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GMW still going strong at 81
By Drew Sandholm
 Media Credit: Adam Masloski Leonna Ellis, 81, has been a custodian at SCSU for 37 years. She has lived here all of her life and has become one of Stewart Hall�s most well known custodial workers.
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Upon entering Stewart Hall, one may find one's self amidst an entourage of hustling students, faculty and staff.
Going to and from classrooms, they swarm up and down the long cream colored hallways. With a student body of more than 15,000 students, it's natural to feel a bit of anonymity among this massive crowd.
However, in Stewart Hall, an unlikely face stands out among the rest. Everybody has seen her. She's the face of wisdom of Stewart Hall.
A different level
Nice, sweet, dedicated, hardworking, and loyal. These are the characteristics which best describe SCSU General Maintenance Worker (GMW) Leonna Ellis. A familiar face to those who frequent Stewart Hall, Ellis' personality elevates her to a level to which many aspire, but few attain.
"I've been here (Stewart Hall) until really, really late and she is always here," said Dick Andzenge, associate professor of criminal justice. "I don't know that she even gets sick. She is here all the time."
At more than 80 years young, she is the most experienced GMW on campus. Hired as a GMW in 1970, she will have been at SCSU 33 years this March.
Work ethic
"She puts the work first," said John Woodis, Ellis' co-worker. "I'd say that differentiates herself more than anything else. She puts herself last. She'll do anything, especially for her age, she isn't afraid to tackle anything."
Ellis first started work with SCSU at Stearns Hall. Despite her good work ethic, a troubled economy left the threat of a layoff in the air. Her future with SCSU looked ominous. Luckily, the new Education Building was being built and needed her help. She worked there two weeks, until she fell off a ladder and hurt her ankle. Another round of layoffs hit SCSU, and in July of 1973, Ellis was relieved of her duties along with 15 other workers.
She returned to Stewart Hall in October of 1973 and has been working there ever since. This month marks Ellis' 29th year at Stewart.
"The people I've worked for and with all these years have been wonderful to me," Ellis said. "I meet a lot of nice kids. There are so many nice ones. In the '80s, I had a student worker for me who, since she graduated, has sent me a Christmas card every year."
Great impact
In the past 29 years, Ellis has impacted not only the building of which she works, but also the people around her. Those who have class or work at Stewart Hall have seen her at work.
"Every night when I lock up, I see her cleaning away." said Krystal Gerhardt, a third-year student who works at UTVS in Stewart Hall evenings. "She is always really friendly. There is always a smile on her face and wishes me a good evening. One night in particular I was having a hard time locking the doors, and she offered to help. She is always willing to help out. She is always looking out for the students, it seems."
Hardworking
Many factors differentiate Ellis from other janitors on campus.
This hardworking and caring attitude is a common attribute of her generation. Born in Sauk Rapids in 1921, Ellis is a member of America's Greatest Generation. After graduating from Sauk Rapids High School in 1939, she started working right out of high school.
"They called me Rosie the Riveter," said Ellis about one of her earlier jobs. During World War II, Ellis joined a government program that moved her down to the cities. She was trained to rivet for two weeks, then was sent to the airport to modify airplanes.
"We wore coveralls and bandanas, working there at the airport from 1942-1945 until the Second World War was over," she said.
Not only does Ellis value hard work, she also cares for her family. A widow of 41 years, and a mother to three children, her love for her family is strong. She has a granddaughter and two great granddaughters.
Like Ellis, the rest of the family resides in the St. Cloud area. Although her family may not be the biggest, she nonetheless appreciates family life.
Retirement
Unlike most people, Ellis enjoys working. Nothing obligates Ellis to work. She could retire anytime, if she so desired. Yet, Ellis doesn't see retirement in her plan.
"People ask me about retirement. I wonder what I would do if I retired. Sit in a chair? I enjoy working. I like the people," Ellis said.
Ellis truly likes her job. She takes pride in her hard work and accomplishment. In today's society good workers seem hard to come by. The characteristics she displays is a rare commodity.
"You need to recognize people who are so special and give us so much. She's like that." Said Andzenge "She's really different. We are really lucky to have her."
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