Eight civil service staff employees will be honored with the Chancellor's Distinguished Staff Award at a banquet April 22. The award recognizes exceptional performance.
Each recipient receives $2,000 and a plaque. Recipients' names also are engraved on a plaque displayed in the Staff Human Resources Office. The names of past winners are online.
Permanent staff employees with at least two years of service or retired employees in status appointments during the calendar year may be nominated for the award. A committee recommends finalists, who are then approved by the chancellor.
Melissa D. Banks, the office manager in the department of statistics, provides assistance with grants, appointments, registration, master's and postdoctoral admissions and event planning.
Since she joined the department in August 2008, the department's programs have grown dramatically and so have her responsibilities. In addition, with the external transfer of an administrative aide last year, Banks stepped up to take on the leadership role in the business office, managing new responsibilities while at the same time training new staff members to take on her prior responsibilities.
"During the entire time that she has been with us she has exhibited an outstanding commitment both to improving her knowledge and capabilities as an administrative professional and to improving the administrative and business functions of the department," said Douglas Simpson, a professor and the chair of the department. "Not only is she extremely efficient and proactive in managing her myriad responsibilities, she is an enthusiastic problem solver who time and time again has identified areas where we as a department could do things more efficiently, and then proceeded to come up with the procedures to make it happen."
In addition, as a central staff member in the department she maintains excellent relations with faculty members, co-workers, students and visitors to the department. "She is a cheerful and talented co-worker and an outstanding member of our workplace community," Simpson said.
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Danial Branson, a laboratory animal care technician in the Division of Animal Resources, provides quality care that is important not only to the well-being of each animal but also to the integrity of research data.
The division is a service unit (within the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research) and directs the Laboratory Animal Care and Use Program.
"Danny's position requires a level of responsibility that is overwhelming to some people," wrote Tonja M. Henze, an animal facilities coordinator in the division, in her nomination letter. "Every animal must be cared for every day of the year. Danny recognizes the importance of his work assignments and takes each one seriously."
Branson has worked for the division since 2008 after making a career change. "In very short order he distinguished himself by totally immersing himself into his assignments and achieving national certification from the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science at the Laboratory Animal Technician level," said Lyndon J. Goodly, the director of the division, in his letter of support.
"Danny's willingness to tackle new assignments and his outstanding work ethic have made him an invaluable member of our animal care staff team," Goodly said. "He has been cross-trained at four animal facilities, allowing DAR to be fluid and agile in responding to changing operational needs. It takes a special person, with a calm demeanor, consistent and reliable work habits, and the ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of people to serve in this capacity."
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Joan M. Fiesta, a police sergeant with the U. of I. Police Department in the Division of Public Safety, coordinates and assists in the management of accreditation, crime prevention and human resource functions. In addition, she performs supervisory police work that involves supervising and assigning the management of police patrol and criminal investigation.
"Her analytical and writing skills coupled with her passion toward community-based public safety have resulted in our agency being awarded extremely competitive grants and funding," said Jeffrey T. Christensen, the executive director of public safety and chief of police.
One such award was a grant through the Community Oriented Policing Services Office that was tied to community outreach initiatives and problem-solving efforts surrounding sexual assault, alcohol abuse and incidence of crimes such as robbery and aggravated battery. The division was awarded more than $600,000 to cover the salaries of three new officers over three years.
Fiesta also is an advocate of training people to help protect themselves. As a longtime program instructor for Rape Aggression Defense classes, she has trained more than 2,000 women. Through her leadership, the program has grown not only with more courses offered each semester, but also with the addition of courses for men and children and one tailored for people with disabilities.
"Sgt. Fiesta's work is truly remarkable, and without a doubt her efforts have enhanced the safety of our community," Christensen wrote.
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Gregory S. Harman, an office support specialist in the Graduate and Professional Admissions unit of the Graduate College, serves as the front line for thousands of students seeking admission to graduate programs at the U. of I. He is usually the first person that potential applicants talk with and he handles all problems with the online application system. In addition, he is the contact for campus units with admissions-related issues.
"Gregory's extensive knowledge of admissions policies and procedures, combined with his solid dedication and his remarkably patient demeanor, allow him to serve both applicants and departments in a manner that exemplifies the absolute highest level of professionalism," said Andrea Golato, an associate dean in the Graduate College, in her nomination letter.
Each year, he walks thousands of students through the admissions process and trains units on the ever-changing policies and procedures regarding graduate admissions, Golato said. "Most often, applicants and staffers contact him only when there is a problem. Frequently, the problems are urgent, and the applicants are upset. Gregory, however, remains forever unruffled and positive. He treats everyone with respect, and he takes personal responsibility for resolving whatever problem is before him," she said.
"The Graduate and Professional Admissions unit is a very busy unit with a very small staff," said Elizabeth Spark, the unit's director. "He's always calm and patient and never lets his customer service fall below an exceptional level. The quality and quantity of work that Gregory produces for us on a daily basis is always outstanding."
