Paula Baker

Compliance Specialist, Office of the Vice President for Research and Development

I would like to nominate Paula Baker for her very speedy and efficient work.  Without the IRB staff, my research group would not be able to function.  Each semester, students approach me because they want to join my research group.  In many universities it could take weeks or months to get research assistants added to IRB approval.  At UM it typically takes one or two days!  I coudln't ask for more.  I am so grateful!  Thank you!

Submitted by Naomi Shin

Shannon Brilz

Program Manager, University Center Administration

Shannon has done a tremendous job this year providing leadership to her direct staff and those across the department.  I want to give her a KUDOS and thank her for modeling what it means to step up and lead!

Submitted by Anonymous

Victoria Clark

Provost/Academic Affairs

Victoria Clark is the Director of the Bitterroot College Program of the UM (BCP).  She demonstrates all the qualities I believe are non-negotiable in an excellent leader.  She listens closely to others, is an excellent mentor, walks the walk, and talks the talk, and takes seriously her fiscal responsibility for the program.  Until I was hired in October 2010, Victoria was the only staff here at the BCP - for more than two years!  She virtually ran everything by herself - from student services and issues, enrollment, setting class schedules, managing the budget, and on and on!  She works endless hours every week to ensure that BCP remains a UM projgram of excellence.

The BCP students and faculty respect and adore Tory.  Her "student-centered" attitude is demonstrated by her daily words and actions.  The students here know, without a doubt, that Tory has their best interest at heart.  I have learned a lot from her as I continue to learn and grow in my position - not so much about the mechanics of the job, but, rather, the character and passion required in helping each student succeed.  She definitely deserves KUDOS!

Submitted by Kathleen O'Leary

Brian Fruit

Campus Recreation

Brian is a pleasure to work with and cares tremendously about his work and the work of his student employees.  He also helps me out every semester by getting the intramural fields ready for play, which is a big help to me and the intramural program!

Submitted by Natalie Hiller-Claridge

Linda Green

Program Manager, Curry Health Center

Linda is one of the hardest working people I've ever had the pleasure of working with.  She takes so much pride in her job!  Her work on campus has changed the lives of every student by promoting healthier lifestyle choices and wellness methods.  Not many students know her, but should!  She helped pass the Tobacco Free Campus policy and has been part of the effort to provide students with free programs and other health wellness supplies.  Her drive and passion for what she does is amazing!

Submitted by Stephen Seder

Dena Griffin

Planning and Construction Facilities Services

Dena's continuous ability to provide customer service to the University community as well as the off campus community with a warm, friendly professional approach makes her an asset to our operation.  Thank you, Dena, for your continuous service!

Submitted by Julie Maxwell, Planning and Construction Facilities Services, 11/18/2011

Aaron Heiner

Computer Support Specialist, Intercollegiate Athletics

Aaron always has a welcoming smile, a great attitude, and his work is second to none!  No matter the hour we call him, Aaron is always Johnny-on-the-spot and willing to work tirelessly throughout the day or night to remedy any problems that come along.  Whether he's relaxed or stressed (and he never looks stressed), he still has the quick wit he is known for.  Aaron, thank you for taking GREAT care of us!

Submitted by Pam Erickson

Colleen Hoffman

Administrative Associate for the Vice President for Research

I would like to nominate Colleen Hoffman for her very speedy and efficient work.  Without the IRB staff, my research group would not be able to function.  Each semester, students approach me because they want to join my research group.  In many universities it could take weeks or months to get research assistants added to IRB approval.  At UM it typically takes one or two days!  I couldn't ask for more.  I am so grateful to all of the IRB staff!  Thank you!

Submitted by Naomi Shin

Michelle Hummer

Administrative Associate, Office of Public Safety

Michelle demonstrates hard work and dedication to staff, faculty, students and visitors.  She is always friendly and professional.  She shows so much patience in stressful and ongoing situations!

Submitted by Cerise McLean

Karen Hunt

Computer Systems Analyst, Information Technology

Our department (TRiO Student Support Services) is required to submit an annual report on the progress of our students to the Federal Department of Education.  The report includes 36 separate pieces of data on over 1,400 students.  Only a few days before the report deadline, I realized that one of the data sets had a significant number of errors, and I called Karen in a panic with an urgent, last-minute request for a new report.  Despite all of the demands on her schedule and time, she made our report a priority and had it to me within a few hours.  The entire TRiO SSS department was incredibly grateful for her effort!

Submitted by Heather

Mary Kamensky

Administrative Associate - Graduate School

Mary is passionate about helping Native American students at the University of Montana.  To say things like "bending over backwards" or "going the extra mile," even "going above and beyond" are really insufficient in describing the passionate commitment Mary has for helping Indian students achieve at UM.  She takes the time to treat each person as an individual, gets to know them, is a shoulder to cry on, a pillar in adversity, a compassionate friend, a parent, a wise co-worker, and a grandmother to our children!  Mary is the hub of the Graduate School and is really a friend each and every graduate student should get to know.  What an honor it is to have Mary in my life.  I can't thank her enough for believing in me!

Submitted by Aislinn HeavyRunner-Rioux

Stephanie Lyons

Facilities Associate, Facilities Services

Stephanie is the custodian in The Payne Family Native American Center.  She does a fabulous job keeping this beautiful facility shining from top to bottom.  The NAS Department and UM students think she deserves recognition for a job well done and for being such an important part of our team. Thank you for caring about this building as much as we do, Stephanie!

Submitted by Sherry Dupuis

Maryeleni Alexandra Mountzouri

Food Services

Alexandra maintains excellence in performance and customer service when working with peer staff and when assisting all customers.

Submitted by Lacey Rodriguez, Ka Woen Gwun, and Yoon Soo Nam

Kristi Murphy

Licensure Specialist, PJW College of Education and Human Sciences

I could go on and on about how fantastic Kristi is.  She's super sharp, very articulate, and knows everything we need to know to advise students who are pursuing teaching licenses.  She accomplishes all relevant tasks quickly, efficiently, and thoroughly.  For any and all questions regarding our language teaching programs, Kristi is the Go-To person.  And she's FAST with her responses.  I feel so thankful that she's in charge of licensing.  I feel so thankful that I get to work with someone like Kristi!  Thank you, Kristi!

Submitted by Naomi Shin

Shauna Murphy

Journey Graphic Artist, Printing and Graphics

I have worked with Shauna for the past five years on the Mortar Board Outstanding Senior Recognition Ceremony just before graduation.  In just a few words it's hard to express appropriate appreciation for her level of professionalism.  She is hardworking, sincere, patient, creative, and artistic. Without her and the team at Printing & Graphics, most of us wouldn't look as good at our events, in our publications or designs.  Thank you so much, Shauna!

Submitted by Jennifer Zellmer-Cuaresma

Nicole Thompson

Accounting Associate - Business Services

Nicole can answer all my travel questions without hesitation and has been very patient with all my travel questions and requests, no matter how small or off-the-wall they may sound!

Submitted by Valerie Costilla

Janet Zupan

Learning Strategist, TRiO Student Support Services

Janet has not only been my advisor and introduced me to all of TRiO's services, but she is a great friend who is always willing to talk when I'm going through a rough time.  Recently she also helped me get a grant through TRiO because she knew how much I needed it.  Without that grant I would have had to drop a class this semester.  Janet goes above and beyond what she has to do on a daily basis, and I know I'm not the only one she does this for.

Submitted by April Westberry