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November 2007
Ouissem Ayari
University Dining Services|
Recently, University Dining Services was preparing for a routine visit from the Java City field representative. Ouissem’s response to the visit was anything but routine. He viewed the visit as a challenge for perfection. Ouissem personally took responsibility for making his shop the best Java City on campus. He oversaw the lengthy to-do list, communicated the vision to student workers and motivated everyone in the shop to work toward the same goal.
The result was a score of 99 out of 100 – as close to perfection as you can get.
Before you think that Ouissem is a single-minded task master, consider some of the words used to describe Ouissem in his nomination form: words like dependable, trustworthy and considerate. Ouissem makes a point of getting to know his regular patrons and goes out of his way to make sure their specific needs are met every day. His personalized customer service skills brighten the day of the people in Moos Tower.
Roberta Berg
University Bookstores
With more than 30 years of service with the University, Roberta’s extraordinary attention to detail is somewhat of a legend. She knows when an item is out of stock and makes sure more of whatever is needed is ordered. She knows if there is a pricing discrepancy and corrects it. She knows when to expect a store full of students and always makes sure there is enough staff coverage. In short, Roberta’s extraordinary attention to detail has been critical to the overall success of the General School Supply Department she supervises.
At the same time, Roberta understands that a personal touch is sometimes needed to deliver consistently outstanding services. The day before school started this year, a new student came to Roberta with a list of art supplies that she was told would be in a kit at the Bookstore for her class of 30 students. Roberta took the list and began assembling the kit from existing inventory so that the class would have their supplies when they came in later that week.
Dennis Evenson
Auxiliary Services
We frequently refer to our Star Performer Award winners as people who go above and beyond the call of duty. Dennis has been a dedicated and loyal University employee since 1980 and in those 27 years, his outstanding service, high energy and initiative have consistently gone well past “above and beyond.”
Dennis is responsible for keeping the Printing Services, Addressing and Mailing, and University Bindery production areas clean and functional, and he also cleans two conference rooms, several offices, and the Fleet Services building.
Despite an obviously busy schedule, Dennis goes above and beyond doing the little things that are noticed and appreciated by customers and co-workers. He’ll give a conference room an extra special cleaning before a big meeting, stay late to ensure that an unlocked door is secured, and take notice of a small drip before it becomes a disastrous leak. He’ll water your plants if you forget, make coffee in the morning and go out of his way to put an extra bounce in everyone’s step.
As you can imagine, Dennis is enthusiastically valued by customers and co-workers alike. The appreciation is especially impressive as Dennis works the second shift and doesn’t have a lot of direct face time with colleagues. But you can be sure they are grateful that he goes above and beyond.
Dan Farrar
University of Minnesota Police Department Student Monitor Program
The library staff at Wilson Library was very generous in their praise of Dan as they nominated him for this award. They specifically commended him for taking the time to learn about the library environment and services, developing positive connections with many members of the library staff, and forging a highly successful partnership that has resulted a safe and secure environment.
Last fall, there was a period when Wilson Library was dealing with significant problems and disruptive behavior. Because he knew the Library so well, Dan was able to suggest a variety of recommendations to improve safety and security. He actively worked with the library staff to understand their specific concerns and together they developed collaborative solutions to the problem.
The Librarians at Wilson wrote a wonderful endorsement for Dan’s Star Performer Award nomination. They wrote:
“We cannot imagine how Dan could improve his performance….He understands our needs and shares our dedication to ensuring the safest environment possible for those who use and work in the University Libraries.”
Joe Jameson
Capital Planning and Project Management
With his impressive knowledge and experience, his diverse perspective on architectural and engineering issues and his notable problem solving skills, Joe is recognized across the University as a valuable resource. As both an architect and structural engineer, Joe approaches his work with the highest of ethical standards and he is also an active steward of University resources.
Joe is another Star Performer who consistently goes above and beyond. He’s diligent in his research of historical documents, he’s not shy about putting in the time necessary to deliver a project on time, and he also mentors student interns in CPPM.
