We Build Teams That Win: Ingenuity in Action at LSU Facility Services
November 18, 2025
When a broken access panel clip threatened to delay repairs on campus, the LSU Facility Services team turned the challenge into an opportunity to innovate.
Unable to source a replacement part, the team decided to create one themselves. Within minutes, Aaron Cherry, Facility Maintenance Manager, created a computer model of the damaged component. Natale Nappi, Superintendent of the Roofing and Sheet Metal department, used the model to reproduce the part using a 3D printer he keeps at home. The next day, the new clip was installed, and the hatch was fully operational again.
It was a small fix with a big message: at LSU, our teams treat this place like home.
“We appreciate Aaron, Natale, and their staff for their creativity in addressing facility maintenance issues,” said Tammy Millican, Executive Director of Organizational Development & Campus Outreach. “This is just one example of our team members taking ownership, solving problems, maximizing resources, and showing pride in keeping our campus running strong.”
Cherry, who earned his degree in construction management at LSU while working in Facility Services, said this kind of ingenuity is becoming the norm for Facility Services departments.
“Cross-training, better planning, smarter vendor sourcing, proactive maintenance programs, skills-based training with our partners, drone inspections, regular plan reviews—the list goes on,” said Cherry. “It’s the result of a lot of people working really hard. This story is just one sign of how far we’ve come.”
Nappi, a master craftsman and current LSU student pursuing a degree in Interior Design, brings the same creativity to his studies and his work on campus.
LSU President Wade Rousse, center, celebrates with LSU Facilities Services' Natale Nappi and Aaron Cherry.
– Photo by Will Bergeron
“Each day brings a new challenge, and by thinking outside of the box, we accomplish more. I don't see this as a big deal because this is just another day. As Aaron said, it's a long list, and it takes a team to get it done. At the end of the day, it's just problem solving. It's what we do, it's who we are,” Nappi said.
Nappi’s problem solving is already shaping LSU’s future—using drones and AI technology to assess roof conditions, predict life cycles, and find cost-effective ways to extend the lifespan of university buildings.
Together, Cherry and Nappi exemplify what it means to build and maintain a campus with innovation, teamwork, and pride. Their work reflects LSU’s spirit—where every challenge is met with creativity, collaboration, and purpose.
At LSU, ‘We Build Teams That Win in Louisiana, For the World.’
Recognizing the faculty and staff who make up these teams is vital in creating a culture of appreciation for our employees, fostering a positive work environment, improving morale, and motivating high performance.
As part of these efforts, LSU established the Tiger Team Awards: Celebrating Teams That Win in conjunction with the LSU Office of the President, Office of Human Resource Management, and LSU Athletics.
As we build teams that win for Louisiana, the nation, and the world, LSU is putting
our state and its citizens on firmer footing for a brighter tomorrow — one win at
a time.Next Step