1999 Distinguished Staff Awards

A dozen individuals on June 23 were presented with the University's highest honor for nonteaching employees, the Distinguished Staff Award.

Recipients were selected because of their contributions to the quality of worklife for all those they come in contact with, including University colleagues, students and members of the community. They are all top achievers who demonstrate a daily commitment to performing their jobs at the highest possible level.

Executive Vice President and Provost Edward J. Ray and Associate Vice President for Human Resources Larry Lewellen presented a $1,500 honorarium and a crystal trophy to each recipient at a Faculty Club luncheon. The Office of Human Resources sponsors the annual recognition program.

Marian L. Beck
Instructional aids associate, Veterinary Medicine

When Marian Beck began working for the College of Veterinary Medicine nearly 20 years ago, her responsibilities as a photography laboratory technician consisted of preparing slides and prints for teaching purposes. Since then, Beck has embraced technological advances by learning videography, and more recently, Web production skills, in order to provide the best possible materials for students to learn from.

One nominator said it is more than just her skills that make her a superior employee. "There is an artistry and creativity present here that provides a level of quality that is exceptional," he wrote. "These talents are combined in Marian with the attitude that she will do whatever it takes to help our faculty put their best foot forward in teaching."

Beck is a one-woman wonder in the college's videography department, producing from the filming stage to the distribution stage nearly 90 high quality videos for teaching and research each year, frequently putting in overtime to complete these tasks. She is also the sole developer and producer of the college's Web based interactive learning materials

"In addition to her high quality work," wrote a nominator, "she is very professional, impeccably particular, devoted to a project, pleasant to work with, and always willing to learn new things to accomplish the task."

Pamela J. Brown
Administrative assistant for the Department of Agriculture, Environmental and Development Economics

If Pamela Brown were a juggler, she'd be the type to juggle knives, machetes and flaming clubs with the ease of a world-class performer. As an administrative assistant, she juggles balancing budgets, planning conferences, formatting research articles, designing brochures, updating Web sites, making travel arrangements, learning new software, fielding phone calls, troubleshooting computer problems and copy editing any number of documents.

"Pam has earned widespread respect and admiration from the department," wrote one nominator. "We know her as a highly capable, dedicated, enthusiastic and caring staff member. She has earned a position of esteem through years of excellence in whatever she does."

Brown's position requires that she not only handle numerous technical, clerical and administrative tasks, but also that she interact with University personnel and with individuals from various state and federal agencies. Her nominators all cited her pleasant personality and knack for helping others.

One nominator wrote of the constant beehive of activity that surrounds her desk. "She can be seen amid the confusion of a steady flow of faculty, staff, students and visitors in her office, helping each in turn, fitting in a phone call or two, printing a needed document and answering questions, professionally and with a smile."

Charles E. Cottrell
Senior research associate, Office of Research

Charles Cottrell's impact as manager of the nuclear magnetic resonance laboratory facility in the Campus Chemical Instrument Center (CCIC) has been far reaching.

"Chuck has collaborated with dozens of faculty on NMR problems and has trained hundreds of students in the use of the equipment," wrote a nominator. "Several of us on the faculty here and elsewhere owe our careers to him. Chuck's technical expertise rendered our experiments possible."

Cottrell has gone beyond the normal framework of his position, from acting as a co-author on papers with faculty and students to collaborating and networking with industrial researchers to writing programs that make it easier to use data gathered from an NMR spectrometer.

His knowledge and ability has made him a vital asset to those who use the spectrometers under his care.

"As the technology moved rapidly ahead he has kept abreast with the advancements in the field; and this in turn allowed us to be at the cutting edge in its application to natural products," wrote a nominator. "His expertise is offered willingly and with a smile. In addition he has never refused to go 'the extra mile' on any of his studies. His judgement has always been sound in the evaluation of new equipment and techniques.

"We are very fortunate to have such a talented, modest and unassuming scientist in that position."

Michael J. Garofano
Director of humanities information systems, College of Humanities

"Mike's innovative technical designs, grace under pressure, willingness to listen to others' suggestions, and generally congenial manner have given the sometimes daunting world of computer networks a human -- and humane -- character," wrote a nominator of Michael Garofano.

Under Garofano's supervision since 1991, the College of Humanities has moved from a collection of stand-alone PCs and a very limited-use fledgling network, to supporting the largest campus network with a host of cutting-edge applications used by 350 full time faculty and staff and more than 1,000 graduate students.

He is well liked and admired by staff, faculty and graduate students. His staff appreciates his on-going efforts to provide training opportunities to allow them to keep their skills current. Faculty value his technical expertise that helps them put theories on technology-assisted instruction into practice. All constituents are thankful for his generosity with his time and knowledge and the flexibility he exhibits when working with them.

