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Classified Staff Scenes from the 2008 surprise patrol On Our Own Time Staff Art Exhibit The Awards for Excellence Steering Committee enjoys putting on a special program to honor not only our winners, but our nominees as well. Congratulations to all the wonderful employees who were nominated for these prestigious awards.
SAC President Randy Livingston thanked everyone for attending the awards event. He introduced our Master of Ceremonies, Michael Ray, assistant to the dean, university library. Among his many accomplishments in over 30 years in community organizing and organization development include the creation of the Minority Achievement Program while serving in Human Resources at the UofA.
Dr. Ray opened the event and thanked the SAC and APAC who have worked to make this event so special. He mentioned how important it was to give recognition to staff and appointed professionals. He also encouraged others to become involved with this worthwhile program and nominate those around them for the exceptional work they do.
Jose Solorzano, chairman of the SAC Arts Committee, spoke about the On Our Own Time Staff Art Exhibit being displayed at the Student Union Art Gallery. He thanked all those talented employees who submitted their pieces in the collection and encouraged all of the campus community to take the time to stop by and view their impressive works.
President Robert Shelton greeted everyone and spoke of how impressed he was not only with this Awards Event, but also all the people who nominated and were nominated. He views staff and appointed professionals as essential to the continued progress the University is making and liked the idea of this event showing appreciation for those who have had such an impact all over campus.
Staff Advisory Council Special Award
What would we be without the
history and guidance that Kathi Hart has provided over the
years? Her work with the committee despite her aversion to
latex has been very dedicated. Kathi is an action oriented
person, if you need something done, she will take care of it and
is always willing to lend a helping hand no matter what the
situation, time of day or requirements of her personal time. Kathi
is a great resource for past history of SAC with her serving
8 years as an active member, in spite of having finished her
commitment to the group, she continues to be a mover and a
shaker among those involved with the Staff Advisory Council. I
am honored today to present a past president of Staff Advisory
Council and a fellow FM employee of 24 years of service to the
University. Please give Kathi a round of applause as we honor
her with the SAC Special Recognition award
Staff Award for Excellence Nominees Liane Fales Phoenix Colon Cancer Prevention Clinic Nominated by Dianne Parish Jerrold Harkins Facilities Management Nominated by William Grant Ingvi Kallen School of Music Nominated by Peter McAllister William Lockwood Social and Behavioral Sciences Nominated by John Willerton Shana McClelland Chemistry Nominated by Julia McMorran James Murch Facilities Management, Lockshop Nominated by Alexandria Smiley Nguyen T. Nga Information Services, Arizona Health Sciences Library Nominated by Kenneth Iserson Herminia K. Rios Medicine Nominated by Cheryl Culler Lisa Shapouri Physics Nominated by The Physics Department Award Committee Joel Steinberg Physics Nominated by The Physics Department Award Committee Donna Swibold Physics Nominated by The Physics Department Award Committee Bernadette Thomas College of Science Dean’s Office Nominated by Shanley Yates Christy Winkelman Psychology Nominated by Arezu Corella Bonnie Wood Physics Nominated by The Physics Department Award Committee
Staff Award for Excellence Winners
Brett L. Bendickson Brett Bendickson, Senior Support Systems Analyst in the University Information Technologies Service office, is responsible for the best technology and tools available to UA advisors today, making the job of advising students far more efficient. One colleague said, “It is almost impossible to imagine what our daily lives would be like without Advisor Link, Student Link, Web Reg, Web Restrictions, and the list goes on.” The original idea to nominate Brett for this special recognition came from the University Academic Advising Council, a campus-wide group consisting of the directors of advising in each of the colleges. In preparing the nomination package, the challenge was in limiting it to just the five letters of recommendation allowed. Described as “our techno-savior” and “the luminary of technology,” Brett’s positive nature and ability to see the big picture was touted by all. One colleague said, “For Brett, this isn’t just a job. Coming to work each day is a passion for him.” Brett has singlehandedly changed the technological face of advising at the UA and his efforts are deeply appreciated on this campus.
