Sitting in a construction trailer known as the “meeting room,” workers wearing boots covered in dirt and dry mud talk about what it’s like to build one of the biggest capital projects in Temple history: the new library. The four-story, 225,000-square-foot academic commons, at Liacouras and Polett walks, is being built by hundreds of union workers.

 

Meet six of those workers, who have a combined more than 180 years of experience in their trades. From carpenters and electricians to steel workers, meet the builders making this massive project at the heart of Main Campus come to life.

 

Name: Gary Hastings

Union: Philadelphia Carpenters Union Local 158

Time in the business: 34 years

Hometown: “New Jersey. … won’t say any more.”

Other projects he’s worked on: Lincoln Financial Field, Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia Convention Center and Campbell’s Field

Daily tasks: “As we speak, we’re in the early stages of laying out the framing, walls, ceilings, doors and hardware.”

Interesting fact: “I’m a pretty laid-back guy and I’m a Notre Dame fan.”
 

Name: Joe Burczewski

Union: Philadelphia Carpenters Union Local 158

Time in the business: 30 years

Hometown: Philadelphia

Other projects he’s worked on: Philadelphia International Airport, Philadelphia Convention Center and Microsoft's School of the Future

Daily tasks: “As a superintendent, I coordinate with all the other trades and make sure everything is getting done a proper way, and I help with the layout.”
Interesting fact: “No, don’t have really anything interesting. I’m an Eagles fan.”

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Name: Jason Cancellarich

Union: Philadelphia Electricians Union Local 98

Time in the business: 17 years 

Hometown: Philadelphia

Other projects he’s worked on: Philadelphia International Airport, Philadelphia Convention Center and Citizens Bank Park

Daily tasks: “We mainly handle all of the electric circuits. These consist of lighting, fire safety signs, telephones, computers, outlets in the floors and basement.”

Interesting fact: “Diehard Phillies fan, diehard Cowboys fan.” 

 

 

Name: Keith Williams

Union: Laborers Union Local 332 

Time in the business: 18 years

Hometown: North Philadelphia

Other projects he’s worked on: West Philadelphia High School, Philadelphia Convention Center, Philadelphia Water Treatment Plant and Philadelphia International Airport 

Interesting fact: “I love to dance.” 

 

 

Name: Jim Bozzelli

Union: Ironworkers Local 401

Time in the business: 38 years

Hometown: Northeast Philadelphia

Other projects he’s worked on: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia Convention Center and the Curran-Fromhold Correctional Facility

Interesting fact: “Big Eagles fan. That’s really it.”

 

 

Name: Kevin Whalen

Time in the business: 46 years in the Philadelphia Carpenters Local Union 158; 34 years in management.

Hometown: I grew up in West Kensington, Philadelphia and currently live in Huntingdon Valley.

Daily tasks: “I’m a senior superintendent. I’m in charge of all the operations for the project, coordination for all the trades, as well as communications.”

Interesting fact: “Big Philadelphia sports guy. I’m a Philly guy through and through. I’m also the son of an immigrant who was a Union Ironworker local 401, and I care a lot about my wife and three kids.”