The WIU Pulse
The WIU Pulse features an in-depth look at the Westmoreland Intermediate Unit. Join us to learn about this vibrant educational service agency and the many programs and services it offers!
The WIU Pulse
WIU Employee Spotlight - Derek Rhoderick, Custodian
With nearly 300 incredible staff members at the WIU, each playing a vital role in supporting our schools, districts, and communities, it’s time to highlight the people who make it all happen.
In our very first episode, we’re proud to feature Derek Rhoderick — a dedicated custodian known for giving 100% every single day. His commitment, work ethic, and pride in the work he does are a true reflection of the values that drive WIU forward.
Tune in as we get to know Derek, hear his story, and kick off a series that celebrates the everyday heroes of the WIU.
We have nearly 300 amazing staff members here at the Westmoreland Intermediate Unit, all working hard to support our schools, districts, and communities, and not just in Westmoreland County, but beyond. To shine a light on the people behind the work, we're kicking off our WIU employee spotlight. Today, you are going to meet Derek Roderick, one of our custodians who keeps things running smoothly every day. Welcome, Derek. Hello, everybody. Derek, it is absolutely a wonderful joy to have you on our program today, and we really look forward to learning a lot about you. And so could you tell us how long have you been working here at the Westmoreland Intermediate Unit? Eleven months.
SPEAKER_00:So my responsibilities as a as a custodian here is basically um dusting in like offices, floors, pretty much any form of dusting that's needed, vacuum, mopping the floors, clean the tables, clean the restrooms, cleaning, um, yeah, clean the tables, clean the restrooms, cleaning cleaning what needs cleaned.
SPEAKER_01:Yeah.
SPEAKER_00:All that good stuff.
SPEAKER_01:Yeah. And so there's a lot of events that happen here in our building. And so uh you're prepping for those uh meetings and events, but then you're also cleaning up after uh those events. So you gotta hustle quite a bit throughout the night, don't you?
SPEAKER_00:Yes.
SPEAKER_01:Oh, yeah. And so uh what do you like best about your job here at the Westmoreland Intermediate Unit?
SPEAKER_00:Getting to work with um my fellow Casillo co-workers, and not only that, but um it's also nice to get to work with um the staff at the administration building and also at Claireview, whichever building I'm needed at the most, or if I will be going back and forth, how the flow is gonna go. But I'm pretty flexible of doing my best to work with everybody.
SPEAKER_01:Yeah, and you do. And and Eric, every time you walk in that hallway, uh either at Claireview over here at the administration building, you always put a smile uh on everyone that you cross paths with. And so we super appreciate uh your joyful demeanor and personality. Uh what is most important to you in the work that you do here?
SPEAKER_00:Just doing my best to make sure that um things are tidied up, setups are done, things stay clean, especially since um if it were if it weren't were to not be for custodians, then things would be in worse condition. So thank goodness, thank goodness that WIU has custodians like me.
SPEAKER_01:Oh and we are very thankful. And uh everyone comments on our excellent facilities uh when it comes to the trainings and our meetings, and uh we have you and your fellow c custodians to thank uh for all of that hard work. And uh, you know, Derek, uh you are a super hard worker. And uh we know when the vacuum's going on at the administration building, Derek is over here working his tail off. And this isn't your only job. Uh you actually have a second job, too, in addition to working here at the intermediate unit, which means you're working seven days a week, Derek, and your strong work ethic is inspiring. It truly is inspiring. Uh, what is the most important to you in the work that you do here at the WIU?
SPEAKER_00:Pretty much um keeping things in line, keeping things straight, getting to work well with others, keeping things up to speed. Yeah. All the good stuff.
SPEAKER_01:Yeah, you keep things running smoothly, as we said at the uh the opening credits uh here today. And and Derek, uh, you know, on behalf of the team, uh, I just wanted to share your kindness and respect uh shines through you every single day. And it's natural uh for you to greet staff members you know as Mr. and Ms. and Doctor. And uh these act these interactions sometimes end up with a joke. Uh you've maybe made up in the moment. Uh so to wrap up our conversation, Derek, uh, do you have a joke that might brighten our listeners' day today?
SPEAKER_00:Why is it so easy to play practical jokes on autumn leaves? Because they will fall for anything.
SPEAKER_01:That's a winner, Derek. That is absolutely a winner. Well, as always, Derek, you've brightened my day as well as Mary and everyone else that you cross paths with today. And so, Derek, thank you so much for taking time to be with us today and all that you do. I know you have tons to get ready for this evening. And so thank you for your time. Uh, and thank you for being such a wonderful employee here at the Westmoreland Intermediate Unit. To learn more about careers at the Westmoreland Intermediate Unit, visit our website at WIU7.org. That's WiiU7.org and click join our team and follow the pulse for insights, employee spotlights, and more. Share with friends and join us again as we keep our finger on the pulse of education.