Christopher L. Blevins While Chris Blevins began his career at the Arizona Student Unions as an Event Services Mover, through hard work and consistent customer service, now is a Media Technician Senior where he is able to use both his technical and personal skills to serve the university community by providing quality Audio Visual support. Many times audio visual portions of programs can incorporate various forms of media including multiple videos, musicians and speakers. Equipment from various sources combined with Student Union gear can require special consideration, and Chris can be depended on to coordinate all of the technical aspects of a meeting with a positive, personable, and professional attitude. The most recent addition to his job is providing one on one client counseling for large AV events. This not only helps the Event Scheduling people, but has increased overall efficiency and greatly increased customer satisfaction. Chris also acts as a backup to the Facilities Event Services Coordinators which requires supervisory skills and the ability to troubleshoot non-technical issues. Even with the best laid plans, technical problems are bound to occur from time to time, and when they do, Chris can be counted on to be responsive and discreet so that meeting participants only see a successful end result and not the professional work that has gone on behind the scenes. Chris Blevins is a pleasure to work with and represents excellent customer service for The University of Arizona Student Union.
Innovative, creative, student-focused and an advocate for staff development and promotion, Arezu Corella is a natural leader. Back when she was Psychology’s only Academic Advisor, Arezu detected patterns in student needs and developed programs to respond efficiently; including, to name just two, a Grad Prep course and a mentoring program. When Arezu noted several psych students needed graduate school to fulfill their career dreams but had no clue how to go about the process or what different fields might be available, she created “Graduate Programs in Fields of Psychology.” Later, noting some students needed more than just an appointment, she created the Psychology Undergraduate Exploration Program that offered a semester long mentor from the junior or senior class to help freshmen and sophomores. Despite long hours, Arezu communicates to students “a sense of caring, compassion and dedication to facilitating their academic and personal achievement.” Colleagues note that students, no matter how initially distressed or forlorn, emerge from meeting with Arezu with a sense of “optimism, direction and the reassurance that comes from knowing you have been heard, respected and supported.”
As the only full-time University employee in the small department of Aerospace Studies, Lynn Farmer, Administrative Assistant, single-handedly supports all administrative needs for four Air Force officer faculty, two Air Force NCOs, and over 100 Air Force ROTC students pursuing both a UA degree and an eventual commission as an officer in the USAF. After budget cuts last summer and a medical emergency in the fall, Lynn rolled up her sleeves and helped the one remaining NCO to do the work of four people, often staying late and sometimes even coming in on weekends. Lynn never once complained but used her wealth of experience, upbeat attitude, and remarkable team-building skills to keep the department operating at full capacity. Lynn’s management of the ROTC compliance programs was instrumental in the Aerospace Studies Department earning an “Excellent” rating from the Air Force Inspector General Team and an “Outstanding” rating for her administrative functions. Fewer than 10% of Air Force ROTC units across the nation earn such high ratings. Lynn was selected as the “Civilian of the Year” for 2007 in Air Force ROTC’s Southwest Region which covers 36 southern universities from Mississippi to Hawaii. Lynn Farmer is a consummate professional and an outstanding ambassador of both the University of Arizona and the United States Air Force.
Kim S. Griffin As Public Address systems coordinator for the entire university, Kim Griffin oversees and sets up communications for every type of function on campus including athletic events, commencement, Board of Regents meetings and student rallies. The variety and complexity of these events is impressive and Kim can be on campus from dawn to dark when juggling multiple events, which happens on a fairly regular basis. Better known as “Kim the Sound Guy”, he has developed a fan club across campus through his professionalism, relentless attention to detail and extraordinary ability to achieve results with limited resources. Kim is not just “clever and imaginative when confronted with obstacles,” he actually has been known to build his own speakers as well as the portable sound systems required to meet more diverse needs outside normal parameters. All this and a great attitude. Kim was called a “great ambassador to link every population of the University community with quality communications and service.” Kim’s work behind the scenes is integral to the UA’s public image and he does it all with grace and good humor.
