Brady Forman ’18, grounds supervisor, has been named the Christopher W. Garber Staff Member of the Year at Manchester University.
Chris Garber ’77 was assistant vice president for operations at the University at the time of his death in 2015. The award recognizes an employee who demonstrates steadfast commitment to Manchester University and is a leader and collaborator who keeps the best interests of the University at heart.
Forman earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business management from Manchester in May of 2018.
While he was a student, Forman was goalie on the soccer team, served as an ambassador for the College of Business and founded the Manchester Fishing Club. Dave Good, then grounds supervisor, was also Forman’s soccer coach and took notice of his great work ethic. He asked Forman to join the grounds crew during his first year as a student.
Forman – who has little desire to ever sit behind a desk – was a natural. Four years later – around the time he was looking to graduate – Good was looking at phasing into retirement.
Things fell into line, and Forman slipped seamlessly into the role.
He joined the Manchester staff the month after graduating, combining his hands-on experience with an entrepreneurial spirit. Forman takes great pride in the campus, working with his crew to make sure the grass is mowed, bushes are meticulously trimmed, paths are clear, and that garden beds and huge pots are well-tended.
Alexis Young, the 2016 Garber award recipient and leader of the committee who selects each year’s winner, said Forman is fantastic with the students on his crew – mentoring and encouraging them.
“He leads by example, working diligently to make sure our grounds create a positive first impression for guests. He’s always willing to lend a hand when others need assistance. Brady goes above and beyond, frequently working early mornings and on weekends to prepare the grounds for athletics, camps and student events,” she said.
The North Manchester resident is known for being an innovative leader who finds ways to save money and for his crew to work more efficiently. When Mother Nature strikes, he is also out front making sure the sidewalks are safe.
“If you ever stop to admire Manchester’s landscaping, chances are that Brady had a hand in making it look that nice,” said President Dave McFadden ’82 at the award presentation. “We owe him a lot for his hard work, dedication and attention to detail.”