Joe recently took on the task of providing structural plan review of the TCF Bank Stadium Bid Package #3 Pile and Pile Caps for the Building Code Division. He was brought into this complex project on short notice and provided a review that was thorough, timely and in compliance with Building Code requirements. And he did it while also maintaining his already busy schedule.
Dick Rewey
Printing Services
As Information Tech, Dick provides technical support for Printing Services and has become an expert in merging complex data into forms, surveys, tickets, scholarship notices and many other applications. He works closely with many departments and goes out of his way to not only meet but consistently exceed customer expectations.
Recently, the Athletic Ticket office went through a major change of ticketing systems. When the transition didn’t go exactly as planned, the timely delivery of 15,000 season tickets was in jeopardy. That’s when Dick came to the rescue. He helped download and reconfigure print data for all athletic accounts and helped the ticket office work through a myriad of issues. He took it upon himself to make sure all of the files were perfect and his can-do attitude helped the ticket office make it through their rough transition.
Dick willingness to tackle any challenge is valued by co-workers as well as customers. Many times he’ll go home at the end of the day stumped by a particular project and by the next morning he’ll arrive and report that he’s figured it out.
Aaron Strozinsky
Project Management Office
Aaron is of course no stranger to the Star Performer Awards. In past years she worked on the Awards as part of the Office of the Vice President. Now that she’s in the Project Management Office, it’s appropriate that we recognize her initiative, her ability to build and maintain strong working relationships, and her continuous pursuit of perfection.
Very simply, Aaron delivers results. Regardless of the task, whether it’s acting as Lead Quality Assurance analyst for the Security ID badge program or managing the PMO website, Aaron routinely completes tasks to her extremely high standards and gets them done on time.
She also enthusiastically takes the initiative when she sees areas for improvement and goes out of her way to develop and maintain strong working relationships with both customers and service providers.
Senay Weldelassie
Facilities Management
Senay has been with Facilities Management only six months, and this may set the record for the shortest time on staff before receiving a Star Performer Award. But while Senay is just beginning his career of service with the University, his honesty, honor and integrity certainly deserve recognition.
Last summer, while working on the third shift in Willey Hall, Senay discovered $80 on the Wells Fargo ATM Machine. The money had either been left there by a previous customer or had been inadvertently dispensed by the machine. Whatever the reason, Senay promptly collected the money and turned it in to his supervisor, who in turn gave it back to Wells Fargo.
To put our University Services values in perspective, we ask the question: What is important to us? And the answer is those values of excellence, integrity, accountability and stewardship.
However we decide to define them officially, Senay has provided us with a perfect example of what it means to live the values of the University.
Building Automation Technical Team
Dan Bellows
Mark Peterson
Brad Jacobson
Jeff Pickering
You probably haven’t heard of this team of Dan Bellows, Mark Peterson, Brad Jacobsen and Jiff Pickering because the Building Automation Technical Team work primarily behind the scenes. They keep the University’s building automation systems – which includes fire and critical alarms – on-line 24 hours a day, every day of the year and it is a big job.
The building automation systems on campus span 38 years of technology with five generations of controls in more than 200 buildings. There are very few systems in the world as complex as this.
Getting the most out of these systems requires them to communicate with each other. With that in mind, the Building Automation Technical Team took it upon themselves to move the system to a higher level of efficiency and reliability. To do this, they physically reconfigured the network and designed a system to allow the various products to communicate with each other.
They also developed a software solution to deliver the data from the reconfigured systems to BSAC. Their work is truly done behind the scenes. All of this was successfully completed, and it's a safe bet that most of the University didn’t even know it was going on.