Paula D. Johnson Many people are satisfied with just doing a good job here at the University of Arizona, but Paula Johnson has extended her passion for science and animal welfare to the community at large. Dr. Johnson is deeply committed to the research community at the University. She has an outstanding record as a research scientist and is internationally recognized for her work with birth defects resulting from water contaminants. In addition to her research, she is one of the clinical veterinarians for University Animal Care and is an effective teacher of students, staff and faculty, and oversees the training required by federal law for all individuals participating in the use of animals at the university and the Southern Arizona Veterans Health Care System. She has also served and held leadership positions on numerous university committees and organizations such as the University Radiation Safety Committee, the Appointed Professionals Advisory Council, Association of Women Faculty, Committee on Elections, and the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) for which she serves as “Compliance Veterinarian”. Public Outreach is Dr. Johnson’s gold star area of highest achievement. She serves as the Executive Director for the Southwest Association for Education in Biomedical Research (SwAEBR), for which she goes out to dozens of schools and talks about research and science reaching over 20,000 students in the past several years. Dr. Johnson is President for the SciEnTeK-12 Foundation , a non-profit organization responsible for raising support and managing the Southern Arizona Regional Science and Engineering Fair (SARSEF). Since the beginning of SARSEF in 1998, the fair has grown from several hundred projects to now over 1500 projects and awards over $25,000 in prizes and scholarships.
Carol A. Lehman Rumor has it that Carol Lehman, Administrative Secretary providing Faculty Support at UA South, wields a magic wand. Hers is the “guiding hand and measured voice” that walks faculty through an arduous schedule with teaching assignments on different sites. Despite multiple tasks, complex assignments, different personalities, continuous demands, conflicting situations and more, Carol always rises to the occasion gracefully. “Multi-tasked to the maximum, she gets everything done efficiently and most importantly, with a smile!” As the first person students and visitors meet when entering the faculty building, Carol makes that important first impression absolutely positive. One faculty member was especially appreciative of Carol’s extra efforts on her behalf when the professor returned after a bout with cancer. Carol took the initiative to ensure this professor had a comfortable chair in her classroom, that the room had proper acoustics as the instructor’s voice was weak, and that the security guard was aware of this professor’s vulnerability to ensure her safety after evening classes. UA South is fortunate to have someone with Carol’s “vision, loyalty, and her great good heart.”
Jack L. Mutchler Sheetmetal Worker Facilities Management, Building Systems Maintenance Services Nominated by Steve Mikitish Jack Mutchler joined the UA Facilities Management Sheet Metal Shop in 1981, and since then has single-handedly assumed the responsibilities associated with providing safe workspaces for students and researchers alike by developing and implementing an annual campuswide process for the certification, decontamination and repair of over 1700 chemical fume hoods and 450 biological safety cabinets used in classroom studies and research. Jack is an excellent source of knowledge on the different types of biological safety cabinets and how they are suited to different types of research being performed having been trained at the Harvard School of Public Health in 1991 and the Eagleson Institute in 2002. He is constantly on call to perform emergency repairs, decontaminations, and certification when important experiments are on the line and their equipment fails. Jack performs the initial startups and certifications for the UA and works closely with Risk Management and Safety and the Facilities Design and Construction to ensure proper operations during the commissioning process which was instrumental in the startup of the new Chemistry, MRB and Keating buildings. Jack has put his knowledge to further use by providing assistance to Northern Arizona University, Cochise Community College, ASU and Pima College in establishing and enhancing their certification procedures. In a Lo Que Pasa article recognizing the fine work of the Biological Safety Cabinet Maintenance Staff (January 10, 2002), Jack Mutchler is quoted as saying, “I want each person who uses these to know that when they see a certification sticker on their cabinet, it means they can use it with confidence because I have done my best. I know how important these are to keeping people healthy while they do this important research”. Jack is highly valued for his knowledge and dedication in this field, working closely with building monitors, principle investigators, researchers and students alike to ensure they have a safe workplace to come to each day. It is this dedication to safety for which Jack is being recognized.
