Staff Senate
The University of Montana
Tammy Yedinak, President
(406) 243-6195
Kudos
A
KRISTIE ANDERSON
Business Manager, Printing and Graphic Services
I called Kristie about a sophomore in my office thinking of dropping out because UM does not offer a grahic design major. After talking with Kristie, she coordinated a meeting that very day with graphic designers Neal and Shauna and the student. After the meeting, the student returned to my office thrilled - sharing how grateful she was. As a bonus, they offered her an internship so she can gain graphic design experience while completing her marketing degree at UM. A team of three went above and beyond giving a simple gift of time and encouragement which made all the difference in the success (and retention) of one student! KUDOS!
Submitted by Cheryl Minnick, Internship Services (5/8/09)
Mikie Arnson
Duplicating Shop Worker III, Printing and Graphic Services
Mikie has worked in the bindery area of Printing & Graphic Services for 12 years. She's one of those unsung heroes coming in working hard, physically all day. She also helps me with training and reviewing our student staff. I so appreciate her team efforts, especially in this area. I'd like to recognize her can do attitude and great work ethic. Thanks!
Submitted by Kristie, Printing and Graphic Services (12/11/08)
B
Carol Bates
Program Coordinator, Undergraduate Advising Center
I would like to extend heartfelt thanks and admiration to Carol Bates as the Peer Program Coordinator at the Undergraduate Advising Center. She is an amazing mentor to me, strong leader and colleague on our team, and dedicated to the students she serves. She should be honored and commended for managing, guiding and leading a nationally recognized student program for more than 20 years. She has served this university with dedication and extreme hard work. Most importantly, I have witnessed first hand her commitment to serving the programs and students at UM, and I have found no other who compares. In the simplest terms...I am grateful my friend and the university should be too.
Submitted by Jennifer, Undergraduate Advising Center(12/23/08)
Theresa Brown-Fritz
Information Specialist, Financial Aid/Enrollment Services
A women who has put up with me since we met in the fall of 2006. She dealt with an angry (at the time) and frustrated student who was quite unbearable on occasion. She is an angel. Thank you for your patience and help!
Submitted by Chip Lyon, Student (May 22, 2009)
Karen Blazevich
Administrative Associate, Registrar's Office
Great advising and a friendly ear at any time she's asked of her time! Thanks for all your help above and beyond.
Submitted by Chip Lyon, Student (May 22, 2009)
C
Callyn Casady
Administrative Associate, Biomedical & Pharmeceutical Sciences
When Callyn sends me a stack of committee appointments, they are crisp, clean, and completely filled in--no ambiguities, no missing numbers--everything is there. The great leap I feel in my heart as I look at one of her pages is a genuine bonus in a day when everything seems to be making itself harder than it needs to be.
Submitted by Peggy Miller, Graduate School (9/26/08)
Terri Coslet
Budget Analyst, Office of Research and Sponsored Programs
Terri was instrumental in getting a grant application out promptly and accurately. She worked diligently to make sure it was submitted with the correct and best information possible. And all with a helpful, positive attitude. Her efficiency, accuracy, and helpful attitude is invaluable. Terri is fabulously amazing.
Submitted by Teresa, Dept. of Drama/Dance (12/11/08)
And another...
I just found out about this site, so actually this nomination is cumulative for all the wonderful things Terri has done in the past few years. She has been unfailingly patient with me as she has walked me through learning how to apply for grants, and manage sub-contracts, and so much more. Her patience is exceeded only by her wonderful nature. I am just so appreciative of both Terri's competence, and her manner, which is always helpful, straightforward, and with a wonderful spark of life!
Submitted by Marsha Katz, Rural Institute (4/13/09)
Debbie Crawford
Administrative Associate II, School of Education
Debbie is the administrative assistant for the School of Education. She is an invaluable asset to our department and too often the unsung heroine. I can't tell you how many times Debbie has loaned me her master key so I can get into my office as I have once again raced out to class and left my keys in my office. She's there to help in a crisis!
