Aida Garcia 50th Working Anniversary
Aida Garcia began working at Texas Tech in 1974. She was still in high school when she took a part-time position with Custodial Services, joining her mother who also worked in the department for 27 years. Once she graduated, Aida came on as a full-time employee, worked her way through the ranks, and is now the custodial manager for the football and baseball facilities.
Aida spent 17 years cleaning the Women's Basketball gym, where she made some of her fondest memories. Aida said she loved to watch the practice routines when she was cleaning, and sometimes students even asked for her input. She was proud to see the Lady Raiders win the National Championship in 1993. She knew all the coaches by name, and they always told her how much they appreciated what she did for them and for the players.
True Texas Tech Fan
A Tech fan from the start, Aida especially loves game days and the surrounding thrill. She says she loves all Red Raider sports and enjoys getting to see the band perform.
“You feel the spirit of Texas Tech and all the excitement,” she says.
On game day, you won't find Aida sitting idly by. She always arrives at least 6 hours before the game begins, making sure everything is ready for her staff. She is a tireless worker, always watching for what needs to be done next.
Mike Ryan, senior associate athletics director, said, “Aida is reliable, consistent, and pays great attention to detail. When it comes to the work she does, there is never a concern or worry that things will get done right.”
Even during prep work before the season starts, Aida notes anything that needs to be fixed or repaired before the first game.
Aida has streamlined the process for cleaning suites at Jones AT&T Stadium and improved how custodial teams work together. She makes sure they stay until the job is done correctly, and empowers them to make their own roles and to take turns doing tasks.
What Has Changed in 50 Years at Tech
So much has changed on campus in the 50 years Aida has been here. The first location she was assigned to, the Textile Research Center, now houses the Industrial Manufacturing Engineering program. She remarked that there are a lot more buildings on campus, and departments have moved around and changed over the years.
“The only thing that has stayed are all the stairs and elevators,” she says with a laugh.
A campus change Aida is especially excited about is the football stadium expansion and is ready to see the new space. She knows that a lot of important people will be coming through the suites, and she wants all guests to be proud of how the space is cleaned.
Celebrating Aida
Operations Division celebrated Aida's 50th work-anniversary in May 2024. While she
made it clear this was not a retirement party, it was nice to celebrate her incredible
achievement and get a glimpse at what her coworkers think about her work.
Ex-Associate managing director, James Peel, said, “Her legacy is strong and will always be strong in this department.”
When she does retire, Aida looks forward to spending more time with family and her grandkids, but she's quick to add that it won't be anytime soon. She says she wants to work as long as she is in good health because she enjoys what she does.
“We're the ones who make the bathrooms look good, there is nothing wrong with what we do as a custodian,” she says.
She takes great pride in making sure the areas she works in are clean because she believes it represents Custodial Services and Operations Division well.
“I'm proud of what I do, and I want [our guests] to be proud when they come into these areas and see that we are keeping it clean,” she says.
Lessons Learned
When asked what valuable lessons she would like to pass on, Aida encourages us to always do our best, not take shortcuts, and ask for help when you need it.
“You can learn a lot by watching and listening,” she says.
After being with Texas Tech for half a century, Aida has undoubtedly made a lasting impact on the university. Perhaps we would all do well to heed Aida's advice: watch, listen and take pride in what you do.