Travis Teetor Library Operations Supervisor University of Arizona Libraries, Materials Access Team Nominated by Robyn Huff -Eibl Travis Teetor approaches professional challenges as opportunities for achievement. Currently Library Operations Supervisor managing all aspects of Circulation, Billing and Information and Referral services at the Main and Science-Engineering Libraries, Travis started here in an entry level classified staff position. His colleagues can’t say enough about him. He brings great vision, proactive attention to detail and an analytical ability to apply all the knowledge he’s gained to the task at hand. In addition to exemplary functional work, Travis has a history of assuming additional responsibilities that contribute to moving the Libraries forward in service to UA students, faculty and staff; most notably his work with the library’s Strategic Long Range Planning team and Budget Advisory Group. One colleague said, “He’s a quick learner and patient teacher. He grasps the big picture and the details. He is articulate and a great listener. And he is always focused on quality, improvement and efficiency.” Generous with his time and expertise, the Library staff is privileged to work with him, learn from him and find themselves motivated by his spirit, eagerness and positive approach.
Team Award for Excellence Nominees C omputer Support TeamNominated by The Physics Department Award Committee Scott Baker F aculty Affairs Working GroupNominated by Anne Wright
P ottery Project TeamNominated by Hartman Lomawaima Norine Carroll Southwest Hydrology M ary BlackMike Buffington Cindy Grooms Louise McDermott Gary Woodard Betsy Woodhouse University Network Funding Implementation Team M ark AldenderferRichard Bishop Gary Esham Joel Hauff Amanda Mancini Greg McClure Sandra Pottinger Jaime Wilson University of Arizona Grounds Services Athletic Crew C arlos BallesterosRichard Campbell Antonio Cordova Dennis Corral Luis Garcia Francisco Guzman Raul Medina John Slater Mario Ugalde Team Award for Excellence Winners
In the two short years since it’s establishment, the Chemistry Safety Team has provided leadership in implementing an effective and dynamic safety culture within the Chemistry Department. The Chemistry Department Safety Team is diverse in experience and knowledge and spans all categories of UA employees. The blend of faculty, staff and student members provides the diversity of thought and perspective integral in the multifaceted aspects of comprehensive safety practices. Several areas were noted in the nominations as having been particularly impacted by the work of The Chemistry Department Safety Team. The team representatives have improved communications throughout the department by attending Lab Monitors Group meetings and publishing the ‘Privy Press’, a monthly newsletter hung strategically in each of the bathrooms within the department to reach a ‘captive audience’. Work flow efficiency in tracking individual safety training has been improved to the point that all new employees and students are trained within one month of arrival in the Department. The team worked with both Risk Management and the Police Department to develop a realistic, effective, and adaptable Emergency Response Plan that encompasses 4 buildings and approximately 300 researchers, staff and a varying number of undergraduate students. The Chemistry Department Safety Team has also taken a new, proactive roll when conducting Lab Inspections, discussing their findings and developing plans for improvement with the research groups. This cooperative mind-set has had a very positive effect on the safety attitudes of all lab personnel. This team ensures that the Chemistry department will easily continue to be a safety model at the UA and also serve as a resource to other departments wishing to address concerns of chemical safety in their laboratory settings.