Submitted by Lisa Blank, Faculty, Curriculum and Instruction, School of Education(12/11/08)
David Crowley
Custodian, Facilities Services
David single-handedly took on the task of putting together a Toastmasters group for staff and students. He also single-handedly got it so that campus Toastmasters groups are now a part of staff professional development. This was quite the feat. Thank you, David, for your dedication to UM and its staff!
Submitted by Renee Valley, Athletic Dept. (3/11/09)
D
SHERRY DUPUIS
Administrative Associate, Native American Studies
This nomination is prompted by Sherry's extraordinary contributions to the Native American Studies department. Sherry's efforts are many, but one of her most important contributions often goes unnoticed - one of the first things Sherry does when she arrives to the NAS building in the morning is turn on the coffee maker! She knows that students need their coffee, and she makes sure it is hot and ready when they come through the building. She also manages the NAS computer lab - which may not sound like a big deal but some days becomes a full-time job! She is helpful and friendly to both students and faculty and deserves "kudos!"
Submitted by Salena Hill, NAS (12/30/08)
G
JANA GERARD
Admissions Evaluator, Enrollment Services
This pat on the back and hearty thank you to Jana is long overdue. The entire evaluator's office deserves praise and thanks for their efforts, support and dedication in their work to students and staff each and every day. However, I really have to express extra gratitude to Jana for going above and beyond in her help, patience and sincerity with all my questions, calls, drop-ins, and last minute issues especially during priority registration and throughout the semester. What a wealth of knowledge, dedication and commitment comes from this lady! Without a blink or misstep in stride she graciously tended to the issues no matter the time of day or project awaiting her. Thank you...your service and genuineness is a welcome appreciation from your coworker down the hall.
Submitted by Jennifer Zellmer-Cuaresma, Undergraduate Advising Center (12/30/08)
H
MEGHAN HACKNEY
Program Assistant, Adams Center Ticket Office
There are many wonderful employees in the Ticket Office, and Meghan Hackney is just one of them. Meghan is one of the newest members of the Ticket Office and is always willing to help out in all area's of her department and always has a beautiful smile to greet you with. Kudo's to you, Meghan, for the little extra things you do too!
Submitted by Pam, Athletic Dept. (9/26/08)
J
Linda Jesse
Administrative Associate, Registrar's Office
A sweet, gorgeous woman who has always been there for me when I have been in need of crucial information regarding my file and transcript questions. Thanks for your help, Linda, you're the Bee's Knee's!
Submitted by Chip Lyon, Student (May 22, 2009)
L
LOU LAAKSO
Admissions Evaluator, Enrollment Services
This pat on the back and hearty thank you to Lou is long overdue. The entire evaluator's office deserves praise and thanks for their efforts, support and dedication in their work to students and staff each and every day. However, I really have to express extra gratitude to Lou for going above and beyond in her help, patience and sincerity with all my questions, calls, drop-ins, and last minute issues especially during priority registration and throughout the semester. What a wealth of knowledge, dedication and commitment comes from this lady! Without a blink or misstep in stride she graciously tended to the issues no matter the time of day or project awaiting her. Thank you...your service and genuineness is a welcome appreciation from your coworker down the hall.
Submitted by Jennifer Zellmer-Cuaresma, Undergraduate Advising Center (12/30/08)
Kay Lamphiear
Purchasing Manager, Business Services
Faculty/Staff Wellness operates the Montana University System WellBaby Program. One of the benefits of the program is a $50 Savings Bond for participants newborns. We took over this program from StarPoint because we knew we could offer greater benefits at a lower cost and increase participation in this exceptional benefit program. The purpose of the savings bond was to give a "value added" thank you for participating.
Because Savings Bonds must be purchased with cash, I could not complete the transaction with a ProCard. I needed help in navigating a cash transaction with the proper paperwork and documentation. I also needed help finding a bank that would be willing to work with the program to process 300 - 400 Savings Bonds applications each year.
