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The University of Arizona
Staff Advisory Council
2004 Awards for Excellence
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Billy Joe Varney Award
Kathleen "Rocky"
LaRose
Senior Associate Athletics Director, Intercollegiate Athletics
Nominated by Judith Leonard
Kathleen "Rocky" LaRose is a very compassionate and
competent administrator who is extremely sensitive to the principle of
fairness in both hiring practices as well as management of a
diversified staff.
She has a keen understanding of the labyrinth of NCAA and conference
rules and regulations that govern intercollegiate athletics and has
been an influential force in maintaining compliance within these
complicated guidelines. She is a champion of the individual rights of
student athletes and staff and always maintains a firm and positive
command of very difficult situations. She possesses the highest degree
of integrity, and through her style of leadership this personal
quality passes through to her staff. Her expertise and initiative are
requested for numerous campus, conference and national committees.
Rocky began her UA career as a student athlete. During her tenure at
the University she has demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to both
students and staff. She is especially sensitive to establishing and
maintaining a high level of gender equity and diversity within her
department. Always well prepared, she is informed and ready to take
the reins regardless of the nature or immensity of the challenge
facing her.
Rocky has been the administrator in charge of the UA cheerleaders and
mascots. These groups participate in fund-raisers and the activities
of a multitude of community groups. A long time member of Women at the
Top Breakfast Club, Rocky developed the "Speakers' Bureau" of the CATS
Life Skills Program. Through this bureau, UA student athletes make
appearances and talk with more than 22,000 children each year at local
schools discussing the detriments of substance abuse, gang-related
issues and the need to remain in school.
Active in the PAC-10 Conference, Rocky has served as vice president of
the council, chair of the Senior Women's Administrative Committee and
has served on the Legislative, Long Planning, SWA Television,
Selection and Women's Basketball Tournament committees.
To Rocky, being a perfectionist means completing each assignment
systematically, thoroughly and in a timely manner with first-class
results. Regardless of her workload, she is always willing to pitch in
and take on a new commitment. Kathleen "Rocky" LaRose is the very
embodiment of the Billy Joe Varney spirit. - UA News Services, April
21, 2004
Staff Awards for Excellence
Arezu Corella
Psychology Admissions
Kymber Horn
FSO Technology
Suzanne Kelly
Entomology Research
Cristopher Martin
Cell Biology & Anatomy
Patricia Rhyner
Political Science
Christine Salvesen
Disability Resource Center
Judith A. Stanfield
Management & Policy, Eller College
Team Awards for Excellence
Wildcat Welcome Executive Committee
Mel and
Enid Zuckerman Arizona College Of Public Health
Business
Communications, Eller College
Arezu Corella
Senior Academic Advisor, Psychology
Nominated by Bethany Ekegren
Since joining the psychology department in 2001, Arezu Corella
has brought advising into the forefront of the department’s awareness and focus.
In a department with more than 1,900 students, Arezu has taken the lead in
enlarging the advising staff, training and supervising student assistants. She
has initiated several new programs and created a new course in which
undergraduate majors are educated about preparation for graduate study and
coached in writing effective applications. Other of her innovations include an
on-line Graduating Senior Survey that provides systematic feedback for
departmental improvements in advising and enriching the educational experience
for undergraduates.
She also developed and enhanced an undergraduate internship program that
coordinates opportunities across a large number of Southern Arizona agencies and
organizations. Arezu has developed a peer-mentor program, extensive printed and
Web-based student resources and a Web-based system to assist undergraduates in
psychology course registration.
These innovations were created alongside her normal heavy advising schedule. Her
co-workers see her as “non-judgmental, and she looks upon any mistakes as
learning
experiences. She does not degrade those she supervises. Instead, she works with
everyone on an equal playing field bringing their individual talents to the
advising center.”
Kymber Horn
Computing Manager, FSO-Technology
Nominated by Jenny Ruiz
Kymber Horn is a member of the Financial Services Office (FSO)
Information Technology Services unit. Her technical and business expertise has
helped bring the University to many new milestones in efficiency and
effectiveness of operations. Kymber brought the FRS Departmental Manual & Policy
Publication online and instituted the POPR/PUTR Payroll process automation. She
has developed the FSO Web site, the FSO Help Desk System, the FSO II Project
Portfolio Management System and the Training Web site and Employee History,
which allows University staff to register for important training classes online
and track their training history.
Kymber is a self-taught Web application programmer with an encyclopedic
knowledge about the business, process and enterprise systems so necessary for
the University to function. In addition to the technical skills, Kymber has an
excellent vision for where automation can be most useful. Her intelligence and
focus have earned the respect of her fellow employees not only for her amazing
technical abilities, but also for her wonderful attitude, willingness to take on
any new challenge and in being "an absolute pleasure to work with."
Suzanne Kelly
Senior Research Specialist, Entomology
Nominated by Kim Hammond
The entomology lab of Dr. Martha Hunter has been the "home base"
for Suzanne Kelly for seven years.
