Janusz Tomaszewski has been working in technical building management at Ostfalia since 1990, making him one of the most experienced employees in the department. He recently celebrated his 70th birthday - still happy to be on duty and with a knowledge of the university that few share. In this interview, he talks about his many years of service, formative experiences and his view of his work today.
When did you start at Ostfalia?
I started as a caretaker at Ostfalia in March 1990. After about 2 years, I took up the position of "boiler attendant". As a boiler attendant, my job was to look after the heating systems and burners. I was also responsible for operating steam boilers for the canteen. There was a heat pump as a research project in supply engineering where I was involved in troubleshooting.
After a few courses in supply engineering, my job was extended to become an operating technician. As an operating technician, I was now responsible for all technical systems.
What are the biggest changes in your job?
The University of Applied Sciences has grown enormously, with more students, more employees and more buildings. Our department has become bigger, there are several operating technicians, as the number of technical systems has increased due to the new buildings. At the beginning of my employment, there were only 3 buildings. Over time, more buildings were added: the data centre, the new machine hall, 2 new legal buildings and the OpenMobilityLab (OML) research building.
What were the highlights?
I would describe Mr Gerhard Schröder's visit to celebrate the university's anniversary as a highlight, for example.
Siegmar Gabriel also visited Ostfalia. On the same day, astronaut Alexander Gerst was in the Ostfalia auditorium shortly after returning from an ESA mission to talk about his experiences. There were so many visitors that the auditorium was overcrowded and yet 500 people were still standing outside.
The final of the 1996 European Championships was broadcast in the auditorium, with Germany beating the Czech Republic 2:1 after extra time.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
What I enjoy most is solving problems and working together as a team with companies and nice colleagues.
How do you keep fit?
I keep fit by doing a lot of sport, but I also allow myself plenty of time for regeneration. My coaching job, where I work with young people, keeps me mentally fit. A healthy diet and my positive mental attitude to life are very important.
What are your plans for the next year of your life? Is there anything you are particularly looking forward to?
In the near future, we have a few projects to complete at our house. What I look forward to most is spending time at the beach every summer.