Conferences and Event Services Implementation Team
University Services Department
Housing and Residential Life
Kim Araya
Mary Cottingham
Jill Froehlich
Kristi Lang
Keri Leroux
Jason Marchiafava
Melissa Pederson
Donna Pietsch
Sang Slagel
Connie Thompson
Parking and Transportation Services
Jeff Bouley
Victoria Nelson
University Dining Services
Leslie Bowman
Derrell Demming
Karen Devet
Prior to the development of the Conferences and Event Services Implementation Team, anyone interested in hosting a conference or event on campus had to make a number of phone calls to a variety of different offices, they had to sign multiple facility use contracts and received multiple invoices for their event. As you might imagine, this decentralized approach created extra work, it had a negative impact on customer satisfaction and in some cases, potential customers decided to take their conference or event elsewhere because they found the University to be too complicated and decentralized.
Under the direction of Kim Araya, the CES Implementation Team worked collaboratively with more than 20 departments and offices to develop and implement new policies, process and procedures. The result has been strong partnerships and collaborations between university departments, less administrative duplication and greatly increased efficiency, revenue, and overall customer satisfaction.
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OCTOBER 2006
Hersi Abdi
(Building and Grounds Worker, Facilities Management) is recognized for exceeding expectations in both his daily tasks and special projects. As custodian of Pillsbury Hall, he is always looking for ways to make life easier for the students, staff and faculty of the Department of Geology and Geophysics, the sole occupiers of the building. He consistently demonstrates efficiency, reliability and pride in his work. But more important, he is respectful to all and respected by all.
Moses Atilade (Building and Grounds Worker, Facilities Management) is recognized for exceeding expectations in both his daily tasks and special projects. As custodian of Pillsbury Hall, he is always looking for ways to make life easier for the students, staff and faculty of the Department of Geology and Geophysics, the sole occupiers of the building. He consistently demonstrates efficiency, reliability and pride in his work. But more important, he is respectful to all and respected by all.
Wayne Durst (Building and Grounds Worker, Facilities Management) is a Star Performer because his dedication and the quality of his work are exception. He consistently goes over and above the job requirements. His caring, cheerful, pleasant and engaging personality combined with his top-notch performance and work ethic make Wayne an asset to the University.
Randy Lindorfer (Prepress Lead Operator, Printing Services) is recognized for providing exemplary customer service in all areas of his job. He develops teaching materials for the sales staff and their customers to communicate complicated information, often resulting in financial saving for both the customer and Printing Services. A talented prepress operator, randy can always figure out a way to accomplish the “impossible.” He’s an excellent trouble-shooter for his departments, as well as other areas. His extensive knowledge base and dedication to service make him a valued member of the University community.
Ron Mikel (Paint Foreman, Facilities Management) receives this award because he leads by example – consistently demonstrating superior service, attitude and competence. He is a great problem-solver always striving t find the best way to get a job done in the most efficient manner. A solid citizen, Ron follows through on his word and keeps people informed of progress. He is conscientious to a fault and takes tremendous pride in his work. He works well with co-workers, customers and other trades and outside vendors making him a great representative of the University.
Chris Nault (Building and Grounds Worker, Facilities Management) is recognized for quietly inspiring others to do their best. As a custodian in LRB/MTRF, Chris is on the front lines of establishing a good first impression of the University. He succeeds tremendously by anticipating needs, problem-solving trouble spots and always staying a step ahead. Devoted to his job, Chris is consistently reliable and constantly takes his customer needs into consideration. His example encourages others to do the same and is valued by the University.
The Enterprise Financial System Workgroup Leadership Team, made up of Tom Quinn, Wayne Tauber, and Shari Zeise,
receives this recognition for spearheading University Services’ participation in the EFS project, which is closely linked to the President’s Strategic Initiatives. By engaging others to participate and leveraging their skills and expertise, the team helps ensure successful implementation of a new financial system that will affect virtually all of the University’s financial processes. Demonstrating leadership, commitment and service, the teams’ ability to coordinate and communicate a vital, complex project is a significant benefit to the University.
