Northwestern College has many hands that are able to keep Northwestern’s gears shifting in the right direction. One person in particular is Mere Reyes, supervisor for environmental services, of the maintenance department. Reyes has been working in this position for five years.
“I do a little of everything,” Reyes said regarding his position. “One day I may chase a bat, the next I may clean a toilet. My main responsibility is to supervise the housekeeping department. We have wonderful people in our department, people who take pride in their work, are dedicated, hardworking, friendly and committed to NW. I have to say that my team, our faculty, staff and students make my job joyful.”
Prior to working at NW, Reyes worked at Wells Enterprises – Blue Bunny in Le Mars, IA – as a machine operator, making twin pops ice cream bars. This experience helped prepare him for his role at NW.
Reyes is also the faculty advisor for the Baja Big Sur, Mexico, Spring Service Partnership. This is his first time being a faculty supervisor for a trip like this.
“I have five kids at home so going away for a week sounded like a vacation to me! I am kidding,” Reyes said. “I heard from my coworker how impactful their SSP experiences have been for them so I want to see it with my own eyes.”
Reyes hopes to build friendships within the Mexico SSP group as well as building relationships in Mexico. “I am also excited for the opportunity to serve God by serving other people in my home country,” Reyes said. “I am excited to see how God is working in Baja. I am not going to lie – I am also excited to put my feet in the sand and forget about our cold weather.”
Kamryn Howell, a junior marketing major, is participating in the Baja California Sur, Mexico SSP. “Mere is very helpful as he can help us interpret English to Spanish to the locals while we are serving on our trip,” said Howell. “He is very hands-on, loves people well, and shows a deep passion for the people and culture of Mexico.”
Reyes ability to adapt to whatever is thrown his way,while smiling about it is truly why he stands out on campus. He not only serves our students well, but serves his community well through helping out in the nursery at Trinity Reformed church. He is a living example of what Northwestern longs their students to become one day.
Reyes has a sense of humor that he shares with those he surrounds. His contagious laugh can make everyone in the room cry of laughter.
“He is naturally funny and always has a witty comeback to every situation,” Howell said.
Brian Follett, resident director of Colenbrander Hall, often connects with Mere Reyes whenever maintanence requests are put in for Coly. “Mere is a delight to work with,” Follett said. “He is always incredibly responsive to any needs the Resident Life has. He has gone out of his way on more than one occasion. His hard work and amazing sense of humor is what makes him fantastic to work with!”
Mere Reyes often seems to light up a room and be ready to work whenever he is needed. Reyes is a great example of a servant leader.
Reyes works hard to keep campus in tip top shape, and he is a great community builder to all who get to know him.
As a collective student body, we are so proud of your dedication to students and the community at NW college.
