Michael's enduring spirit earns her the Employee Recognition Award

Perseverance through hardships, strong work ethic and enthusiasm earned Denise Michael, administrative assistant in Teacher Education, this year's Staff Council Employee Recognition Award. Michael, a former investment banker from Springfield, Illinois, relocated to Evansville three years ago and was attracted by the opportunity to work in a university setting. "You step onto campus and it's just like a different world," she said. "I love the atmosphere of always learning. It doesn't matter what walk of life anyone comes from, we're all here to learn."

Michael, who has endured a staggering amount of struggle and loss over the past year, says her co-workers have been a source of comfort and a second family to her, and she calls USI her "home." Yet despite all the difficulties she's faced she continues to exude positive energy, determination and devotion to her role at USI. Her nominator, Dr. Robert Boostrom, professor of teacher education, said "She has remained astonishingly upbeat, creating an office that is both visually pleasing and welcoming."

Dr. Jennifer Mohr, associate professor of education, says Michael understands that the students are the reason we're here. "She is always pleasant and helpful and never sends a student away without answers, reassurance and encouragement."

Working with students in the Teacher Education Program is especially important to Michael. "It all begins with education," she said. "It's vital that our students be the best they can be in the program, because they will touch so many lives. They're shaping what this world will be like tomorrow." 

About the award

The Staff Council's annual Employee Recognition Award recognizes extraordinary professional contributions and quality service of USI's support staff and their integral role in advancing the University's mission. After the nomination process, Staff Council serve as the selection committee. Names of nominees are removed prior to voting ensuring a fair selection process. The recipient receives a traveling trophy, a letter of recognition and a cash award of $500.

During the Employee Recognition Luncheon for support staff, many other USI employees were recognized and celebrated for reaching milestones. Those include:

5 years:

• Elena Adcock, custodial services, Physical Plant
• Bryce A. Anker, HVAC operator, Physical Plant
• Angela J. Bledsoe, senior administrative assistant, Registrar's Office
• Garry K. Culver, lead maintenance mechanic, Physical Plant
• Joy L. Fein, administrative assistant, Health Services
• Megan L. Glenn, senior program assistant, Historic Southern Indiana
• Donald L. Haller, maintenance mechanic, Physical Plant
• Scott E. Lenfers '98, lead maintenance mechanic, Physical Plant
• Katie E. Loehrlein, instruction and outreach librarian, David L. Rice Library
• Lee M. McClanahan, maintenance mechanic, Physical Plant
• Heather R. Odom, senior administrative assistant, College of Nursing and Health Professions
• Tamra A. Oliver, recruiting supervisor, Career Services and internships
• Robert L. Politz, maintenance mechanic, Physical Plant
• Dee A. Schneider, cashier, Bursar's Office
• Kimberly M. Sullivan, advising associate, College of Nursing and Health Professions
• Julie A. Whorl, administrative assistant, Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education
• Rhonda R. Woolsey, Event Services supervisor, Special Events and Scheduling Services

10 years:

• Vicki L. Bierley, senior administrative assistant, Distance Learning
• Jeri A. Broshears, senior administrative assistant, Student Development Programs
• Michele L. Duran '91, senior administrative associate, Academic Affairs
• Stephen R. Elsfelder, custodial services, Physical Plant
• Randal J. McClanahan, lead grounds maintenance worker, Physical Plant
• Michael J. Mikulski '05, audio visual assistant, Information Technology
• Sara K. Rhoades '06 M'11, senior gallery associate, New Harmony Gallery of Contemporary Art
• Suzanne Schroeder, senior administrative assistant, Academic Skills
• Amy J. Stills '08, administrative assistant, Student Development Programs
• Debra K. Wagner, laboratory assistant, Evansville Center for Medical Education
• Richard K. Weaver, custodial services, Physical Plant
• Rebecca S. Weinzapfel, senior purchasing assistant, Procurement Services

15 years:

• Brian K. Brown, custodial services, Physical Plant
• Carol A. Burgdorf, senior administrative assistant, Public Safety
• Jonathon L. Cassady, custodial services, Physical Plant
• Marjorie A. Cox '06, dispatcher, Public Safety
• Linda C. Dillbeck, administrative associate, Romain College of Business
• Jean E. Kueber, senior administrative assistant, Intramural operations
• Gayle M. Jessie '07, administrative assistant, College of Liberal Arts
• Pamela B. Moore, senior administrative assistant, College of Liberal Arts
• Jalane A. Weber '02, administrative assistant, Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education

20 years:

• Anthony D. Faulk, maintenance mechanic, Physical Plant
• George E. Masterson Jr., lead offset print operator, Creative and Print Services
• Donna B. Moore, administrative assistant, Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education
• Marsha G. Salee '10 M'13, materials, equipment and storeroom supervisor, Physical Plant
• Darryl A. Sandage, lead custodial worker, Physical Plant

25 years:

• Karen M. Altstadt, publications associate, Creative and Print Services
• John C. Busch, lead maintenance mechanic, Physical Plant
• Willie E. Dortch, custodial services, Physical Plant
• Joseph E. Hagan, data communications coordinator, Information Technology
• Pamela S. Hurley, senior administrative assistant, Information Technology
• Billy N. Littlefield II, electronic controls technician, Physical Plant
• Angela J. Martin '03, help desk assistant, Information Technology
• Larry D. Wildeman, HVAC and central plant supervisor, Physical Plant

30 Years

• Christine Crews, administrative associate, Historic New Harmony
• Deborah A. Strueh, accounting supervisor, Business Office Accounting

35 Years

• Rose M. Scruggs, electronic services coordinator, David L. Rice Library

40 Years

• John R. McPherson Jr., custodial services, Physical Plant

Recently retired

• Willie E. Dortch, Physical Plant
• Pamela B. Moore, College of Liberal Arts
• Michael J. Taylor, Physical Plant
• Deborah J. Whiteside, University Division