University system honors Walter Shingles as Outstanding Person award recipient for DRI

‘Outstanding Person' winner salutes his team. DRI facilities supervisor in Las Vegas, Walter Shingles, far right, says it's his crew that makes it all happen. Back row, left to right: Amy McKinney, John Carr, Mike Fish, Chern Thomas, Rick Barrigan and Chris Heckman. Front row: Mick Jones, Damien Zoccole and Ralph Rivera. (Photo by Heather Emmons)

It was business as usual for Walter Shingles, facilities supervisor, as he finished up a few odds and ends to prepare for the Board of Regents meeting being held at DRI's new Frank H. Rogers Science and Technology Building. One would never suspect that just a few days prior, Shingles played a major role in the grand opening of the 66,000-square-foot Rogers building, making sure all events went smoothly and helping assure that the building was completed on time and within budget.

Board of Regents Chair Stavros Anthony started the meeting with some positive remarks about how he was impressed by the number of outstanding individuals throughout the University and Community College System of Nevada. He said he had asked the presidents throughout the system to identify one individual at their respective institutions who helps make UCCSN successful. With that, Shingles was shocked to hear his name; but as anyone at DRI can attest, he shouldn't have been surprised.

"DRI is proud to name Mr. Walter Shingles as recipient of our Outstanding Person award," President Steve Wells said. "In professional football, outstanding performers and leaders like Johnny Unitas and Jerry Rice come along once a generation. The same can be said about Walter Shingles."

After spending 15 years in construction, Shingles was working at a desk job auditing for the Flamingo Hilton and drove by the DRI facility every day as the original building was being built. And fortunately for DRI, one day he made a pit stop and inquired about a part-time night shift position as a custodian. Shingles came on board in 1992, and as he got to know the employees and the facility, he realized this was the place for him. He has been reclassified three times in recognition of his outstanding work.

Through the years, his biggest challenge was maintaining the original DRI building and keeping occupants satisfied while working on the construction of the new building. But he credits his staff for any and all success.

"It's very rewarding at the end of the day," Shingles says. "It's like a well-oiled machine and there are no weak links." Shingles' talent as a supervisor stems from his own growth at DRI: making sure all make good use of their talents. "I am grateful to Peter Ross (DRI assistant vice-president of campus planning and physical plant), who assisted with my professional growth and supported me as I moved up the ranks," Shingles says.

From his first days on the job at DRI last October, newly hired Director of Facilities Operations Randy Odden saw that well-oiled machine Shingles led. "Walter Shingles is the heart and soul of the facilities team in Las Vegas. He is that rare individual who possesses both the technical knowledge of our buildings as well as a genuine concern for the well being of people. With his enthusiastic approach, he continues to inspire and motivate every day."

—Heather Emmons