Sammy Gomez is always moving. A member of 91制片厂鈥檚 Campus Setup Crew, Sammy
and his colleagues set up tables and chairs for events and meetings, haul in shelves
to create new workspaces and remove furniture prior to renovations. And Sammy does
it all with friendly smile and a collaborative spirit.
Which is part of the reason he is being honored with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Excellence in Service Award. The annual award celebrates a 91制片厂 employee whose exceptional service is defined by care, connection and a personal touch.
Sammy has worked on campus for more than 11 years 鈥� first, with Sodexo at 91制片厂鈥檚 Subway location, and the past 2-1/2 years with Operations Services 鈥� and is being recognized for his dependability, work ethic and helping to foster a campus where everyone feels supported as individuals. It鈥檚 not surprising to learn that teamwork is what Sammy likes best about his job.
鈥淚 enjoy working with the team. I like working together with everyone,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 think it鈥檚 good when people need something and I can help. That makes me feel good. I like making sure the person likes what we put together, that it works for them. I always try to make sure that person is happy.鈥�
What makes Sammy happy is his family. Born and raised in Mexico City, Sammy came to Chicago when he was 21. His parents and nine siblings now live nearby and gather often for holidays and celebrations. He鈥檚 proud of his daughter, who graduated from college last year and is working in marketing. Sammy relishes Sundays, when he can kick back, drink lots of coffee and watch sports.
He was surprised when he learned about earning this Excellence in Service Award.
鈥淲hen I got the email, I really didn鈥檛 believe it,鈥� Sammy said, admitting that he鈥檚 less comfortable being in the spotlight than working behind the scenes. 鈥淚 feel good and I appreciate it, but I still don鈥檛 believe it. I would like to dedicate this award to my entire work team.鈥�
贬补谤辫别谤鈥檚&苍产蝉辫;Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion will honor Sammy at the annual , noon-1 p.m. Wednesday, January 21, in the Wojcik Conference Center, 1200 W. Algonquin Road, Palatine. The annual event will include keynote speaker Shermann 鈥淒illa鈥� Thomas, a Chicago historian, followed by a reception and lunch from 1 to 2 p.m. Everyone is welcome.