Jessie Adams, the Director of Maintenance at Notre Dame, is known for his dedication of keeping the school safe and running smoothly.

Recently, he has found himself in need of support after a serious injury during a fire alarm left him with a fractured ankle. 

On the morning of December 5, Adams was responding to a fire alarm when he slipped outside the Priory steps and severely injured his ankle. 

“I was on my way to the garage after noticing an issue with the fire alarm system,” Adams recalled. “I remember being in a lot of pain and not barely being able to move.” 

The accident resulted in a dislocation and three fractures. 

Adams underwent two surgeries to address the damage. 

The first surgery, on December 5, involved a stabilizer to secure his ankle. 

The second, on December 13, involved inserting a metal plate and screws to stabilize the fractures. 

“I’ve been in a lot of pain. One of the worst injuries I’ve ever experienced,” he shared. 

Despite the pain, Adams remains positive about the situation. 

“I have accepted the injury as a blessing in disguise that it happened to me vs a student or staff member.  It is my responsibility to look after the safety and well being of everyone on campus,” he said. 

Adams is currently in a brace and cast. 

Doctors are hopeful that by December 31, he will be able to transition to a splint and leg brace. 

This will be the final surgery for the injury, but it will depend on the swelling and healing process. 

His recovery will take 2-3 months with rehabilitation to follow. 

Although he’s expected to be out of work for a while, Adams is hoping to return on a limited basis by January 6. 

 “The recovery will take time, but I’m determined to get back to work,” said Adams. 

In the meantime, the NDA community has supported Adams through his recovery. 

Director of Campus Ministry Kelly Waters organized a card-sending campaign for Adams. 

“Students signed cards during first period to express their well wishes,” said Waters. 

The cards were sent out on December 10. 

“I hadn’t even heard that he’d been hurt until I was included in an email, but when I found out I thought it would be nice to show support,” she shared.

Despite challenges, Adams remains thankful the injury wasn’t worse and grateful for all the support he has received.