People of McMaster celebrates the incredible people who help make McMaster a great place to work, learn, teach and conduct research. Click here for the rest of the series.
While the campus sleeps, Berta Lovo is wide awake, making sure McMaster University shines. From 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., she moves through the newest building on campus, mop in hand, music in her ears, and pride in her heart.
“When I leave at sunrise and look back, I say to myself, ‘You did a good job.’ That’s what makes me proud,” she says with a smile.
For nearly two decades, McMaster has been Lovo’s second home. She began in Hospitality Services, spending 10 years serving students and building friendships. Today, she’s part of the custodial team that keeps campus spaces clean, safe, and welcoming, a role she calls “hard work, but deeply rewarding.”
Before joining McMaster, Lovo ran a cleaning company with her husband and later supervised a custodial team at the Hamilton Convention Centre. Life changed when her husband’s health declined, and she decided to slow down; though her version of slowing down still means working full-time nights.
“People ask me when I’ll retire,” she laughs. “Not yet. I still have so much to give.”
Tell me about your journey working at McMaster.
My journey at McMaster has been incredible. I’ve had the opportunity to meet people from so many cultures and backgrounds, and I’ve learned something from each of them.
For a time, I worked in both Hospitality and Facility Services, gaining valuable experience from each. Eventually, I had to choose one job, but what mattered most was staying with McMaster and that remains true to this day.
I take immense pride in what I do. When students walk in and see a clean space, that matters. They notice, and they say thank you. That fills me with joy. I want them to feel at home here.
My time at McMaster has allowed me to build meaningful relationships with employers, co-workers, and students alike. Knowing that my work is valued and respected motivates me to keep striving for excellence, with dedication, care, and a genuine desire to make a difference.
What’s something people don’t realize about your job?
We’re often the first faces people see. Our work sets the tone for the campus experience. It’s hard work, every building needs care and attention, but it’s important work. And McMaster recognizes that, which means a lot.
When people talk about growth, they often think about promotions or career advancement. For me, growth is about the values we carry… caring, helping, and offering a hand whenever possible. Being a custodian at McMaster has strengthened these values in me. It’s shown me that we all have a great opportunity to give, to care and to make a difference in someone’s life.
You work at one of the newest buildings on campus, the Hub.
Working at the Hub has given me the chance to connect directly with staff and students, building strong relationships and feeling truly part of the McMaster community. The students have become like family to me.
I’ll never forget when they were celebrating Ramadan — I’d arrive at 10 p.m., and they’d be waiting with a plate of food. That conquered my heart, you know?
You clearly love our students. As someone who has seen plenty of students move through the university, what advice would you give them?
I see students like my own children. I want them to succeed. Reach your goals. Get your education. It might feel cloudy now, but the sunshine will come.
Sunshine is not something you see while working night shift. What’s campus like in the middle of the night?
I go for a walk twice during my shift. At 3 a.m., campus is peaceful. You can see the moon and stars. Sometimes, I even take pictures and send them to my boss, things you’d never see during the day. It’s quiet and beautiful.
What do you do when you’re not working?
As soon as I get home, I do a little reading and go to bed. Before coming to work, I have dinner, enjoy a coffee, and watch some shows with my husband.
Before COVID, my husband and I hosted fundraisers and brought toys and food to families back home in El Salvador. Now, I focus on caring for him, he’s my best friend.
On weekends, I love to party. Fridays and Saturdays are for friends. We’ve known each other for 35 years. We do potlucks, laugh, dance.
Oh, my husband says, ‘Where do you get your energy from?’ I have to be doing something.
What’s next for you?
What’s next for me is to continue working with McMaster for as long as God grants me the health, strength, and energy to do so. It has been a true honour to be part of this community and to contribute in any way I can. I take great pride in my work and speak of it with deep respect and gratitude.
Thank you, McMaster, for the opportunity to work alongside you. Your trust and kindness mean more to me than words can express, and I will always carry this experience in my heart.