Staff Spotlight: Lousia Hartnett
Facilities Services
Bio: Lousia is currently the leader of the nursery and the Color Team leader for UF Landscape at Facilities Services. She was born and raised on a family farm in the Syrian countryside. After graduating high school in impoverished Syria, Lousia embarked on a journey over thirteen years ago to pursue a better life for herself and her family in America. Despite the increasing challenges, her determination remains unwavering.
Lousia was involved in church choir for over 15 years. She came to America with no English background and attended the English as a Second Language program and graduated from Central Falls High School Rhode Island.
What is an identity you’re proud to share?
“I am a polyglot, I speak three languages Arabic, Aramaic, and English. I grew up in a family that loves music, farming, and art. The rugged roads and the English barriers I faced since I came to America alone have taught me and enhanced my knowledge in various fields. Determination grew within me, it made reaching for the top more enjoyable and made my steps stable, it gave me the strength to walk towards success.”
What does your role entail?
“I am responsible for managing the nursery and improving the annual flower beds across campus. My journey as the Color Team leader for UF Landscape and Natural Resources began a little over two years ago. My duties are changing the annual flowers twice a year or as needed, including Tigert Hall, the Bull Gator, Gator Clock, Bryant Space Science to name just a few. At the nursery, my responsibilities are to keep stock organized, watered, well maintained, and ready to be planted.”
What is your favorite part about working at UF?
“My favorite part about working in flower bed design at UF is the smiles on everyone’s faces, the conversation the students have about the color of the flowers as passing by and taking pictures and making memories. The warm welcoming feeling. My second favorite part is to come up with new design ideas and new plants to try. Bryant Space Science is just such an example of non-traditional color presentations.”
Fun fact about you:
“Learning languages is my hobby. I love writing poems and of course the beach. “
