Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at UVA? Take a look at some of the systems and inner workings that keep the University running!
Our workforce of 1,200 touches all aspects of UVA – supplying buildings with hot and cold water, air conditioning and electricity; managing large-scale capital construction projects; maintaining a UNESCO World Heritage site; and so much more.
Description: This video features clips of
- The HSPP Pneumatic Tube System used by UVA Health
- The control room for the Main Heat Plant
- Fontaine Central Energy and Utility Plant
- Underground steam tunnels
- Light pole banners created by the Sign Shop
- The inside of the Main Heat Plant
- The original Jeffersonian Roofs under the East Lawn Roof and Rail Replacement project
- A view from the Virginia Guesthouse of the Ivy Corridor construction site featuring the Ivy Corridor Student Housing Project and Karsh Institute of Democracy
- Pipe system under the Virginia Guesthouse
- The interior side of the Rotunda’s north side clock
All videos captured in restricted spaces were recorded while under professional supervision.
UVA Facilities Management
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We serve and plan for our community today, while assessing and adapting to the needs of tomorrow.
Take a look at progress on major capital construction projects along Ivy Corridor, including the Student Housing Project and the Karsh Institute of Democracy.
Description: Time lapse of projects along Ivy Corridor from August 2023 - July 2026. Aerials by David Sellars.
The University of Virginia recently celebrated a significant milestone with a topping off ceremony that marked the halfway point for the Ivy Corridor Student Housing Project. Located at the intersection of Ivy Road and Copeley Road, these buildings will provide 780 beds for upper-class students and support goals outlined in UVA’s 2030 Strategic Plan.
Many university departments and contractors contributed to the project’s success, including UVA Facilities Management, UVA Housing and Residence Life, UVA Office of the Architect, UVA Office of the University Building Official, Capstone Development Partners, Elkus Manfredi Architects, Dewberry, and joint-venture construction team Hoar Construction and Hourigan Construction.
Visit the link below for the full story and more photos: https://uvafm.exposure.co/ivy-corridor-student-housing-topping-off-ceremony
Description: This reel shows clips of the topping-off ceremony - UVA FM employees interacting with construction partners, signing the steel beam, and a crane hoisting the beam into place.
06/26/2026
Meet Mike Duffy - Transportation Operations and Fleet Manager at UVA Facilities Management.
In May 2026, he earned his bachelor’s degree and walked the Lawn as a graduate of UVA’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies (SCPS). For five years, Duffy balanced work responsibilities with coursework, demonstrating persistence and determination.
Duffy has led initiatives to advance safety, sustainability, and operational excellence. For the past six years, he has partnered with UVA Professor Brian Park and his students to produce award-winning research. Duffy’s work contributed to the first EV DC charger installation at UVA, a project that benefits both the University and the surrounding community.
To learn more about this FM employee’s impact on and off Grounds, read the UVA HR Employee Spotlight story about Mike Duffy at https://hr.virginia.edu/career-development/rewards-recognition/spotlight-stories-archive/spotlight-michael-duffy
The U.S. Green Building Council recently presented a 2026 Local Leadership Award for Project Excellence to the University of Virginia for the transformative renovation of Shannon Library.
For four years, Edgar Shannon Library underwent significant renovations to modernize and enhance the historic space with sustainable solutions. At the award ceremony, the Library’s FM project team Kit Meyer and Henry Hull shared the challenges behind the renovation process in a guided American Institute of Architects (AIA) green building tour.
FM celebrates all who contributed to the Shannon Library Renewal Project!
Thank you to USGBC, HBRA Architects, Skanska USA, Office for Sustainability, Office of the Architect, Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost, UVA Library and UVA Facilities Management.
View photos from the award ceremony at https://uvafm.canto.com/b/I5NR5
Description: This reel features clips of speakers at the award ceremony, a guided tour, and interior and exterior pans of Shannon Library.
06/18/2026
Many Facilities Management staff take classes while working full time and balancing their duties on Grounds. FM highlighted a selection of the FM community who embody lifelong learning:
Berhan Aljiji
Charlotte Endres
Mike Duffy
Jamie Watkins
Emily Douglas
Michael Roberts
Mark Orr
Sonya George
Logan Hoelscher
Narges Sinaki
Jonathan Ragland
Read more about FM staff in school at: https://www.fm.virginia.edu/employees/employeenews/2026/staff-in-school.html
05/28/2026
Meet Alexandre Funk - Air Force Veteran, artist, and trades apprentice serving with the Newcomb Zone plumbing team.
“Being able to identify the issue, troubleshoot it, and then be involved start to finish…that's really cool,” she said.
Her unique background brings valuable skills to her role at UVA Facilities Management. “I worked on the F-22 Raptor (a type of fighter jet) as a crew chief, so I'm very familiar with maintenance and mechanics,” Funk explained. Prior to joining the military, she went to art school at Virginia Commonwealth University and studied sculpture.
To learn more about Alexandre Funk, read her full story at: https://www.fm.virginia.edu/employees/employeenews/2026/employee-highlightalexandre-funk.htm
We want to thank our UVA FM staff for making this past weekend special for thousands of graduates. Visit uvafm.exposure.co/final-exercises-2026 to learn more about what goes into preparing for Final Exercises!
Congratulations to the Class of 2026! Wahoowa! 🧡🎓💙
Drone footage and time lapse by Mitchell Powers, other footage and editing by Genevieve
Lin
Description: Clips showing UVA FM employees setting up chairs on the Lawn
As graduation rolls around, we want to shout out our UVA FM staff for working tirelessly to make sure everything runs smoothly. They set up 21,000 chairs stretching across the Lawn and 18,000 chairs for diploma ceremonies around Grounds, so graduates and their families can celebrate this weekend.
Thank you, UVA FM! Congratulations, Class of 2026!
Description: Timelapse of chair setup on the Lawn
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