Kay responded to a "please help" emai I broadcast to business services. She helped me by arranging for UM's bank to provide the forms and process the bond purchases. She helped both myself and my co-worker, Angela, understand the process we needed to go through to request the check to pay for the bonds and when it came time to put it all together - she physically walked me through the process and introduced be to other Business Services staff who will be helping me accomplish this task.
She went above and beyond helping me to learn more about an area that I don't usually work in and was very kind, responsive and friendly. She made my job much easier! Thanks very much!
Submitted by Lisa Hofman, MUS Wellness Programs (8/26/09)
Jayna Lutz
Academic Advisor, School of Education
Jayna has been advising me and helping me with my class schedule and had been incredibly helpful. Thank you, Jayna!
Submitted by Joyce Morgan, Pre Education Student (12/11/08)
And another...
Jayna is an invaluable asset to the School of Education. She advises University students who are considering Education as their field of study and sets them on an accurate course. Jayna will go out of her way to advise students, work with students and parents during Orientation and work closely with faculty and staff of the School of Ed. Hear's to all you do Jayna! Kudos to you.
Submitted by Debbie Crawford, School of Education (12/30/08)
M
Cheryl Minnick
Employment Services Coordinator, Internship Services
Thank you, Cheryl, for the time and energy that you spent on the Student Retention Committee. Your work on this committee is invaluable and because of that time spent helping on this committee, positive changes will come about to help with retention of students on this campus. Your passion for service to the students is greatly appreciated.
Submitted by Renee Valley, Athletics (12/11/08)
SHAUNA MURPHY
Journey Graphic Artist, Printing and Graphic Services
I called Kristie (Anderson from Printing & Graphic Services) about a sophomore in my office thinking of dropping out because UM does not offer a grahic design major. After talking with Kristie, she coordinated a meeting that very day with graphic designers Neal and Shauna and the student. After the meeting, the student returned to my office thrilled - sharing how grateful she was. As a bonus, they offered her an internship so she can gain graphic design experience while completing her marketing degree at UM. A team of three went above and beyond giving a simple gift of time and encouragement which made all the difference in the success (and retention) of one student! KUDOS!
Submitted by Cheryl Minnick, Internship Services (5/8/09)
N
Paulette Nooney
Administrative Associate , Registrar's Office
What can I say about my girlfriends in Graduations, both Paulette and Ashley are more friendly and fun than a barrel of monkeys!!! (And I fit right in with them!) Thank you for going above and beyond in helping me.
Submitted by Chip Lyon, Student (May 22, 2009
O
Ashley Oaas
Graduation Coordinator, Registrar's Office
What can I say about my girlfriends in Graduations, both Paulette and Ashley are more friendly and fun than a barrel of monkeys!!! (And I fit right in with them!) Thank you for going above and beyond in helping me.
Submitted by Chip Lyon, Student (May 22, 2009)
Kate Oyler
Office Manager, Campus Recreation
She has replaced our long time office manager (Aaron Murrish) and is doing a wonderful job!
Submitted by Natalie Hiller, Campus Recreation (8/26/09)
P
KAREN PAYNE
Administrative Associate, School of Education
Karen is the fiscal officer for the School of Education. She is an invaluable asset to our department and too often an unsung heroine. Karen is always patient with lost receipts, willing to explain, yet again, how to calculate fringe benefits for my latest grant application.
Submitted by Lisa Blank, Faculty, Curriculum & Instruction (12/30/08)
R
Diane Rapp
Administrative Associate, History Dept.
A friend and confidant when one was needed and always willing to listen to me. Thanks for going above and beyond the call of duty in helping me during my student years.
Submitted by Chip Lyon, Student (May 22, 2009)
S
Wesley Samson
Computer Software Engineer, Mansfield Library
I recently contracted a virus on my work computer due to my own negligence. Wes, one of our IT magicians, spent a day and a half brining my computer back to life despite his own vast workload. He deserves kudos!
