2001 Distinguished Staff Awards

By Susan Wittstock

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 Brit 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 18. Recipients also received a $700 increase to their base salary.

Mike Cordle groundskeeper 3, physical facilities

It is a daunting task, but groundskeeper Mike Cordle is responsible for the maintenance of the Columbus campus' central areas, including the Oval, the South Oval, Mirror Lake hollow and the Wexner Center. Cordle, with the help of two supervisees, ensures that these areas are kept pristine for the enjoyment of students, faculty, staff and visitors. "There is no one better suited to maintain these important areas than Mike Cordle. His enthusiasm and unflagging work ethic are extremely consistent," wrote a nominator. It is the numerous special events these areas host, though, that earn Cordle the most enthusiastic praise. He takes the time to work closely and efficiently with event organizers, smoothly handles all tasks and details -- both expected and unexpected -- and on the day of an event will come in at 3 a.m. to finish preparations. "He sees his work not simply as a series of routine and mundane tasks, but as the important job that it is, and he takes pride in fulfilling the demands well," wrote another nominator. "And perhaps more significantly, this attitude spreads to other workers."

Janet Elliott RN, staff nurse, OSUMC

Janet Elliott is known for her compassion and integrity in her professional and private life. Elliott has worked as a nurse for intensive care patients at the University Medical Center since 1979. "Jan's knowledge, spirituality and professionalism make her an exceptional nurse and person at OSUMC," wrote a nominator. A strong patient advocate, Elliott inspires glowing praise from those who have come under her efficient and kind method of caregiving. "She consistently develops a relationship with the patient and their family that facilitates her ability to provide necessary patient education and understanding of their health care and the process," wrote a nominator. Elliott is an excellent problem-solver, and recommendations she has made have improved experiences for patients and for co-workers, affecting everything from infection control practices to policies on overtime for nurses. As a member and founder of several professional organizations, Elliott has made a real impact in the nursing field at Ohio State and throughout the state. "She sets high standards and serves as a mentor and role model for other professional nurses," wrote a nominator.

Christopher Griffin office associate, English

To hear the way administrators, faculty and students talk about Christopher Griffin, it would be easy to get the impression that he is superhuman, a divine blessing in human form to a very grateful English department. Perhaps he is. His many skills and roles include: typesetter, proofreader, budget director, publicist, counselor, contact person, file manager, room scheduler, bureaucracy untangler, Web master, student recruiter, question answerer and paperwork shepherd. As an office associate, Griffin is all of these things, not only for the creative writing program, but also for the undergraduate program. "Only a uniquely gifted individual with a unique capacity for delegation, application, efficiency, accuracy, agility and intelligence could manage both jobs concurrently," wrote a nominator. His personality, though, earns him the title of "indispensable" from the creative writing program. "What he brings to this program, beyond keeping track of too many things for any'normal' person to manage, is cohesion and mood," wrote his nominator. "He is the heart of our program."

David Harrison director, minority student services, Fisher College

A revolution is afoot in the Fisher College of Business, and David Harrison is on the front lines. Under his direction, the concept and delivery of Minority Student Services has undergone major changes since he came to Ohio State in 1993. Improved general support and tutoring and career advising services have led to significant increases in minority student enrollment and graduation rates within the Fisher College. Services are important, but one nominator wrote that "it is perhaps in the building of student morale and confidence that David most demonstrates his extraordinary commitment to diversity goals." Harrison makes himself available to students on a 24/7 basis, and follows their careers from high school, through college, and beyond. He serves as adviser to four minority student business associations and is instrumental in helping students obtain placements in the business world. "David is indeed a role model for all of us," wrote students who have worked with him, "and one of the most valuable lessons that we have learned from him is to never give up on your dreams in order to'complete the mission.'"

Cheryl Holloway nutrition technician, Veterinary Hospital

Pets across the country benefit from better nutrition, thanks to the efforts of Cheryl Holloway. Holloway was hired five years ago to fill a pilot nutrition technician position to help maintain the Nutrition Support Service, and, due in part to her efforts, the service is now recognized locally, nationally and internationally for its excellence. Holloway supervised a remodeling of the diet kitchen, maintains a Web site popular with veterinarians, and gives lectures to provide continuing education to others. Holloway is an asset to the clinic's atmosphere: "Cheryl has thrived in this demanding environment, providing compassion and empathy in addition to nutrition advice to those with whom she works," wrote a nominator. In addition to her regular duties, Holloway is assisting in clinical research and has presented preliminary results at a national meeting. Holloway is often called upon as a consultant and trainer for other nutrition technician programs across the nation and for major pet food companies, not to mention functioning as a valuable nutrition resource for her fellow Ohio State clinicians, faculty, students and clients.

Kenneth King superintendent of buildings, physical facilities

As superintendent of buildings for the north region of the Columbus campus, Kenny King stands out as an employee with a deep dedication to the University. "What is remarkable about Kenny is his good humor and zest for the job. He accepts all challenges, seeking constant improvement. Kenny will not accept failure but strives instead to balance his resources most effectively to sustain a high quality performance for his organization," wrote a nominator. King's region was ranked at the top of the campus during the last evaluation period and he is currently coaching the only self-directed work force on the campus. King is highly regarded for his cost-saving solutions, his ability to instill pride in the crews he supervises, and his willingness to take on all tasks, both large and small. "Kenny amazes me in his ability to get the best from his people," wrote a nominator. "He leads by example and stands head and shoulders above his peers."