"The H.I.S. network has become much more than a resource for teachers or a support of technical and clerical work. It is the backbone of what we do. I dare say that not one of us could function effectively without it," wrote a nominator. "Mike is a man of integrity and loyalty, with great talent and ability; he is a hard-working, caring leader."

Sandra L. Gaunt
Curator and research associate, Borror Laboratory of Bioacoustics

Sandra Gaunt's license plate signals her devotion: OSU BLB. Gaunt has a strong attachment to the Borror Laboratory of Bioacoustics (BLB), an entity she helped to establish and has shepherded through many transitions. The BLB houses a collection of animal sounds originally gathered by former entomology professor Don Borror.

"Because of her leadership and hard work, the Borror Laboratory of Bioacoustics is one of the best (in the top three) research facilities of its type in the world," wrote a nominator.

Gaunt joined the BLB as a curator in 1984, and "has been a constant and steadying presence in the BLB ever since," according to a nominator. Gaunt served as acting director from 1990 to 1993.

"Curating the BLB is most definitely not a 9-to-5 job for her," wrote another nominator. Gaunt willingly participates in after- hours meetings, gives tours to local civic and school groups and sees to it that the thousands of requests for information that the BLB receives each year are answered. She has been instrumental in obtaining outside grants for the BLB, including a recent grant for nearly $300,000 from the National Science Foundation. She also maintains an active research program on her own, with articles by her published in respected journals like Science.

Gaunt puts a lot of energy into her job. "She is completely committed to continuing the work that Don Borror started and is very dedicated to her students," wrote a nominator.

Dale M. Gnidovec
Collections manager and curator, Department of Geological Sciences

In the past year, Dale Gnidovec, otherwise known as "Dr. Bones," gave 808 tours of the Orton Geological Museum and 66 talks off campus, reaching a total of 4,320 people. He also curated a museum collection of more than 500,000 specimens of fossils, minerals and rocks, wrote a weekly column on geology for The Columbus Dispatch, and set up temporary geological exhibits at local museums, parks and libraries.

"He is extremely dedicated in his service to the university, works many evenings and weekends, and has accomplished more than one could possibly expect from a staff member," wrote a nominator.

"Dale is a dinosaur paleontologist, so he is in great demand. He is one of the most enthusiastic lecturers that I have ever heard, and his audiences are thrilled by 'Dr. Bones,' as they call him," wrote one nominator. Evaluations of his talks are filled with words and phrases like "fantastic," "outstanding," and "gifted speaker."

His work inside the museum is also exemplary. He established a computerized collection management system for the collection that is better than most comparable museums use. He has been instrumental in obtaining donations of museum-quality specimens, including a donation of 5,000 specimens worth more than $100,000. He also is known for his willingness to assist the visitors who come in nearly every day to ask him to identify specimens of fossils, minerals and rocks.

Fred S. Green
Building and maintenance superintendent 2, Ohio State - Lima

Fred Green is well respected, for his work ethic, his positive, friendly attitude and his skill at performing his job consistently well.

"He listens, cares, and corrects fairly," wrote one employee. A student employee wrote of the life lessons Green teaches: "While working for Mr. Green I have learned what it takes to keep a College running on a day to day basis. But even more, he has taught me to see both sides of any situation, to be a better organizer, and to be a more positive, thus a more productive, worker and student."

Green also helps the Lima City Schools in providing opportunities for special needs high school students to gain work experience. A teacher who has worked with Green wrote, "It takes a great deal of patience and understanding to work with this type of student to train them in some building maintenance and grounds procedures. Because of efforts like Mr. Green's, our students have a better chance of seeking gainful employment and contributing to our community both in the work force and socially."

Green's attitude is catching, nominators wrote. "Fred has the ability to always make you feel welcome with his friendly personality. He seems to have an uncanny ability to lift you up when your day may have not been the best," wrote a nominator. "He is a real professional."

Becky L. Gregory
Office associate, Department of Chemistry

Becky Gregory performs her tasks with "good humor, grace, warmth and remarkable efficiency."

Her duties include working as a secretary for a large research group, as administrative assistant for an annual technical conference, and as an administrative assistant for the graduate chemical physics program. Despite the many demands on her time, she is always "day in and day out, cheerful and full of laughter," as one nominator wrote. Gregory has the ability to get along with everyone, frequently becoming a friend and mentor to students, and acting as a source of encouragement and support for faculty and staff.

Gregory's ability to pick up new skills, such as learning a new typesetting system for scientific manuscripts, or take on new tasks, including teaching computer skills to others in her office, is appreciated by her coworkers. "She was willing to pitch in and do what needed to be done, without quarreling about job duties, responsibilities and job description," wrote a nominator. Gregory assists students in the chemistry and physics departments with scheduling examinations and handling enrollments, gives extra help to international students as they adjust to the United States, and handles the administration of the annual International Symposium on Molecular Spectroscopy held at Ohio State each June.