Submitted by Mark Peterson, Mansfield Library (2/5/09)
ELIZABETH STOTTS
Admin. Associate, Planning, Budget and Analysis
Liz displayed the utmost professionalism and customer service skills to me while I was completing the FY10 Designated Budgets. I am very appreciative of her generosity, understanding and care she demonstrated to me while I was still learning this process. I am impressed!
Submitted by Beckie Christiaens, Continuing Ed (5/1/09)
T
Jodi Todd
Accounting Associate, College of Forestry & Conservation
FY09 was Jodi's first year in the Accounting supervisory position, and a very difficult one with the current status of the economy, which presented some significant budget challenges for the College of Forestry. Through a lot of hard work, determination, and many hours spent away from her family, Jodi successfully guided the college through these challenges. I am confident that there is not one single other person who could have accomplished this feat with the level of success that Jodi did.
Submitted by Reneea Gordon, College of Forestry & Conservation (7/21/09)
V
Renee Valley
Media Editor, Sports Information Department
Before every game, you will find Renee either in her office or the media room putting togeather the next weeks sports program. This is a time consuming job, since every week is different. Renee also works with the staff senate, on the yearly Alumi float, and is always willing to stop and help anyone with problems or questions they may have. This is just very small discription of Renee's job, versitality and helpfullness. Thank you Renee, for everything you do.
Submitted by Pam, Athletic Dept. (9/26/08)
NANCY VATOUSSI
Administrative Associate, School of Business
In the School of Business Administration we have a superb lady known as a “go to” person. In terms of students and student questions Nancy Vatoussi is always available and always friendly to help guide students to the appropriate class, professor, or advisor. The School’s “Students First” policy is carried out through her willingness and her continued professional conduct.
Nancy, the leader in our reception area, carries on her multitude of job related duties while establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with the wide range of UM personnel, faculty, as well as the general public and outside agencies. She helps me succeed in my position as Special Program Coordinator. Without her and her student assistants I could not achieve my goals.
Kudos to Nancy for being part of the SoBA success team!
Submitted by Larae Hackney, Special Programs Coord., School of Business (8/15/08)
W
Sarah Weatherby
Administrative Associate, School of Business
In the School of Business Administration we have a superb lady known as a “go to” person. In terms of students and student questions Sarah Weatherby is always available and always friendly to help guide students to the appropriate class, professor, or advisor. The School’s “Students First” policy is carried out through her willingness and her continued professional conduct.
Sarah, a faculty assistant, carries on her multitude of job related duties while establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with the wide range of UM personnel, faculty, as well as the general public and outside agencies. She helps me succeed in my position as Special Program Coordinator. Without her and her student assistants I could not achieve my goals.
Kudos to Sarah for being part of the SoBA success team!
Submitted by Larae Hackney, Special Programs Coord., School of Business (8/15/08)
NEAL WIEGERT
Graphic Artist Manager, Printing and Graphic Services
I called Kristie (Anderson from Printing & Graphic Services) about a sophomore in my office thinking of dropping out because UM does not offer a grahic design major. After talking with Kristie, she coordinated a meeting that very day with graphic designers Neal and Shauna and the student. After the meeting, the student returned to my office thrilled - sharing how grateful she was. As a bonus, they offered her an internship so she can gain graphic design experience while completing her marketing degree at UM. A team of three went above and beyond giving a simple gift of time and encouragement which made all the difference in the success (and retention) of one student! KUDOS!
Submitted by Cheryl Minnick, Internship Services (5/8/09)
Z
LYNDA ZSCHAECHNER
Program Coord., Rural Institute Research & Training
Lynda always does amazing work on our projects, but these weeks have been the best!!
Submitted by Rosemary Hughes, Rural Institute (4/13/09)
Janet Zupan
Learning Strategist, TRIO Student Support Services
Janet has helped me since the first day I tried to sign up for classes and has been a very supportive member on my team. Thank you, Janet!
Submitted by Joyce Morgan, Pre Education Student (12/11/08)
