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Employee Spotlight: Honoring 50 Years of Historic Service

In today's fast-paced, instant culture, few things seem to last, including career tenures. Perhaps it's the charm of the historic campus or the weight of the symbolism it carries around the world, but at the Architect of the Capitol (AOC), it's not hard to find an employee who has spent their entire career serving this treasured institution.
By Erin Nelson | May 9, 2023
        
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    Person standing in front of columns.

One such employee is Donald Ward, Building Services Coordinator for the AOC's House Office Buildings. Ward's journey to Capitol Hill began in Newport News, Virginia, at Booker T. Washington Elementary School in Mrs. Campbell's fifth grade geography class. He was intrigued after reading a few short paragraphs about the House Page program in a chapter on Washington, D.C. Although Ward had never heard of the program, it lit a fire within him." At 11 years old he declared his dream of becoming a House Page, "That's what I'm going to be."

He went to local libraries and read everything he could about the Page program, when it began, why and how it was started, and he never missed an opportunity to share his dream with others. At school he met a woman named Jessie Rattley; she was running for city council and wanted young people in the community to work on her campaign, canvassing neighborhoods, passing out brochures and informing the public about the importance of getting out to vote. Ward supported her ideas and was asked to join her campaign. He spent the summer working for her and was delighted when she won, "She went down in history as being the first Black member of the Newport News City Council. I was very proud to be part of her success in that small way."

Ward was 14 years old at the time, but he had not forgotten about the House Page program. He would often talk to Rattley about being a Page. He also shared his dream with John Fitzgerald, who worked with Rattley on the city council. Fitzgerald happened to know Virginia Congressman Thomas N. Downing, whose district included Newport News. Fitzgerald promised Ward that he would talk to the congressman and give him Ward's address so they could exchange letters. As promised, when Fitzgerald returned from D.C., he gave Ward the congressman's address and the two began a yearslong correspondence.

Downing's first letter to Ward informed him that he was very pleased to hear from him and glad to know that he was interested in the Page program. However, the program required participants to be 16; Ward was too young. The congressman asked Ward to keep him updated on his activities and to work hard in school. "So, for two years I worked feverishly to keep my grades up. I was a member of the Junior Honor Society. I kept myself involved in the community and just tried to be as involved and positive as I possibly could," Ward said.

"On April 29, 1972, I turned 16, sat down at my desk and wrote a letter to Congressman Downing, letting him know that I had just turned 16 years old, and I was ready to come to D.C. and be a Page."

Person in conference room.

Close view of a tie, jacket and lapel pin.


In July, Downing called Ward's mother to tell her that he wanted Ward to come to Washington and be his Page. Ward was overjoyed, "I was so excited, so ecstatic. I had prayed every night for God to let me be a Page and sure enough that came to pass. That's how I came to D.C. From one little dream and that one dream has lasted over 50 years."

Ward arrived in Washington, D.C., on July 17, 1972. He served as the first Black Page from Virginia, and for him, that was quite an honor. He attended the Capitol Page School, which was in the Library of Congress at the time. Classes began at 6 a.m. and ended at 10 a.m., from then until Congress adjourned for the day, Ward and other Pages worked on the House floor, delivering messages and other items for Members across the Capitol campus.

Ward's time as a Page was also filled with experiences outside of Capitol Hill. He returned home to Newport News, which is also known for having the nation's largest privately owned shipyard and the only one in the United States capable of building a full range of nuclear-powered ships. Congressman Downing invited Ward and other staff to attend the commissioning of the newly completed USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. It was there that Ward met Mrs. Bates ― her son was a classmate of Ward's at the House Page School — the two discussed the Page program and how much Ward had enjoyed his experiences in D.C. When he returned to Washington, Congressman Downing asked Ward if he remembered meeting her and if he knew who she was. Ward remembered their conversation but did not know her connection to Capitol Hill. He soon learned that she was the wife of the AOC's House Superintendent C.M. Bates.

Ward had impressed Mrs. Bates so much that she had mentioned him to her husband. She thought he would be a wonderful asset for the agency. Ward met with the House Superintendent and was offered a position, becoming the first Black person to work in the Front Office of the House Superintendent. It was another honor for Ward, and he knew he needed to do his best, "I wanted to make sure that I set a good example because I knew that there were others that would be coming behind me; I wanted to make the road a little smoother for them in the process."

