Spotlighting the Unsung Heroes of Ivy Tech Indianapolis: The Maintenance Team’s Unwavering Dedication

Behind every well-lit hallway, every functioning elevator, and every comfortable classroom, there’s a dedicated team of maintenance professionals ensuring the smooth operation of Ivy Tech Indianapolis. These individuals often work in the shadows, but their impact is felt across every corner of the campus. Michael Kubancsek, assistant director of maintenance and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems, believes it’s time for them to receive the recognition they deserve.

"We may be a small department, but we have a huge amount of capability," Kubancsek says. "The campus community may not always see us, but we’re here every day, working behind the scenes to ensure the best possible environment for teaching, learning, and working."

Kubancsek's team has recently taken on several significant projects, one of the most impactful being the LED lighting conversion on the North Meridian Center’s first and third floors. This project was a continuation of an earlier attempt by an external contractor to update the lighting system. The contractor completed the work on only a few floors, leaving the job unfinished. Rather than outsource the task again, Kubancsek and his crew decided to take on the challenge themselves.

"We were confident that this was work we could complete in-house and stretch the funds further," Kubancsek explains. "By doing so, we not only improved lighting quality, but we’ve also seen a 16% reduction in total campus utility spending, thanks to the energy savings from removing incandescent fixtures." 

This upgrade also extends the life of the HVAC systems, reducing the cooling load in the summer months.

The crew’s next focus is the Glick Family Technology Center, where they are about 90% finished with their LED conversion efforts. Once complete, they will move on to other areas, continuing their commitment to energy efficiency and sustainable solutions.

However, the maintenance team’s contributions go beyond lighting. 

They have been integral to numerous ongoing projects, including elevator replacements, aesthetic renovations, office build-outs, and classroom improvements. 

"Not too many things happen on campus without the facilities department’s involvement," Kubancsek notes. From daily inspections to ensuring temperature control, the maintenance staff works tirelessly to create a comfortable and functional environment for students and staff alike.

Kubancsek is proud of the team’s ability to implement long-term solutions rather than quick fixes. 

"We strive to avoid 'band-aid' solutions," he says. "Our goal is to do things properly the first time, even if it takes more time and money upfront. It reduces follow-up work and prevents disruptions."

Their efforts have paid off, improving campus operations and ensuring minimal disruptions to daily activities. The team has also prioritized training and development, such as a recent on-site training with Ryan Fireprotection. This training enhanced the crew’s expertise in fire alarm and protection systems, ensuring they are well-prepared to handle emergencies.

Kubancsek quickly credits his team members—Darnell Tisdale, Sam Mitchell, Donn Peterson, Erich Deffenbaugh, Andrew Hilton, Ian Ulam, Latham Gladney, Mike Asbury, and Andre Edwards—for their hard work and dedication. Despite the challenges, this small but capable crew continues to rise to the occasion, making Ivy Tech Indianapolis a better place for all who walk its halls – more than 31,000 students annually, nearly 1,000 staff and faculty, and countless community members and neighbors.

The goal for Kubancsek and his team is simple: to create permanent, positive changes that make life at Ivy Tech smoother and more efficient for everyone. And while their work may often go unnoticed, its impact is undeniable.