Bob Foster, more commonly known as “Mr. Bob,” is not just the school’s parking attendant. For the past three years, he’s been a familiar face in the parking lot and a welcoming presence that greets students, staff and parents. His role is so much broader than simply directing traffic; it’s about building relationships, offering help and fostering a positive environment.
“Before, I used to work at Dell. I’m a graphic designer and I was basically the logo policeman for Dell Computers,” Foster said. “I left there and semi-retired, and then started working here.”
Foster still continues graphic design, specializing in logos, but also doing page layouts every once in a while. He designed graphics for the football and lacrosse programs for four to five years. Three years ago, there was an opening for the parking attendant role and several faculty members encouraged Foster to apply. He interviewed and got the position, proving a big change from his previous work experience in the graphic design field.
“My connection to Vandegrift is my son, Alex. It was fun having him here the first year I started working because I knew all his friends and the sports kids,” Foster said. “I felt at ease because if I asked them to do something, they did it out of respect for Alex.”
In addition to his son’s friends, Foster has been able to develop connections with a great range of students throughout the school.
“I always try to be positive about everything and greet everybody,” Foster said. “I get to know kids that I probably would have never associated with before. I don’t have favorites. I think everybody is super fun, and if I can help them in any way, I try to help them.”
Foster often uses his renowned golf cart to give students rides when it’s impractical to walk. Typically in rainy or cold weather, if a student parked far away or has an ACC class at the annex, Foster’s golf cart is there to save the day. Students often have to park on the street or near the tennis courts – a long walk from the school’s main entrance – due to the increasing number of student drivers. Especially in the spring semester, more sophomores get their license, so parking can be a hassle.
“They usually do a really good job parking,” Foster said. “A big parking tip is to back in, because when you leave, it’s easier to get out instead of backing into other traffic.”
While most parking issues have been resolved over the year, currently, one of the biggest road concerns in our lot is breaking the speed limit.
“I totally get it, I was a kid once too,” Foster said. “But we have teachers and parents that come through here, and it’s just not a good idea to be speeding through the parking lot.”
While Foster is most well known for his management of the parking lot, his role consists of much more than that.
“I always wanted to be like a junior AP because [the parking] is only a fraction of what I do. I make sure that all doors are closed, kids aren’t coming in, food pickup is in the front and not the back and that everybody’s doing what they’re supposed to be doing. I drive kids to certain places sometimes, and I help with all the emergencies.”
With his many responsibilities, Foster plays an integral role in the safety and organization of our school. He’s not sure what the future holds, but as both students and faculty value having him on campus, he plans to continue working as the parking attendant.
“My favorite part is, of course, the students. The way they think, their ideas and their smiley faces every morning. They make me feel young because they’re just full of energy and everything.”
