1835 Hinman housekeeper Phillip Clowers began his career at Northwestern in May 1975, just days before he turned 17. During his 35 years at NU, he has worked in five dorms, attended one Dillo Day (the year a friend of his graduated) and cleaned everything from beer-can papered dorm walls to a Hinman lounge several residents turned into their personal closet. The Daily talked with Clowers about his experiences on the job and the changes he has seen at the University during his years here. Excerpts:
Q: How did you get the job?
A: My stepfather, he was a supervisor at Foster-Walker, and he said, “Well Phil, every day I got to get up for work and all you do is sit here and watch cartoons, so I got a job for you. Come out here to Evanston.” I had to take three buses and two trains just to get here every morning. I was leaving home at three in the morning to get here at 8 [a.m.], and I wouldn’t get here ‘til about a quarter to 8. So I spent eight hours just going back and forth from home and work…At the time when I was hired I was needed over at Foster-Walker … I worked in there for about a year … in [1976] when I came back, I worked the summer and then it was getting to be September. So I asked my supervisor if there were any positions open, and he said, “Well, not right now,” but there was a guy over in Willard Hall – one of the housekeepers was going on vacation for two weeks. And unfortunately, while he was on [vacation] he died. So that’s how I ended up still here.
Q: What is the best part of your job?
A: Well, the people saying, “Oh, that looks real nice.” Like when I set [the 1835 Hinman lounge] up, they said, “Oh, that looks real nice. I wonder who did that?” And they said, “That was Phil. He’s always straightening things up.” See, I like it to stay neat.
Q: How have student demographics changed over the years?
A: [The students] were mostly white, and a few blacks here. But recently, I’ve been seeing more Asian faces than any, black or white.
Q: What are some other changes you’ve seen at NU during your time here?
A: They’ve done a lot of construction, and [1835 Hinman], Jones, North and South Mid-Quads, East and West Fairchild, [Public Affairs Residential College], none of those buildings were here when I got here. Like I said, we got better cleaning supplies … The rooms don’t look nothing like they used to because they used to be a serious mess.
Q: What is your opinion about the Living Wage Campaign?
A: I’m not really complaining about the wages because I only do so much … I’ve heard a little bit about it, but like I said, for me, it doesn’t bother me because I’m satisfied with what I have, what I get. Because like I said, I don’t work very hard.
Q: What is your favorite memory here?
A: Partying at Willard Hall. I came back to a Dillo party, and we partied all night long. And the music, too. When Lynyrd Skynyrd died, my friend put his stereo speakers in the window and we blasted the [quad]. Everybody’s out there partying, I mean, we’re drinking beer … Then, [Dillo Day] was more like wherever you were. Wherever you heard a party, there it was.
Q: What advice do you have for NU students?
A: Do what you came here for. Studying, and learn. Because like I said, when [students] first come here they just party.
Phillip Clowers
52 years old
Janitor at NU since 1975,
Been at NU under three university presidents
Has worked in Foster-Walker Complex, Willard Residential College, Shepard Residential College and 1835 Hinman
