2000 Distinguished Staff Awards

The University's highest honor for nonteaching employees, the Distinguished Staff Award, was presented to a dozen people this month. Recipients were selected because of their contributions to the quality of life for all people they encounter at work, 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.

President Kirwan and Associate Vice President for Human Resources Larry Lewellen presented the recipients with a $1,500 honorarium and a crystal trophy at a luncheon on June 7.

"These 12 staff members are an extraordinary group," Kirwan said."They have demonstrated the highest standard of professional performance. In so doing, they have enhanced and enriched the University. Moreover, they serve as role models for the rest of us. It is through following their example that we can achieve the high aspirations we have set for this University."

The Office of Human Resources sponsors the annual recognition program.

Linda C. Bryant

It was 29 years ago, while still a high school student, that Linda C. Bryant first came to work at Ohio State. During those years, she has established a reputation for her strong work ethic, high values, humble personality, cheerful demeanor and can-do attitude."She has the remarkable ability to get her colleagues truly inspired to carry out University policy and is always willing to go 'the extra mile' to help students, faculty and staff," wrote one nominator. Bryant, who has held positions in units across the University, now serves the geography department. She has used her knowledge of and love for Ohio State to advocate for staff as a University Staff Advisory Committee member, where she co-chairs the Outreach Committee and served on the Staff Compensation and Benefits Committee, and was one of six women representing Ohio State in March at the Agenda for Women in Higher Education conference at the University of Minnesota. Bryant has, in the words of a nominator,"become an exceedingly effective spokesperson for staff concerns."

Kathy Cleveland Bull

Kathy Cleveland Bull possesses a special ability to successfully tackle a problem and bring the solution to fruition, motivating and encouraging others along the way."She works tirelessly to improve the effectiveness and responsiveness of University programs and services," wrote one nominator. Her list of accomplishments since coming to Ohio State in 1991 reveals a dedication far beyond the call of duty. She has developed a variety of training programs used within the units of Housing, Food Services and Event Centers, and adapted them for use by colleges and departments across the University. She has served as a role model and mentor to many students and student organizations and as a member of numerous Universitywide committees. She led the restructuring process for the Office of Student Life in 1995, acted as the initial coordinator for the Student Leadership Development Initiative in 1998, and serves as the interim director for the Ruth Mount Leadership Society, which began this past fall. One nominator attributed Cleveland Bull's success to her"good heart, high energy, spirit of collaboration, and highly persuasive powers."

Janice M. DiCarolis

"Janice has earned widespread respect and admiration from her colleagues. We know her as a highly capable, dedicated, enthusiastic and caring staff member," wrote one colleague of Janice M. DiCarolis, layout design artist for agricultural, environmental and development economics. She is a self-starter and a life-long learner, adept at adapting to the technological advances that occurred during her 23 years at the University, and at teaching others what she has learned. DiCarolis' bright and cheery attitude has served her well as she has volunteered within her department, where she is health and safety coordinator and assists administrators in deciding and implementing space allocations, and when she has served on committees and task forces at the college and University levels. She gives generously of her time, regularly reaching beyond her job boundaries to accommodate the design needs of department and Extension staff, and acting as a jack-of-all-trades problem solver.

John R. Hageman Jr.

At the Franz Theodore Stone Laboratory, Ohio State's biology station on South Bass and Gibraltar Islands in Lake Erie, John R. Hageman Jr. has unofficially garnered a number of titles in addition to his official one of manager. He's also known as the athletic director, the chief of police, a tour guide, resident scientist, fish squeezer, boat operator, fireman, substitute professor and taxi driver."John's job requires constant attention, raw skill, creativity, diplomacy and self assurance. Add to these a strong science background and more than 20 years of experience with the interdisciplinary issues of freshwater, and you have a truly talented individual," wrote one nominator. A dedicated educator, Hageman works closely with faculty, college students, public school- teachers, school children, journalists and public officials to increase awareness of freshwater scholarship. His hard work is widely credited for the success of so many Stone Lab research, teaching and outreach projects.

John W. Herrington

Safety is key in the Department of Chemistry, in large part because of the efforts of John W. Herrington, safety coordinator for the department. "John has shown the dedication, creativity, collegiality and management skills that place him in the very highest echelon of staff members at Ohio State," wrote a nominator. Herrington has initiated several efforts aimed at improving safety, including a required academic laboratory safety course for all chemistry graduate students and postdoctoral students, a laboratory inspection program, a departmental Web page on laboratory safety, and a calendar promoting laboratory safety principles. His work has been used as a model for programs in other departments at Ohio State and at other universities, and he is regularly called on to share his expertise, particularly as the EPA and OSHA guidelines for universities have become more stringent."The institution is very fortunate to have a person like John, who is truly interested in protecting people from harmful chemical effects and safeguarding our environment," wrote one nominator.

Yuching Debbie Knicely

When graduate students from all over the world come to Ohio State to study in the Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures, the first person they come in contact with often is fiscal/human resources officer Yuching Debbie Knicely."It is no coincidence that our department has been able to build its reputation for excellent graduate programs in the field over the last decade, during which we have had Debbie as graduate secretary," wrote a nominator. Knicely, fluent in Mandarin, Taiwanese, Japanese and English, is called upon to assist in obtaining visas for students and visiting faculty, balance departmental budgets, handle ARMS emergencies, manage records, and train staff and work-study students, among numerous other responsibilities. Knicely is praised professionally for her"superb administrative abilities," and personally for taking such a dedicated approach to her job."From the students' perspective, Debbie has been much more than an outstanding staff member, she has been a psychologist, guidance counselor, employment agency, apartment finding agency and friend," wrote one nominator.

