Staff Senate
The University of Montana
Shelley Hiniker, President
(406) 243-6643
Kudos Archive
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John Taylor
Culinary Services Supervisor, La Peak Coffee Shop
Every now and then I find someone on campus that makes our campus a special place for all students, faculty, staff, administrators and campus visitors, and I want to find ways to acknowledge that person.
Ever since I moved to Lommasson Center and started to use La Peak, I was very impressed with John's ability to remember names, his special personal greetings of most everyone that passes through LaPeak, and how he makes the day begin with a positive feeling. Well, John does this, day in and day out. His student staff is wonderful as well, as they help promote the positive effort and make one feel special. All-in-all, the La Peak staff, led by John, makes the Lommasson Center a wonderful place to be and a wonderful way to start the day with a nice latte. I am sure I speak for many that John and his staff are the best. all.
Submitted by Patrick Weasel Head, American Indian Student Services Administrator
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Renee Valley
Media Editor, Sports Information Department
Upon receiving the Staff Senate Update by e-mail today, I realized how often Renee takes time to reach out to her fellow staff across campus, as well as within her own department. Renee adds her creative flare and style to everything she does. Thanks Renee, for being such a strong link.
Submitted by Sue DeMers, Athletic Department
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Marlene Walsh
Accounting Associate, Business Services
Marlene Walsh works in the Student Billing department in Business Services. Marlene is an expert in understanding students' bills. Countless times during the year, I am faced with trying to explain to a student what some charges on the bill represent. Marlene is my steadfast “go to” person for solving problems and explaining fee charges. She is always patient, kind, courteous and understanding.
Today she met with me and five international graduate students who had questions about their fall bill. For 90 minutes she patiently went through the BANNER data she had extracted with the students and me. She treated the students respectfully and answered all of their questions so patiently. The students were very impressed with the level of professionalism she exhibited.
Marlene is retiring on Dec. 1, 2006. Although I am happy for her, I am very sad for the rest of us. The campus is losing an incredible resource. Thank you, Marlene, for your many years of excellence. You will be missed.
Submitted by Mary Kamensky, Graduate School
Kathleen Whetzel
Administrative Associate, School of Journalism
There is no one thing that prompts me to write in praise of Kathleen. In 25 years at the University I have never worked with someone who is so excellent in all she does, not just sometimes, but always. She's efficient, smart, organized, helpful and cheerful. She anticipates problems and looks for solutions before most people are aware there's a problem. If you ask her something she doesn't know, which is rare, she finds the answer.
I don't see how the school ever functioned without her. (Don't try to steal her either.) She's a gem.
Submitted by Carol VanValkenburg, Professor, School of Journalism
And another...
Kathleen is the full-time assistant to the dean of journalism. She has served on Staff Senate and worked on charitable giving. She is on the search committee for the Registrar and is active in the union. She does all this with a wonderful smile and outrageous efficiency. What an asset to the U of M!
Submitted by Wanda LaCroix, Radion/TV Staff
Christine Wilson
Administrative Associate II in the Media Arts Department
Christine was extremely helpful and full of information about the Media Arts graduate program. She seemed very passionate and honest about the program making it that more compelling. Thank you, Christine!
Submitted by Mindy, prospective graduate student
Sherrie Wright
Administrative Associate, Division of Biological Sciences
Sherrie goes out of her way every day for undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty, staff, administrators and the general public. If you have a question, you ask Sherrie. Sherrie will track down the answer like a detective, no matter who she has to call or how many calls she has to make to find out.
Sherrie takes care of our front desk, backs up our advising office, and is the communication hub of the department, among other duties. When she is gone, for an hour or a week, we really notice how we have come to rely on Sherrie's help and appreciate her enthusiasm. I couldn't do my job without her.
Submitted by Janean Clark, Division of Biological Sciences