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OCTOBER 2005
Grant Anderson and Anthony Bettendorf (Coordinator of Residential Life and Pioneer Residence Hall Director, Housing and Residential Life) receive this award for designing, developing and implementing a campus wide social justice retreat for students with the goal of creating a more respectful university community. Gary and Anthony successfully created a retreat described by students as a powerful and unique experience that opened their hearts and minds to new ways of looking at difference, identity, oppression, social justice, privilege and activism. Their commitment to the vision of the University is inspiring and valued by students, staff and faculty.
Karen Collins (Zone Administrator, Facilities Management) receives this award for her reliable, enthusiastic customer service with a smile. Karen displays professionalism and a high level of responsibility especially in emergency situations. She is dedicated, attentive and efficient in the way in which she interacts with customers and her attitude, both personally and professionally, makes the Health Sciences zone a great place to work and visit at the University of Minnesota.
Brikti Haile (Building and Grounds Worker, Facilities Management) is recognized for exceeding all criteria with her responsiveness, dependability, productivity and excellent quality work, all of the time. She is a consistently positive and energetic personality and is approachable and responds promptly and pleasantly to request as they arise. Brikti anticipates the needs of her customers and initiates action before it becomes a concern or problem, making her a true asset to our organization.
Leon Mott (Senior Food Service Worker, University Dining Services) is recognized for exemplifying the very best in customer service and pride in his job that is unmatched at the University. Leon’s warm greetings, captivating wit and smart observations keep students, staff and faculty coming back every day. His pleasant, gracious disposition and engaging smile sets him apart from others and shows that Leon is a dedicated contributor to the University of Minnesota.
Kirk Richardson (Operations Supervisor, Facilities Management) receives this award for his extreme level of customer service, leadership, accountability and integrity. Kirk has been described by his customers as competent, conscientious and courteous and these qualities are reflected in the excellent work he provides. He illustrates strength and integrity in how he relates to others and the positive attitude towards his crew. He is a great representation of a member of the University community who takes pride in delivering a high level of service.
HOMES Team (Housing and Residential Life) made up of Mannix Clark, Jill Froehlich, Erin Reicks, Erling Kurtti, Donna Pietsch, Doug Pham, Joe Ceasar and Tom White, receives this award for their devotion to the implementation of the new Housing Occupancy Management Enterprise System (HOMES). The goals of this project were to enhance customer satisfaction, increase effectiveness and efficiency, and maximize the use of financial and human resources. These goals were met by each member of this team and they are commended for their professionalism and patience throughout this project and in their regular job performance. The extreme level of service, leadership, accountability and integrity that was demonstrated by this group has benefited the University students and staff tremendously during the fall 2005 housing assignment process.
Zone 5 Electrician Team (Facilities Management) made up of Doug Collins, Curt Mattila and Darrell Bergum, receives this award for their superior customer service, outstanding reliability, and being excellent stewards of the University. In a very time sensitive situation this team was called upon to take the initiative and get the job done. They came up with several smart solutions to complete the job that was asked of them and all along doing it with friendly attitudes. Their professionalism, excellent leadership and commitment to being stewards of this University will no doubt drive us towards being one of the top universities in the world.
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OCTOBER 2004
Tony Bittner (Administrative Professional, Fleet Services) receives this award for his many examples of superior customer service. Tony goes above and beyond his job duties to resolve problems beyond customer expectations. His commitment to customer service, friendly attitude and professionalism is valued by many departments at the University of Minnesota.
Patti Cleland (Building and Grounds Worker, Facilities Management) receives this award for outstanding customer service, responsibility and integrity. Patti regularly exceeds expectations by her attention to small details and is ready to provide help and service at a moment's notice. Patti is pleasant, helpful, and responsible and does an amazing job making Alderman Hall a clean and safe place to work and visit.
