Listen Here
By Mara Waire
wairem@findlay.edu
Due to the winter storm that brought more than 8 inches of snow and extreme cold to the area, the University of Findlay canceled classes for two days.
For some, the announcement came as a welcome surprise, bringing relief from their routines. “My first thought was hoping that practice would be cancelled, too,” said Davis Jimenez, a junior dual majoring in marketing and finance.
While many students experienced the storm indoors, Facilities Service prepared for the severe conditions. According to Ben Taylor, assistant vice president of Facilities Services and capital projects, planning for this storm began on Jan. 21, once the weather forecasts became reliable. Unlike earlier snowfalls that brought only a few inches, this storm lasted more than 24 hours and required continuous snow removal.
Facilities Services coordinated with internal staff, local contractors, and further resources to prepare the campus using all-terrain vehicles, tractors, snow blowers, and salt spreaders. At the storm’s peak, more than 20 staff members, students, and contractors were involved in snow removal across campus.
Taylor explained that the storm’s duration and extreme cold temperatures were the most substantial challenges. While most snow can typically be removed in 10 to 12 hours, the final stages, including cleaning residential steps and parking areas, took several additional days.
As the storm continued to evolve, so did the campus. “Campus during a snowstorm is quiet,” said Skylar Ambrose, a senior majoring in animal science.
For other students, the snow days offered a chance to slow down while staying productive. “I spent my snow days catching up on work from my bed. It was nice to stay warm and also get some more sleep,” said Eva Hancock, a sophomore dual majoring in journalism/digital media and theater.
When the Hancock County Sheriff declared a Level Three Snow Emergency, campus was closed automatically for safety reasons.
“I believe the campus should have closed for commuter safety and how cold it was for students walking across campus,” Ambrose said.
While students often embrace snow days, maintaining campus safety necessitates extensive behind-the-scenes efforts. The recent snowstorm highlighted the coordination and planning necessary to keep the university accessible during severe winter weather.
