Get to know F&S: Gordanka Dimovska

For Gordanka Dimovska, caretaking at the University of Toronto has been much more than cleaning since 2005.

Dimovska is a lead hand on the Facilities & Services Caretaking team. She oversees the division of responsibilities among nine caretakers and ordering supplies. These duties differ depending on the time of year but include cleaning and upkeeping the facilities in Sidney Smith Hall, such as classrooms, offices, and washrooms.  

As Dimovska works an evening shift, she is also responsible for locking 75 doors every night.  

“I always come in a little earlier to be ready for the evening,” Dimovska says. 

Dimovska’s role involves ensuring strong team work between the caretakers and fair coverage of duties. 

“Since our shifts last eight hours, it’s important to be understanding and courteous of each other.” 

Last year, she received a Distinguished Service Award that recognized her many years of outstanding service at U of T. 

“She puts in additional effort to guarantee customer satisfaction,” Ronald Atkins, the manager of Caretaking Services, says. 

“Her focus on creating a positive and respectful work environment is highly appreciated by her colleagues. She is always prepared to help with any undertaking, and her enthusiasm and optimistic demeanor are contagious.” 

Dimovska is also deeply empathetic towards students.  

“I understand how stressful exam time especially can be for students, so we try to be as considerate of them as possible.” 

She recalls one occasion when she comforted an upset student.  

It was a late night in Sidney Smith Hall when Dimovska saw a student crying. He was distressed about a course and its impact on his student loan. Dimovska brought him warm tea and a pastry and encouraged him to let his professor know about his situation.  

Three days later, he came back to greet her with a hug.  

“He ended up passing the subject,” Dimovska says. “He said I was like a second mother to him.” 

“There are many stories of that nature. Caretaking is so many things beyond cleaning.” 

In her 18 years of service at U of T, Dimovska has built long-lasting connections with students. She recounts meeting a student in university and watching them graduate, find a job, get married, and have kids. The student still visits her occasionally.  

Outside of work, Dimovska enjoys spending time with family, especially her four grandchildren.