Verlin Harmon (Building and Grounds Worker, Facilities Management), a devoted employee of 18 years, exceeds all criteria with his responsiveness, dependability, productivity and excellent quality work, all of the time. Verlin not only takes the extra steps to insure that the areas he works in are clean, but also safe for occupants. His pleasant, friendly disposition and engaging smile sets him apart from others and shows that Verlin is a dedicated contributor to the University of Minnesota.
Greg Hayes (Assistant Director, Department of Emergency Management), titled "Homerun Hayes" for his exceptional accomplishments in a short period of time with superior results, setting the stage for continual excellence by Emergency Management. Greg brings a depth of experience along with a positive, high energy, service-orientated attitude. He has raised the reputation of the University emergency management program and strives for continuous improvement not only within his department but also in his own professional development.
Bill Knobel (Building and Grounds Worker, Facilities Management) receives this award for excellent customer service, taking the initiative, exceeding expectations and his outstanding reliability. Bill is known by others for his moral principles and outstanding honesty. Bill stands out by his contribution to the University's diversity by learning and teaching sign language to make it possible to communicate effectively with a member of his team that is hearing impaired. He is a great representation of a member of the University community who takes pride in delivering a high level of service.
Ruthann Manlet (Shift Supervisor, Facilities Management) receives this award for her professionalism, excellent leadership and commitment to the continuous improvement of our Custodial Program, making her a positive role model in Facilities Management and at the University of Minnesota. Ruthann's strong work ethic and positive attitude are well known by those who work with her. She is a team player, always willing to assist when needed and has earned the trust and respect of those she works with.
UMPD receives this award for their extreme level of service, leadership, accountability and integrity. These qualities are key to the success of the UMPD and necessary to gain the confidence and cooperation of other law enforcement partners and to sustain a quality of life around our campus. The UMPD is commended for reaching beyond the everyday expectations needed to keep our campus a safe and secure place to teach, learn and work.
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OCTOBER 2003
Constantina "Tina" Byers (Custodian, Elliot and Burton Halls), recognized by those she serves for her distinctive pride in a job well-done. Always professional in demeanor and appearance, ready to provide help and service at a moment's notice, and extremely warm and friendly.
Yvonne Johnson (Custodian, Jackson Hall), a pleasant ray of sunshine; always professional, always thorough, always ready to go the extra mile. She stays strong and faithful and lives everyday with a commitment to goodness.
Bob Swoverland (Printing Services Representative), recognized by his customers for his many wonderful examples of superb customer service. His consistent patience, easygoing attitude, and relentless attention to meeting deadlines result in valuable contributions to countless departments at the University of Minnesota.
Greg Priester (Custodian, Eddy Hall), recognized by his colleagues in Eddy Hall for consistently demonstrating effort that exceeds all expectations. He is a great representation of a member of the University community taking pride in delivering a high level of service.
Jeff Bouley (Supervisor, Parking and Transportation Services), recognized by his colleagues in the Bell Museum for his work ethic and devotion to the visitor experience on campus. He is friendly, flexible and always "on the lookout" for win-win situations for the departments he serves.
Central Security Team (Mark Courneya, Steve Frisk, Brian McDonald, June Ursel, Gail Wagner), recognized for their extreme level of involvement, cooperation, and contributions to the successful team effort to meet the University of Minnesota's security and safety goals. Their outstanding efforts have created a safer, more secure campus in which to teach, learn, and work.
John Ensley (University Dining Services), recognized by the University of Minnesota for consistently and quietly providing quality food on campus, and for his devotion to preparing meals for the University football team. He is creative and professional, and he steps up and handles a lot of responsibility and does it well.
Mike Nagel (Facilities Management), recognized for bringing the concept of utilizing oat hulls as a biomass fuel to the University of Minnesota. Through his expertise and leadership, this innovative project has been driven forward, potentially saving the University of Minnesota $3 million per year in energy costs with no negative impact on the environment.
Greg Archer (University Health and Safety), recognized for his contributions to the oat hull biomass fuel project at the University of Minnesota, offering potential savings of $3 million per year in energy costs with no negative impact on the environment. Without his permitting expertise and scientific knowledge this innovative project would not have been possible.
