Mike Ribecca

This edition of Who Makes Millersville Special features Mike “Bird” Ribecca, custodial worker at Millersville.

Q: How long have you been employed at Millersville?

A: I have been employed at Millersville close to five years.

Q: What are some of your main responsibilities at Millersville?

A: In the morning, I cover Gerhart Hall (the temporary home of Ganser Library) and Franklin House (the temporary placement of the archives and special collections department). The remainder of the day is spent on Brooks Gymnasium – maintaining all aspects of housekeeping!

Q: What do you like most about your job?

A: Working at a place where diversity is celebrated. I also enjoy being able to visit my beautiful wife and children on breaks because we live just off of campus.

Q: Do you have a favorite place on campus?

A: My favorite place by far is the swan pond. All my children have grown up visiting the ducks and turtles. Our newest child, Indigo, especially enjoys it. We go at least once a day!

Q: What is a must to get you through your day?

A: Riding my long board! Since we live so close I can skate around quickly to all of my assignments. It is not only fun but also a great way to stay in shape. I also need music to get through the day.

Q: What do you think is the hardest part of your job?

A: Getting up at 5 a.m., but it allows me to be done by 2 p.m. so that I can lead an active role in raising my three boys into decent men.

Q: Where is your hometown?

A: Clifton Heights (right outside of Philadelphia); I moved to Lancaster in 1988.

Q: What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

A: Working with my hands with a strong focus on hand embroidery. My fitted ball caps are popular right now. The hats feature one-of-a-kind, custom designs. I also create unique, functional macramé (wrap style jewelry).

Q: If you could travel anywhere, where would it be and why?

A: Anywhere by plane that is warm! I have done a lot of traveling in the United States but have never flown anywhere so it is on my bucket list.

Q: If you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be?

A: Energetic because I am constantly on the go or creating things.

Q: What events do you or would you like to attend at Millersville University?

A: Some of my friends had an African drumming and dance recital, I took my children to that. Also, I am designing a costume for MU sporting events. It will be a cross between “Captain Jack Sparrow,” the Marauder and myself.

Q: What is an interesting fact about yourself that most people do not know?

A: I have a side business called BUP, Bird Up Productions. It is an art collective, made mostly of MU students (past, present and future) but not entirely.

Q: When you were little, what was your dream job?

A: To be a fashion model in GQ or a magazine like that. I have always been into strongly detail-oriented stuff like that.

Q: What do you enjoy most about the summer season?

A: Attending music and art festivals and outdoor concerts.

Q: Where did your nickname “Bird” come from?

A: My mates from high school joked about my hair resembling a bird’s nest, because of the wild nature of the curl and style! I have always had a fun sense of humor so it stuck pretty instantly!  Then during my early 20’s I spent nine months hitching around the West Coast on a spiritual journey to find myself. Thus forth becoming the name I used to introduce myself to others whose paths I would cross!