Employee Recognition Award
PAST WINNERS!
Kim Schauss receives first Support Staff Award
Kim Schauss, administrative assistant in the Chemistry Department, is the
recipient of the first Support Staff Performance Recognition Award. Angela Torres, chair of Staff Council, announced the award at the Support Staff luncheon on August 14. Twelve support staff members were nominated for the award.
Established earlier this year, the award “recognizes extraordinary professional contributions and quality service of support staff and their integral role in advancing the University’s mission and fulfilling its promise in preparing students to live wisely.” It includes a $500 prize, recognition in the University Notes and on the Staff Council Web site, and a trophy.
Schauss, formerly administrative clerk in the Office of the Registrar, was awarded the Student Government Association’s Staff Member of the Year award in 2005 and again in 2007. She joined USI in 2002.
Also nominated for the award were John Bush, Carolyn Campbell, Kathy Carr, Kristy Dedmond, Christopher Hogue, Terry Martin, Elna Mattingly, Kimberly Reddington, Kim Shelton, Mary Spahn, and Diana Utley.
Mary Spahn receives the 2008 Staff Award
Mary Spahn, administrative assistant in the College of Business, is the recipient
of the second annual Support Staff Performance Recognition Award. The award was announced at the Employee Recognition Luncheon on August 12, 2008.
Established last year, the award "recognizes extraordinary professional contributions and quality service of support staff and their integral role in advancing the University's mission and fulfilling its promise in preparing students to live wisely." It includes a $500 prize and a trophy.
Spahn was formerly a textbook assistant in the USI Bookstore. She joined the College of Business in June.
USI's "Mr. Fix-It" Ross Hettenbach receives the 2009 Staff Award
Ross Hettenbach, lead maintenance mechanic in the Physical Plant, received well-deserved recognition when he was presented with the 2009 Support Staff Performance Recognition Award at the Support Staff luncheon on August 11.
Established in 2007, the award “recognizes extraordinary professional
contributions and quality service of support staff and their integral role in advancing the University’s mission and fulfilling its promise in preparing students to live wisely.” It includes a $500 prize, recognition in USI Today and on the Staff Council Web site, and a traveling trophy.
In nominating him for the award, Hettenbach's colleagues cited his responsiveness, expertise, and positive attitude. "Ross seems to be one of the most sought-after individuals on campus, yet somehow manages to be right where you need him, when you need him," one wrote.
Others were similarly complimentary:
"Ross is USI’s personal Mr. Fix-it. There is no job too big or too small; it seems he can do it all."
"Ross understands the concept of team work and combines two concepts that all too often are not found together: hard work and a friendly attitude."
"Because of Ross’s work ethic and personality, he has a way of getting everything done somehow, someway.”
Hettenbach joined USI in 1985. As lead maintenance mechanic, he is responsible for electrical, plumbing, locksmith, painting, and general maintenance. He and his wife Susan have two grown sons and four grandchildren.
Also nominated for the Support Staff Award were Marinea Gross, Billy Littlefield, Linda Dillbeck, Bonnie Scheller, Barbara Goodwin, Kay Myrick, Lucy Schenk, Wendy Lemons, Carol Diedrich, and Kim Reddington.
Written by: Wendy Knipe Bredhold, News & Information Services
2010 WINNER - THERESA DAUGHERTY
(written by: Sarah Harlan - News and Information Services for the USIToday)
Theresa is the recipient of the 2010 Support Staff Performance Recognition Award. Chris Jines, former chair of Staff Council, announced the award at the Support Staff luncheon on August 12. Twelve support staff members were nominated for the award. Established in 2007, the award “recognizes extraordinary professional contributions and quality service of support staff and their integral role in advancing the University’s mission and fulfilling its promise in preparing students to live wisely.” It includes a $500 prize, recognition in USI Today and on the Staff Council Web site, and a trophy.
Daugherty joined USI in 2003 as a custodial worker in the Physical Plant. She transferred to Distribution Services in 2004.
Daugherty’s nomination forms are full of praise for the enthusiasm she exhibits during her courier route. “She shows up with a bounce in her step, a friendly greeting, and a big smile on her face,” one USI employee wrote of Daugherty. Another wrote that Daugherty “also delivers a bit of sunshine with every visit.”
“I’m just doing my job,” Daugherty said. “I try to get the mail to the departments as quickly as possible. When I deliver boxes they are always happy to see me, just like it’s Christmas.”
Fellow employees cited her devotion to USI when nominating her for this award. “She inspires everyone around her with her dedication and caring,” one employee wrote. “Her integrity projects through every aspect of her job,” another employee wrote.
Daugherty’s sister, Donna Moore, administrative assistant in the Department of Engineering , wrote about how deserving she felt the award was for her sister. “She is now and has always given her best effort in what she does,” Donna said. “It doesn’t matter what the circumstance, she’s always the first to offer a hand. She has a lot of energy and is always thinking of ways to help others even before they know they need it. She is one of a kind and I’m proud to call her my sister and my best friend.”
Daugherty said she couldn’t have earned this award without the support of her colleagues in Distribution Services. “I want to thank my boss and co-workers that are always helpful,” Daugherty said.
Nominate A Co-Worker
The Support Staff Performance Recognition Award began in 2007 and all benefit-eligible support staff (full and part-time) who have been employed by the University for one year are eligible to either nominate or be nominated for this annual award. Voting by Staff Council members will be held in June and the award will be presented during the University's fall Employee Recognition Luncheon.
In addition to the "traveling" trophy, there is a monetary award of $500 to the winner.
Only full and part-time benefit-eligible support staff are eligible to nominate a support staff member for the award. Staff Council members cannot nominate a staff member or receive the award.