Staff Senate
The University of Montana
Shelley Hiniker, President
(406) 243-6643
Kudos Archive
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Mary Kamensky
Administrative Officer, Graduate School
Thanks to Mary for doing all the heavy lifting on the Sloan Scholars program.
Not only was she instrumental in getting the Sloan Foundation grant, but she is the "go-to" person for the all graduate student funding. She handled all the details for the Sloan banquet and the honoring of the students and their families.
There's nobody like Mary, and I'm the luckiest Dean on campus.
Submitted by David Strobel, Graduate School Dean
And another...
I have wanted to nominate Mary for an award for a long time and this will do for starters. She does an amazing job in her position as Assistant to the Dean in the Graduate School. Speaking as one who used to do that same job, the job requirements have changed so drastically that I am constantly amazed as what she is able to accomplish. She works constantly but is always willing to go the extra mile. Although not trained in accounting, her job deals constantly with large budgets, travel, and several new and different programs for graduate students. She is also involved with diversity on campus and is a wonderful champion for Native American and international students.
In addition to all of this, she and her family manage a greenhouse in the spring and early summer and start tomato plants so that the rest of us can enjoy the tomatoes all summer. Thanks, Mary, for doing such a wonderful job.
Submitted by Jeanne Franz, Wildlife Biology Staff
Kerry Kienberger
Banner/Computer Support Specialist, Information Technology
Kerry has been very helpful introducing and teaching new Banner/computer systems to the staff. She has spent individual time with me in demystifying new versions of Paris (now Banner) and Banner. She's an excellent teacher with lots of technical knowledge and the ability to remediate new methods and concepts with people like me!
She goes beyond the job description to help others and is an exemplary model as a team player.
Submitted by Wendy Woollett, Administrative Associate, School of Physical Therapy
And another…
Kerry has gone “above and beyond” for the Music Department on several occasions. She has come to our department to help us set up FINDW and BANNER when I was hired, when my computer crashed, and most recently helped me reconnect when transferring to another computer. At this time Kerry was “working from home.” I later found out that she was supposed to be taking time off, but she wanted to help me reconnect, so….above and beyond!
Kerry is also an excellent instructor. I have taken several classes (ITO) from her and received a good understanding from each and every one for the material presented.Kerry is cheerful, energetic and helpful, a credit to her department and to UM.
Submitted by Janis Davis, Music Department
Barbara Komberec
Admin. Associate II, CHPBS
KUDOS to Barbara for continuing as secretary to Staff Senate for an additional year when no one else would take that position. You have done a wonderful job, and you will be missed in the Senate. Barbara took meticulous minutes and has an eye for detail and is very organized. I hope you run again for Staff Senate some day!
Submitted by Renee Valley, Sports Information
Mary Ellen Krell
Manager, Campus Quick Copy
My research partner, Helena Hoas, Ph.D., and I asked Mary Ellen to assist us with the production of a patient safety manual. Her work was of the highest quality and attention to all aspects of the job was notable. Her suggestions, overall assistance, and follow up greatly enhanced the final project.
Submitted by Ann Cook, Psychology Faculty
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Jace Laakso
IT Central Supervisor, Information Technology
Recently students needed equipment (TV, VCR, DVD) for their classroom presentations, but failed to ask the instructor to make the necessary reservations. When the students got to the classroom ready to present and found the equipment they needed was not there, we asked Jace—at the very last minute--to get them the equipment they needed. Not only did Jace come through and quickly get the equipment where it was needed, he did it in a calm and kind manner. He is a pleasure to work with. Jace would have been justified in not responding instantly to these last minute requests, but he truly is grace under pressure. Jace goes the extra mile to assist us and does it with a warm and welcoming personality.
Jace is one of the many vital UM Staff we depend on to make our classes more effective. I truly appreciate him in my capacity both as a student and a staff member. Thank you, Jace!
Submitted by Kris Black, Program Coordinator, Women's Studies, and senior in Philosophy
And another...
Jace bends over backward to help our department. Many of our plans would fall through if not for his willingness to save us. Jace's hard work is even more crucial when we host our Foreign Languages and Literatures Day event. We couldn't do it without him. He is always kind and always helpful beyond the call of duty.
Jace is a true asset to The University and an absolute pleasure to work with.
Submitted by Desiree Gerner, Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures staff
Wanda LaCroix
Administrative Associate, Radio-TV Department
Wanda is the best administrative associate a department could have. She works hard and efficiently on managing the affairs and finances of the RTV department. She takes on new tasks with energy, confidence and a great attitude. Wanda makes every effort to remember the names of all of our majors. She's even made the long and dreary task of advising fun by handing out candy to students and faculty. She keeps the faculty and staff organized, and she's always smiling and positive.
We're extremely lucky to have Wanda LaCroix as a part of the Radio-Television Department. She's the main reason that the RTV offices at 730 Eddy are like our second home. Thanks Wanda!
Submitted by Ray Ekness, Chair, Department of Radio-Television
And another...
Without the hard work of Wanda the entire Radio-Television department would fall into a complete mire of confusion. Without Wanda the copy machine at 730 Eddy would be a plastic box surrounded by confused-looking people. Without Wanda professors and students alike would have no idea where they were supposed to be and why they were supposed to be there. And without Wanda there would be no Roy Orbison to chuckle at or no spoon pen to borrow or no great letters-to-the-editor to read. Thanks Wanda for all you do. On behalf of the entire RTV department, teachers and students, kudos to you.
Submitted by Eli Bierwag, fourth year Radio-Television student
And another...
If it wasn't for Wanda, the entire department would crumble. She keeps us all in line. Thanks Wanda.
Submitted by Jace Christensen, TV Production/Marketing Student
Greg Lee
Media Specialist, Academic Affairs
Greg is such a hard worker. He is our artist and does beautiful work. He never complains about anything. He just keeps at it. Greg's cheerful attitude brings the rest of us joy every day.
Submitted by Darlene, Academic Affairs