That was 1976. Nearly 47 years later, Ward is still working in the Front Office for the House Superintendent, taking calls from Members of Congress and their staff, submitting work orders to House shops, and assisting staff however he can. "We also function as ambassadors to Capitol Hill. Many times, my coworkers and I are among the first people that new Members or congressional staff meet on the Hill. I always try to be a great, positive face for the organization and serve as an example of being kind, gracious and helpful," Ward said.

That is no small task. The House Service Center can receive up to 250 requests a day, serving 435 Members of Congress and 5,000+ congressional staff.

As the many calls and work orders come and go, so too have his coworkers. While some have stayed longer than others, none have the tenure to match Ward. While it may be hard to see coworkers leave, he has been pleased to see a greater diversity among more recent hires, "We are all learning to be more considerate, kind and thoughtful of individuals' backgrounds and where we come from. We're learning how to show love and compassion. We're learning from all of our differences, which is a good thing, and when you do that, you help the world become a better place to live."

After 50+ years on Capitol Hill, some might wonder what has kept Ward here. "I enjoy what I do, number one. And number two, I realize that your job is more than a job or work. Many times, God places you where you can be a blessing to others. That's what it's all about."
Comments
    
  
    
William Wood Jr (not verified)PermalinkMay 9, 2023 - 11:31amCongrats Donnie! You are an icon in the House Superintendents Office.
ReplyDavid Hamlett (not verified)PermalinkMay 9, 2023 - 11:47amMr. Ward,
I want to thanks for your 50 years of service. What you have accomplished is trully remarkable.
Thank You,
David C. Hamlett
ReplyNatasha Osborne (not verified)PermalinkMay 9, 2023 - 2:03pmCongrats Donald on this marvelous 50 year anniversary! This story is so fabulous just as you are too. I'll always remember you and how gracious you were when I did my detail assignment in the Front Office of the Service Center, you took your time and showed me many things and it was just a joy to work with you.  You're one of a kind! Thanks and best wishes. I absolutely loved this article about our AOC coworker.
ReplyNanette Gibbs (not verified)PermalinkMay 9, 2023 - 6:05pmCongratulations!  I so enjoyed reading about you and your accomplishments.
ReplyJason Kelly (not verified)PermalinkMay 10, 2023 - 8:52amI want to know this person!
ReplyLiria S. Figue... (not verified)PermalinkMay 10, 2023 - 2:53pmWhat an honor to have crossed paths with another human being who understands that one needs to enjoy the work one does!
ReplyStephanie Faison (not verified)PermalinkMay 10, 2023 - 8:33pmCongratulations!!!
ReplyMike Brubaker (not verified)PermalinkMay 11, 2023 - 11:47amMr. Ward, Congratulations and thank you for your service.
ReplyDeatra Trinidad  (not verified)PermalinkMay 13, 2023 - 8:04amCongratulations on your years of service, Donnie! Thank you for always going above and beyond, and doing your part to positively impact the lives of others!
ReplyChonya  (not verified)PermalinkMay 15, 2023 - 9:44pmAbsolutely a joy and a blessing always!! Thank you for your serviceand especially the years of openning locked doors for me. 😊😉
ReplyKenneth Nealy (not verified)PermalinkMay 18, 2023 - 9:33amMr. Ward, you are indeed a legend and a constant friendly face and fro walking the halls of Congress. I fist had the pleasure of meeting you in 1996 and I am so happy to see you are still serving with with perfection and a good word! Congratulations my brother. God has placed you well.
ReplyCHRIS HEYDE (not verified)PermalinkMay 20, 2023 - 2:39pmSo glad to have come across this story and learn about Mr. Ward.  I started on Capitol Hill about 35 years ago and remember running into him, but we never talked and I wondered who he worked for. Always great to see a story highlighting the dedicated staff who keep that amazing building running.  Thanks for your commitment and passion.
ReplyKIRT PROCTOR (not verified)PermalinkMay 22, 2023 - 10:16pmAn amazing story about an amazing person. Donnie is always going above and beyond while making you feel like family. I really do believe also that he was destined and blessed to spend his incredible career here. Thank you Donald for all that you do!
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