university.
I started out as the public functions supervisor for five years. Then I was building operations technician for probably about 12 years. In that job, you purchase chemical supplies and equipment and assist in hiring building service workers. Since 2002, I’ve been the assistant superintendent of building services (in the Facilities and Services Division). I oversee the day-shift operation, which includes the public functions office. I still have the building operations technician duties of purchasing equipment and supplies. I have five supervisors that I’m responsible for, and about 38-40 people total. I also deal with all the vendors and determine what equipment, chemicals and machinery we’ll use. I handle inquiries from campus about jobs that need to be done and complaints or concerns from our campus customers. I help with operations on the evening shift and deep-night shift and go out and estimate the initial cleanup needed for newly constructed buildings.
What kind of cleaning does new construction entail?
We go in when the contractors have almost finished and do the fine-detail cleaning so the building is livable. We do a thorough wipe down of everything, clean and wax the floors, clean the glass, and remove construction debris and dust. We have two jobs going on right now: the Institute for Genomic Biology and the new research facility for the Illinois State Water Survey. Just to give you an idea, the cleanup proposal for the IGB building was $85,000, which included 20 people and 3,000 hours of labor. And we have to stock it with the chemicals and cleaning equipment to maintain it, such as vacuums and carpet cleaners. That will probably add another $10,000.
Tell me about the award you have on your desk recognizing you for helping create the Performance Partnership Program.
The program aims to improve the relationship between workers and management. It’s a different form of disciplinary system from the regular Civil Service system. There are no suspensions for minor infractions. The program has several steps of what are called constructive contacts with the employee, which are informal steps used to coach and counsel them to improve their actions or behavior. If the situation warrants going to the formal steps, there are three of those. The final step is a decision-making leave, which is a one-day paid suspension where the employee stays home to decide if they’ll come back, comply and improve their behavior; disagree with the findings and face disciplinary actions; or resign.
How did it feel to bowl that 300 game?
I was just a substitute that night (Dec. 6). The first game I bowled something like 245, the second game was 300 and the third game was 245. It was a really good night. I usually average 193. I have three different balls I use, depending upon whether the lane is wood, synthetic, oily or dry. On my shoes, I have interchangeable heels and soles to adjust my slide and break on my approach. I belong to a league at Arrowhead Lanes in Champaign and to a travel league, where every third Sunday, we rotate play in Bloomington, Champaign, Decatur or Springfield. I’m also involved in The National Bowling Association tournaments twice a year. During the seven years I’ve been involved with TNBA, I’ve been to Dayton, Ohio; Grand Rapids, Mich.; Detroit; Las Vegas; and Miami. I also like to go to car shows. I’ve always liked Pontiac Firebirds and Chevrolet Camaros and Corvettes. I’ve got a 1996 Z28 Camaro right now. I’m debating about whether I should keep it or get rid of it because the new generation of Camaros is coming out. When I started working here, I didn’t think the time would go this quickly. Now I’m starting to think about what I’m going to do when I retire in nine or 10 years. I’ll probably keep bowling, but I want to travel more, especially to see more of the western U.S.