The Billy Joe Varney Nominees
Diane D. Dittemore Eva Teso Gonzales Physics -Academic Support Nominated by The Physics Department Award Committee Deborah J. Hanson Residence Life Nominated by Ray Corral Paula D. Johnson University Animal Care Nominated by Grace Aranda Anne Padias Organic Chemistry Lab Department of Chemistry Nominated by Mark Smith The Billy Joe Varney Award
Ted Tong cares. He especially cares about people. Ted’s research has brought national acclaim to the University as Director of the Poison Control Center since 1983. He has also played an integral role in establishing a national model for creating an infrastructure for handling pharmaceuticals in case of a local or national disaster. Former U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona said after 9/11, “It was Ted Tong whom I went to for assistance and who rapidly organized pharmacists, students and other professionals locally, then the State of Arizona, to receive the national stockpile supplies in times of emergency…The Arizona model became the national model used today because of Ted Tong’s leadership and vision.” Lauded for building academic and community outreach programs, creating a diverse faculty and student body, and facilitating actions that to learn, live and work, Ted has a distinguished academic and research career with over 100 journal articles and book chapters to his credit, not to mention his service to public health. Between work on venomous southwestern critters and emergency response planning, Ted has devoted substantial time and energy to establish and grow inclusive programs for the entire campus, such as the University Diversity Action Council and the Ombudsperson Program. One colleague said, “He does this not because it is part of his job description, but because of his commitment to justice and equality and his compassion for all people.” One colleague who has worked with Ted for over 30 years summed it up. Ted is “the embodiment of excellence as exemplified by his extraordinary, lifelong commitment to leadership, academic pursuits, mentoring, community service and all around selfless dedication.”
2008 Spirit Awards The Wildcat Family Spirit Award was developed in response to employees wanting to show their appreciation to fellow employees and others for exemplary customer service, innovative improvements, outstanding performance or for fostering diversity, creativity, or cooperation. This is the second year the awards have been granted.
Graphic Designer, Senior Animal Science, Racetrack Industry Rita Mild Veterinary Science and Microbiology Keith Humphrey, Carol Thompson, & Melissa Vito Administration Dean of Students Off ice Grace Aranda University Animal Cares Patricia Nuzzo Veterinary Science Josefina Jossi Bell Development office Kevin Gudenkauf, Rachel Crookston, Shana Thompson, Jerome
Stremick, Sierrra Johnson, Sean Fleming, Rachelle Baker, Drew Milsom, Bill
Bickel, Alex Cronin, Hao Xin, Brent Morgan, Vincent Lonij, Sujoy Ganguly, Tory
Carr, Donald Huffman, Will Holmgren, Bruce Bayly, Carl Maes, Erich Varnes, Erik
Herm an, Sararh Streb & Galina Pecherskaya Robert Lanza School of Family & Consumer Sciences Teri A. Vasquez Pima County Cooperative Extension Regina Watkins CCIT -Network Tech Solutions Donna Baker College of Science Administration Sheila R. Tostado Financial Management Services, CCIT Ruby Romero Admissions Roman Soto-Delgadillo Admissions, New Student Enrollment Michelle Hintz Agricultural Education Jose Solorzano, Ana Rodriguez, Bashar Rizk, Hannah Fisher,
Randy Livingston, Grace Aranda, Lisa Wakefield, Suzanne Collier, Susan Miller,
Kathi Hart, Millie LeFrance, Robin Kruse, Audrey Mattson, Eva Gonzales, Verlaine
Walker, Lilian Schwartz, Barbara Foster, Roula Seikaly, Danielle Crounse, Cori
Cashen, Patty Estes, James Cook, Carlton Bradford Cathy Nicholson Human Resources Melody Hoopes Real Estate Administration Lauren Bivona Womens Studies Elizabeth Acree, Greg Andrews, Laura Briggs, Ruth Canamar,
Elliott Cheu, Michael Devine, Mark Harr ell, Paula Johnson, Gerald Jubb ,
Stephen Miller, Pat Murray, Rhonda Ormsby, Michael Shupe, Albert Tarcola, Jeanne
Voyles, Cyndy Watson, Joseph Wilder & Rex Woods Robert Clark Facilities Management Custodial Joanne Canalli System and Industrial Engineering D ebra HoeftOff ice Specialist UA South
The Employee Recognition Steering Team and the Staff Advisory Council want to thank all those who assisted in making this recognition event a huge success. We are all winners. Employee Recognition Steering Team
Arts Committee Grace Aranda AlphGraphic #12
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