Joan Lorenz associate to vice provost, academic affairs

Intelligent, gentle, sympathetic, tactful, imaginative, tough and industrious -- all of these words are used by admirers of Joan Lorenz. Lorenz is called upon to complete any number of tasks within the Office of Academic Affairs (OAA), and ably juggles not only her many administrative duties, but also handles many personal interactions with a grace that earns her office many allies. Lorenz is skillful at handling and resolving the student complaints and concerns that OAA must address; she organizes, supports and maintains a number of committees; and has tackled several special projects assisting others with professional development. Her hard work makes life easier for others at the University. "Joan Lorenz distinguishes herself by the quality of the work she does and by the environment that she creates so that the rest of us can also attempt to do quality work as well," wrote a nominator.

Kathy Maksymicz coordinator, student activities, ATI

"One of Ms. Maksymicz's most impressive attributes is her genuine interest in, and commitment to, the students who attend ATI," wrote a nominator. Kathy Maksymicz has carved out a vibrant student activities program on the Agricultural Technical Institute campus, where, for many years, she was the lone staff person working in student services. Maksymicz goes well beyond the call of duty, conducting special weekend trips, attending bowling and movie nights, and assisting other ATI offices with events. "It is not unusual to see Kathy on campus from dawn to dusk throughout the academic year serving both the students and staff," wrote a nominator. The shift at ATI from a commuter campus to a residential campus has had a profound impact on Maksymicz's responsibilities, but she has more than risen to the challenge. "She was immediate and consistent in her assertions that the campus needed to expand its services, programming and hours in response to the student body size," wrote a nominator.

Elizabeth Poeppelman administrative associate II, natural resources

"A constant stream of individuals flow in and out of Betsy's office," wrote a nominator. "Everyone goes to see Betsy, and to everyone who enters her office she lets it be known how much she enjoys being able to help." In the School of Natural Resources, Betsy Poeppelman has long stood out for her ability to get things done, her flexibility when faced with change, and her willing investment of energy and time into the school and the University. "Betsy stands out in a crowd for her commitment," wrote a nominator. "She is truly a breath of fresh air as she cuts through the most elaborate processes to find a better and more efficient way." Poeppelman's expertise as a fiscal officer is a model for the University, and she has been called upon regularly to participate on committees and task forces to share her insights. A self-starter, Poeppelman is praised by colleagues for her willingness to find a solution whenever she perceives a need.

William Swoager research associate, microbiology

"If more of us were able to combine Bill's willingness to help, his steadfast care, his work ethic, and his refusal to be associated with mediocrity, the college would be better for it," wrote a nominator. "We know how rarely someone like Bill Swoager appears among us." Swoager is meticulous, efficient and reliable in his work, and regularly expands his job description to ensure that a job is done properly -- not only cataloging, but improving preservation techniques for a culture collection. And he not only takes inventory of equipment, but he maintains it as well. He provides valuable assistance to instructors and researchers by providing all cultures used in Department of Microbiology teaching labs, finding appropriate equipment, and even taking steps like using his skill as a woodworker to modify lab tables for use by wheelchair-bound students. As a member of the Institutional BioSafety Committee, he has had a positive impact on research protocol throughout the campus. His easygoing personality and sense of humor also earn him praise: "He has been a delight to work with, and I definitely include him among the numerous staff heroes that so competently serve this college," wrote one co-worker.

John Whitcomb administrative manager, physics

When it comes to promoting departmental morale, John Whitcomb is resident expert for the Department of Physics. He has initiated and organized a popular pizza luncheon to honor individuals from across campus who keep Smith Lab up-and-running, he instituted a spring picnic, and he turned a sparsely attended holiday party into an event that attracts hundreds. He sees to it that hard work gets recognized; he ensures that improvements are regularly made to the facilities; and he makes sound hiring decisions. "In a word, John G. Whitcomb is the'go-to' guy in physics. He handles the long-term projects with vision, and fights the daily fires É literally; and the floods, toxic material spills, thievery and extraordinarily difficult personnel issues," wrote a nominator. Whitcomb has been a key player in the planning and design of a new research building for physics, and is noted for his ability to make the existing facilities as user-friendly as possible. Through his efforts, graduate students get new chairs and up-to-date computer equipment, the department finally has an excellent conference room, and researchers can be sure equipment will arrive on time.

Jane Wilson office associate, sociology

Since coming to work in the Department of Sociology in 1990, Jane Wilson has steadily been promoted into increasingly demanding roles. She has mastered technological resources, developing sophisticated methods of storing and retrieving data about classes and instructors that facilitate smooth enrollment procedures. As a space allocator, her talents are unparalleled. "She has executed these sensitive and important duties flawlessly, always garnering the highest marks in her annual evaluations and earning the highest praise from every stratum of our departmental community," wrote a nominator. Graduate students have shown their appreciation by awarding her the Most Supportive Staff Member award every year since 1994, and faculty named her Outstanding Staff Member in 1992 and 1999. She has proven herself a whiz at orchestrating the many details associated with recruiting job candidates and helps to make each visit as pleasant as possible. "Jane's easy, calm, effective, open personality makes interactions with her very easy," wrote a nominator. "Jane's positive personality is part of what she brings to her job and one of the foundations for her excellent job performance."

Photos by Kevin Fitzsimons and Jo McCulty

Design by Mary Meyers

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