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Kenneth W. Hill, an electrician for Facilities and Services, has been an invaluable asset through his work at the U. of I. research farms.
The facilities - ranging in age from fairly new to very old - all carry out critical functions from research feed manufacturing to climate-controlled animal care facilities. Any loss of power, or malfunction of controllers or equipment could have serious consequences.
Hill works with the managers of these multimillion dollar research facilities and does an excellent job in not only prioritizing problems as they arise, but also in communicating how and when he will handle each request. "Dealing with the needs of various animals, professors, farm managers, farm workers and students takes a special kind of diplomacy and understanding which Kenny shows at every turn," wrote Chet W. Utterback, a senior agriculture research technician in the department of animal sciences, in his nomination letter.
In addition, working as an electrician on livestock farms presents many unique challenges such as high dust levels, extreme temperatures and high noise levels. The Poultry Research Farm, for example, has incubators, for chick-hatching, which have a complex electrical system that controls temperature, humidity and ventilation as well as turning the eggs. Many farms have digitally controlled ventilation systems, which are critical not only from an animal welfare standpoint, but also for research.
"Kenny is a natural born fixer who loves what he does," said John G. Dempsey, the executive director of Facilities and Services. "He is a bright star among our electricians."
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Laura A. Ketchum is a business manager I in the department of education policy, organization and leadership in the College of Education.
"Laura's work ethic, her high level of performance, her attention to detail and her ability to handle multiple and demanding tasks efficiently and effectively represent the highest level of professionalism and overall excellence," said K. Peter Kuchinke, a professor of education policy, organization and leadership.
As assistant to the department head, Ketchum manages assignments associated with promotion and tenure, faculty reports and senate elections, and she serves as a liaison to the Faculty Advisory Committee, Office of the Dean and other college units. As coordinator for the Academic and Instructional Services Office, she oversees online and on-campus admissions, student records, course scheduling and faculty teaching loads. She is responsible for new employee orientation and for the continuing education and cross-training of staff members.
Ketchum consistently goes above and beyond her regular duties, familiarizing herself with the department's academic program requirements and assisting students to make sure they successfully complete their courses of study on time.
Ketchum took the lead on the administrative aspects of the planned merger of three departments into a new unit and at the same time emerged as a leader in the planning and implementation of a shared services team of administrative staff members in the unit as well as a parallel structure at the college level.
"Among our faculty, Laura has earned a reputation as a leader in the area of administrative processes and procedures, helping faculty committees to improve processes and operate efficiently and effectively," Kuchinke said.
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Tishia M. Sutton, a building service worker for Facilities and Services, works with minimum supervision to clean and maintain Gregory Hall.
"When Tishia is finished with her daily schedule, she takes it upon herself to do other tasks keeping Gregory Hall in tip-top shape," wrote Mary E. Iberg, the office manager for the department of history, in her nomination letter.
"Tishia Sutton is one of our most dedicated employees, and she is always committed to doing the very best work possible to the extent of her considerable abilities," said Roy Specht, an F&S building service facilitator. "She is an independent, self-motivated person who is able to communicate effectively with supervisors, customers and her fellow building service workers."
Sutton was praised for teamwork, high values and outstanding customer service. "Tishia has the ability to find the best solution for any problem," Specht said.
Sutton earned her bachelor's degree taking night and weekend classes at Parkland College and Eastern Illinois University. Her experience as a student has given her a broader understanding and familiarity with the student population at the U. of I.
Because of her expertise and friendly manner, Sutton is sought out by other BSWs for guidance and feedback.
"Tishia is always courteous and lends a helping hand. Her initiative and knowledge are demonstrated within the halls and has made Gregory Hall an icon on the University of Illinois campus, and a more enjoyable place to work," Iberg said.
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Donna J. Zimmerman, an administrative clerk for the Office of the Dean in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, assists Matthew Tomaszewski, the associate dean for administration, in space issues for the units within the college (including the recent daunting task organizing and coordinating the move back into the newly renovated Lincoln Hall). She also assists Pat Hoey, the director of budget and resource planning, in issuing payments for bills, honorariums, reimbursements and payroll time sheet entries. In addition, she provides support for the Unit for Criticism and hourly appointment processing for the five units that make up LAS administration.
"Donna's office space is a revolving door with a whirlwind of employees, vendors, contractors and building service workers all needing or wanting something from her; she handles the chaos perfectly," wrote Stephanie L. Haas, the assistant director of human resources for LAS, in her nomination letter.
"I have never observed a moment of impatience or a cross word from Donna," said Ruth V. Watkins, the dean of the college, in a letter in support. "(This is) quite remarkable given the volume of her workload, the number of people depending on her and the sometimes imperfect nature of our requests. She is a critical team member for all of us in LAS."
In addition, through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Zimmerman has for many years been a wish-granter to local children with life threatening illnesses. "She puts her heart and soul into these projects," Haas said.
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