Ann T. Lawrence

Hard-working, pleasant, unflappable, gracious, versatile -- the attributes pile on when Ann T. Lawrence, executive assistant to the provost, is the subject. Lawrence is valued for her level head, good judgment and ability to operate coolly under stress. Others frequently seek out her advice. "Once people get to know Ann they recognize her as a wonderful person who can help them deal with almost any sort of problem," wrote one nominator. Lawrence came to the University in 1975, and has handled increasingly complex tasks with each new position. She has adopted fiscal responsibilities when needed, headed up searches for administrative positions and taken the lead on special projects. She played a key role in the transition from President Gee's administration to President Kirwan's, when she served as administrative assistant to Interim President Richard Sisson. Known as a team player, her colleagues also value her sense of humor. Wrote one nominator:"Her friendly teasing and warm laughter help build a sense of camaraderie in the office."

Melinda Nelson

Melinda Nelson is renowned for her attention to detail and ability to accomplish any task set before her."She is a true professional, dedicated to perfection and getting the job done. She is proof positive that one educated in the Humanities can do just about anything short of brain surgery," wrote one nominator. In her capacity as assistant dean in the College of Humanities, Nelson oversees international activities, coordinates community engagement, edits the alumni newsletter, and has editorial and creative responsibility for other college publications as well as correspondence and speech materials. She also takes on special tasks, such as serving as the University's liaison to the Columbus-Dresden Sister City Program, which helped lead to a Sister Cities International Special Achievement in Education award in 1998, and as the project manager overseeing all aspects of the Hagerty Hall renovation."In spite of the demanding schedule she maintains and the difficult projects she manages," a nominator wrote, "Melinda always finds time to be a gracious mentor and supportive colleague to the college staff."

Judith T. Newhouse

"Judy's commitment to excellence in the workplace is evident to all of the people lucky enough to work with her," wrote a nominator of Judith T. Newhouse, administrative assistant for the Department of Management Science. During her 30 years at Ohio State, Newhouse has assisted at least six chairs of the Management Sciences Department, making her an integral part of that department's scheduling, budgeting and administrative processes. She is known for her devotion to students and keeps their concerns at the forefront of all her decisions. Newhouse was a driving force behind the creation of the college's Civil Service Staff Advisory Committee, serving as chair for seven years, and she was elected by fellow staff to serve as the first representative on the College Executive Committee. She gave extensively of her time on committees planning the new Fisher College campus, playing a key role in the smooth transition to new offices. "In short, Judy knows how the University operates and how to get things done," wrote a nominator.

Richard A. Noll

Whether demonstrating electricity and magnetism to fourth-grade students or devising inexpensive timers for an undergraduate physics course, Richard A. Noll, laboratory supervisor for physics, shares a deep love of science with the community and with the University. Noll has proven to be an exceptional innovator in creating experiments for courses that accessibly demonstrate physics concepts. More than 35 percent of Ohio State graduates have used Noll's lab demonstrations during the last 25 years."He is, in my view, one of the major reasons that our department was given the 1999 Distinguished Teaching Award," wrote a nominator."His contributions to the educational mission of the Physics Department are profound." Noll also gives of his time to perform science demonstrations regularly in elementary and middle schools, for the Physics Open House and at the Science Olympiad."His off-duty 'Mr. Science' demonstrations in local schools and libraries have made him a real hero for thousands of central Ohio kids," wrote a nominator.

Retta M. Semones

The breadth and depth of work performed by Retta M. Semones, graduate program coordinator for political science, is a source of wonderment and admiration for the people her work brings her into contact with."With an exceptional degree of efficiency, initiative, and accuracy, Ms. Semones single-handedly coordinates all aspects of the graduate program," wrote one nominator. Semones monitors admissions, funding, financial aid, course scheduling, job placements and numerous other tasks, all while demonstrating, in the words of one grateful co-worker,"abiding patience, good humor, and grace." She develops friendly and caring relationships with both potential and current students, contributing to the department's overall success, and leading to her being named a recipient of the Council of Graduate Students 1999 Service Award. Semones is always willing to work until the job is finished, wrote a nominator:"She is the first to work in Derby Hall every morning, arriving by 7 a.m., and she routinely works until 6 p.m. on a six day per week cycle."

Norman M. Stanley

At the Agricultural Technical Institute, Norman M. Stanley has been an integral part of its development and upkeep since 1973, becoming the campus's first assistant director for institutional services in 1976. Under his leadership, ATI has undergone significant growth, with Stanley's responsibilities having included such diverse areas as overseeing the physical plant, transportation, public safety, farm operations, personnel, fiscal management, student activities, food, health and computing services, and the creation of a Center for Education and Economical Development. Stanley is known as a pinch hitter, someone who is always ready and willing to complete any task at hand."He always goes the extra mile," wrote one nominator, and he inspires others to come along with him."He is a quiet, confident leader with high personal and professional standards who always portrays a positive image to the public," wrote another nominator. Stanley will retire next summer, leaving behind a legacy as an"incredible friend, mentor, and patriarch to innumerable people in the extended ATI family."

Photos By Kevin Fitzsimons and Jo McCulty

Design by Mary Meyers

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