The East Lake Apartments are located on Franklin Street between 11th and Sarnia. You may have seen a shuttle around Winona State University Campus with the words WSU shuttle. But what are they for, and what does it have to do with East Lake? This shuttle transports students from East Lake to campus and back which is perfect for when it rains, when someone can’t walk well or just doesn’t want to walk to campus from East Lake.
But what really deserves the spotlight are the people who ensure these vehicles make it from point A to point B. While some drivers have come and gone, there are some that remain imprinted on students’ lives. Mike Graham, who drives in the mornings, is always ready to lift up whoever steps aboard. As well as Jeff Glasenapp, who drives from the afternoon to evening, who is never short on greetings.
Graham has been a shuttle driver for the last four years to have something during retirement. “I like to make the students day by even saying good morning or good afternoon or have a great day or just try to lift up their spirits and let them know that they are Warriors.” Graham stated. Even these small greetings show how much they care as they are not forced to be so kind, but they do it regardless; They care about the community and the student body on their good and bad days.
Glasenapp has been a shuttle driver for Winona State for the past three years. Glasenapp shared that his favorite part of being a shuttle driver is, “The students. They are friendly and polite.” Which seems to be a commonality between shuttle drivers. For how can you truly enjoy your job if you dislike the people you’re serving? The answer is you really can’t. Which is why our drivers have stuck around for so long, and why it’s important to thank them for their work.
Graham and Glasenapp both share that they have a responsibility to the students safety and the safety of those on the road. “Driving safely is the most important thing,” Glasenapp said. Graham also held this sentiment of safe driving and the responsibility that comes with the job. “Everybody has to know that I have a responsibility to all the students that get on board the shuttle as far as accidents or emergencies or even if I need to put a person in place for a wheelchair,” Graham said. The overwhelming point is that they take their responsibilities seriously. They take care to ensure that the drives go smoothly and that students feel safe and comfortable.
Reliability is probably the number one quality anyone can have in a job, and these drivers never fail to meet that standard. The only time they’re late is when a train rolls through Winona, and who can’t say the same? We’ve all fallen victim to a train passing.
The shuttle drivers of Winona State campus do a wonderful job getting students to where they need to be. An award and a round of applause would truly be what they deserve, but perhaps the appreciation of others can do for now.
