UP’s interim director of Physical Plant talks about Mother Teresa and conquering her fear of flying
Fay Beeler (Amanda Schenberger | The Beacon)
By Nikki Robles, Staff Writer -- robles15@up.edu
Fay Beeler's life philosophy can be summed up with a single human expression.
"Something as simple as a smile can impact everyone that you meet," Beeler said.
Beeler regularly practices her philosophy in the Physical Plant, where she works as the interim director. Her specialty is customer service for students, faculty and other UP staff.
Beeler has applied for the position of director following, the resignation of Thomas Blume five months ago.
Paul Luty, the director for facilities planning and construction, is sure she would continue to do great things at UP if she got the position as director.
"I would personally stand behind her as Physical Plant Director," Luty said.
As interim director, Beeler is in charge of handling maintenance issues that arise on campus. Her most unusual request was a call was from the Financial Aid department to identify an insect. Although she herself could not name the species, other members of Physical Plant could.
"In essence, there really isn't a question we can't answer," Beeler said.
Beeler was raised in Portland, where she attended St. Mary's Academy. She also spent a few years at the University of Oregon.
Her Catholic education and faith are major influences in her life. She cites Mother Teresa as her favorite historical figure because of her selflessness and dedication to service.
Beeler commits to helping others by participating in the Rebuilding Together program. Every last Saturday of April, Beeler volunteers along with other UP volunteers to repair as many as 60 homes of low–income families.
Family is integral to Beeler, who celebrated her 42nd wedding anniversary on Valentine's Day.
Beeler would do anything for her four adult children. She even faced her fear of flying and went to Paris to be with her daughter on Christmas.
"Although I was afraid to fly, I needed to be there," Beeler said. "I had a whole different outlook on the flight, and I enjoyed every minute of it."
In her spare time, Beeler enjoys playing with her granddaughter and running with her one-and-a-half year old Springer Spaniel, Bud.
Although Beeler is a happy person, she is no stranger to tragedy. A critical point in her life occurred 33 years ago when her 19-day-old son died of myocarditis, a virus that affects the heart.
"It put things in perspective," Beeler said.
Beeler notes another turning point in her life in 1989 when she was offered a job as a cashier for Student Accounts at UP.
Throughout her years on campus, Beeler has witnessed numerous changes, including the dismantling of Columbia Hall and the construction of buildings like Franz, Corrado and Swindells.
After working with Student Accounts, Beeler applied as office assistant at Physical Plant in hopes of trying something different. Her time working with Physical Plant has increased Beeler's dedication to preserve the school for future Pilots.
"She bleeds purple," Luty said.
UP has impacted Beeler on a personal level. She has seen all of her children graduate from the school. She also completed her Bachelors of Arts degree in general studies in 2009. Like many students, she was reluctant to take philosophy, but quickly discovered that it was one of her favorite subjects.
"The biggest things in my life are my family, my faith and this community," Beeler said. "I love the University."