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OCTOBER 2002
Mannix Clark for being a positive and optimistic role model for Housing and Residential Life during his service as Interim Director. Recognized by co-workers as a caring, dedicated leader with high integrity who always portrays a "can-do" attitude.
Donald A. Hau for being a consummate professional. Recognized by co-workers and the University of Minnesota Administration for his wisdom, forthright and fair approach to his work, and for successfully delivering hundreds of design and construction projects, valued in excess of $100 million to the University community since 1987.
Mike Marotteck for his initiative, creativity, innovation and teamwork in the successful completion of numerous projects to continuously improve the Facilities Management payroll systems and processes.
Almaz Ferissa who was recognized by customers for her attention to detail and her commitment to making her areas of campus shine every day. A superior performer who models the values of service, integrity, quality and communication.
Ann Durushia for being recognized both by her co-workers and by the Facilities Management Administration for playing an integral role in the successful Mech I, II, III project. A superior performer who is always willing to go the extra mile to get the job done with a friendly and positive attitude.
Karen Boberg for being recognized by her co-workers and customers for her outstanding customer service as manager of Smith Copies on campus. An extraordinary example of a "service conscious" attitude, she always goes the extra mile to deliver great service.
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FEBRUARY 2002
Auxiliary Services & University Housing & Dining Services for the spirit of departmental cooperation on the highly successful consolidation of UHDS and Auxiliary Services financial and computer systems.
Theresa Robinson for her nearly 20 years of service to the University and for leading the highest participation rate in the 2001 Community Fund Drive.
Eric Kruse for more than 10 years of devoted leadership and for his legacy in leading the successful completion of more than 30 major construction projects.
Greg Casura and Calvin Cole of Environmental Health and Safety for their well-coordinated response to the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum fire in July 2001. Their prompt, efficient, and intelligent response minimized future damage or liability to the Arboretum and the University.
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JUNE 2001
Printing Services, Auxiliary Services IS, Addressing and Mailing and Campus Mail for their combined work providing check printing for the University community.
Chief of Staff Phil McDonald for his work organizing the Dalai Lama.
FM Director of Finance, Accounting, Purchasing and Information Services Cheryl Coryea for her contributions to the organization.
Interim Associate Vice President of FM Pam Beader for her leadership of University construction.
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FEBRUARY 2001
DEHS Director Fay Thompson & University Police Captain Steve Johnson were recognized for their individual contributions and for going above and beyond the call of duty.
Facilities Management Landcare for their snow removal efforts this winter.
Housing and Residential Life for providing an outstanding learning environment.
University Bookstores for their success in promoting and implementing on-line ordering of textbooks. The University Services Forum focused on communications and included information on communicating difficult messages and customer service communication.
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JUNE 2000
Parking and Transportation Services for their work in promoting alternative forms of transportation, particularly the Dinkytown Bikeway Connection and the U-Pass program.
FM Waste Management for dealing with the 11.3 tons of stuff collected during the University Services Spring Fever.
Campus Mail for keeping the mail running smoothly during the relocation of more than 110 university units the past two years.
The Office of Equipment Services for their management of the employee discount program.
Judson Freed of Emergency Management for his work on University-wide Y2K preparations.
Mark Cox of Campus Health and Safety for his outstanding teamwork within University Services.
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NOVEMBER 1999
Department of Environmental Health & Safety for their Thermometer Exchange Program (Andy Phelan accepted the award).
Printing Services for the Implementation of their Business Turnaround Initiative (Diane Gregory accepted the award).
Facilities Management Landcare Operations for their service strategies to create learning laboratory opportunities such as the Sarita Wetland Project (Les Potts accepted the award).
Parking and Transportation Services for their successful Motorist Assistance Program (Bob Baker accepted the award).
U Stores for the development of their consolidated one-stop electronic WEB purchasing system (Mark Teragawa accepted the award). |
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