"I can state without reservation that she is of incalculable value to the Spectroscopy Institute and the Department of Chemistry," wrote a nominator.

Jeri L. Kozobarich
Director of development, College of Education

"Jeri Kozobarich has an infectious laugh. That sound is compelling. When people hear it, negative thoughts and resistance to new ideas soon melt away," wrote a nominator. "What may not be as obvious to her listeners is a bulldog determination to make Ohio State and the College of Education the best in the nation."

As director of development for the College of Education, Kozobarich works with 66,000 alumni and has raised $15 million during the past three years. She often uses her free time to fund raise, and is known for the relationships she cultivates with clients. "People sense her genuine warmth and affection, and they respond in kind," wrote a nominator.

She keeps up a very busy schedule. Kozobarich served on the University Staff Advisory Committee for the last three years, and as chair for the past year, where she worked to present staff issues to the University's top-level administration. She has also served on numerous other University committees, including the search committee which selected President Kirwan.

Kozobarich is well regarded by her staff, who appreciate her good work ethic and her good humor, and graduate assistants and interns benefit from her mentoring efforts. As a nominator wrote: "Ms. Kozobarich says teamwork and institutional loyalty are essential. She has taken that idea to heart, not only in her College of Education work but also in her service to the larger Ohio State and Columbus communities."

Janice L. Maci‡n
Academic program director, Departments of Spanish and Portuguese

Janice Maci‡n is a bundle of energy, according to her nominators. "One of Jan's most salient characteristics is the remarkable energy level which she maintains day after day, quarter after quarter, year after year," wrote a nominator. "She coordinates a huge language program, supervises scores of GTAs, teaches class, participates actively in grant-funded projects, publishes textbooks, and still has time for whatever question or problem you throw her way."

Maci‡n has been academic program director for Spanish and Portuguese since 1991. Under her leadership, the program has developed into a web of courses and services supported by a teaching staff made up of close to 50 graduate teaching assistants, and 25 lecturers and senior lecturers.

"The soul of this big instructional organization is Dr. Maci‡n," wrote a nominator. "Dr. Maci‡n carries major responsibilities for planning, organization and continuing innovation of this large operation. É She is able to combine the organizational skills with human qualities of caring for the instructors and the program."

Maci‡n's nominators find she demonstrates an uncommon dedication to maintaining the language program's excellence, frequently through innovative use of technology.

"Any careful observation of Jan Maci‡n's work leads one to conclude she is a very gifted administrator," wrote a nominator. "She is also a very sensitive and caring individual."

Nancy A. Osborne
Office manager for career services, Fisher College of Business

"It is Nancy's personal philosophy to contribute to the betterment of the staff as part of her job -- it is how she approaches her work and how she has established a unique role in this college," wrote one of Nancy Osborne's nominators.

In her 11 years with the Fisher College of Business, Osborne has established herself as a staff member who reaches out to others. "Nancy clearly does not sit idly by when presented with opportunities to effect positive change," wrote a nominator.

Osborne has served on many Fisher College committees, including the Performance Management Initiative committee, the College Relocation committee, the Staff Advisory Committee and has participated in numerous University-sponsored training programs. She also co-founded a "Best Practices" group that has developed into a major source of communication for Fisher College support staff

Within the career services office, Osborne has helped to develop a training manual and training program for graduate assistants, organized training opportunities for full time staff, and is continually innovating in terms of customer-service.

"From an ambitious administrative workload conducted with efficiency and grace, to coordinating team-oriented activities, to creating and fostering quality of life events, Nancy truly recognizes and achieves an environment for co-workers which makes our workplace a fun and empowering place to be each day," wrote a nominator.

Christine A. Stanley
Associate director, Faculty and TA Development

While it is faculty that she works most closely with, students are the real beneficiaries of Christine Stanley's skills and talents.

"Her work is principally behind-the-scenes, whose benefit is ultimately derived by the many students taking courses from faculty, like myself, who have been helped to improve the teaching that they do," wrote one grateful nominator.

Stanley has worked for nine years in the Office of Faculty and TA Development: two of those years as an associate director and seven as an instructional development specialist. During that time, she has consulted with approximately 2,000 faculty and teaching associates, facilitated more than 300 workshops on various teaching topics and coordinated more than 10 major events, such as orientations for new teaching associates and faculty and conferences on diversity.

Stanley is lead person for assisting in the math, science, engineering and medical areas. Her nominators cited her ability to help faculty develop and sharpen teaching skills, her devotion to students, and her willingness to help out whenever called upon. Stanley was also cited for her efforts fostering the success of underrepresented students.

"In all her work, Christine exhibits dedication, an exceptional knowledge base, wonderful networking skills, and a contagious sense of humor," wrote a nominator.