"Hard working and dedicated," Suzanne is responsible for the day-to-day running
and maintenance of the lab and the execution of numerous experiments. She is
easily accessible, quick to take on new challenges, learning and teaching new
techniques that are crucial to the research in the lab and adjusting to changes
that effect the successful running of the lab.
An extraordinary and supportive mentor, Suzanne has often served as the most
important contact for numerous international visitors to the lab. She is
conscientious, diligent and routinely does things for others that are well
beyond her job requirements. She fosters excellence in student workers, is
available to help with any science-related question and takes the time to train
them properly. Her contribution to the research team is seen in her publication
records. She is a co-author to several papers in the seven years she has been in
this lab.
An enthusiastic cooperative team member, Suzanne is very much the person who
takes the ultimate responsibility. She exemplifies professionalism, dedication
and academic excellence. Her warmth and thoughtfulness to others makes the
University community a better, stronger place to be.
Christopher Martin
Senior Office Assistant, Cell Biology &
Anatomy
Nominated by Abigail McElhinny
Chris Martin not only performs his day-to-day responsibilities
efficiently and effectively, it is routine for him to go above and beyond his
normal duties. Chris' expert assistance in meeting deadlines, submitting grant
proposals and paperwork and completing lectures for classes makes these normally
stressful tasks go smoothly. Often working extra hours including weekends, Chris
can be counted on to volunteer for numerous special committees and projects
within his department.
Thoughtful, personable and cheerful, Chris relates well with everyone. In his
work with the Willed Body Program, Chris is able to lead many elderly donors
through the enrollment process with extreme sensitivity and kindness. His
compassion and caring puts the donors at ease. Initially Chris was responsible
for database entry for the Willed Body Program. However, his quick and accurate
performance as well as his suggestions for streamlining and improving the
process and willingness to handle communications with prospective donors led him
to take the lead in these areas.
Chris has helped with all kinds of things such as distribution of syllabi,
returning of students' assignments. Mature and responsible, he is trusted with
sensitive tasks such as delivering letters to students informing them of
inadequate performance and helping with the preparation and proctoring of exams.
He's designed a very practical and clear layout for the grade sheets. At the
conclusion of a recent meeting, a last-minute decision to publish the
manuscripts, photos and figures of the 100 participants online necessitated
Chris' assistance. He quickly became familiar with Photoshop and in no time at
all was the "resident expert" who prepared the images to meet the criteria for
publication.
His department values his positive attitude and strong work ethic, creativity,
reliability energy and dedication.
Patricia Rhyner
Administrative Secretary, Political Science
Nominated by John P. Willerton
Pat Rhyner is a woman who puts enthusiastic effort and infinite
labor into University related activities and extraordinary circumstances. She
goes above and beyond the call of duty, regardless of situation, to help
alleviate any problems or setbacks the institution might have. She initiates
motivation with her upbeat attitude and smiling face.
Pat is a woman of strong integrity, providing strength, durability and stability
by dealing with various situations while managing to help keep information and
ideals, the lifeblood of the University, flowing.
Whether making last-minute transparencies or trekking across campus to carry
materials to class for an ailing instructor, she ensures the continuation of
classroom operations and a minimum of confusion for students. Pat has taken
affirmative steps to help diversify the workplace by recognizing the special
needs of disabled students in the classroom. Not only has she assisted a number
of students with disabilities make contact with the Disability Resource Center,
she also has notified their instructors when those disabilities make class
attendance difficult. She has printed out papers for students who were
physically not able to walk to the library so the papers would be turned in on
time.
Along with other members of the staff, Pat donated money to a particularly
hard-pressed student to pay for his graduation fees because the cost of his
medications made it difficult to pay them. Pat attended his graduation and
remains in contact with him long after graduation.
Pat's willingness to perform duties far beyond the call of duty has been
instrumental in creating a warm community for faculty and students.
Christine Salvesen
Coordinator, Learning
Disability Services
Disability Resource Center
Nominated by Alan Strauss
Christine Salvesen is among the most outstanding employees. Her
commitment to the UA as an alumna and employee is demonstrated every day as she
strives to further the University's mission of teaching, research and service.
During the past two years of budget reductions, professional staff at the DRC
has decreased. While Christine's job description calls for her to work with a
reduced caseload in the direct delivery of services to students, she has taken
it upon herself to serve a caseload of students almost equal to the professional
staff she supervises. In effect, she is performing the work of almost two
positions. She has made this choice so her staff is not tied to service delivery
100 percent of the time and is able to work to further the mission and vision of
the department.
Christine's commitment toward efficiency and effectiveness of operations was
demonstrated by the role she played this past year in the development of an
outreach counselor position with the DRC, enabling the department to maintain a
high level of quality service delivery despite a reduction in staffing.
She was heavily involved in the design of the student service area within the
Highland Commons building and served on the transition team leading them into
the new facility. Christine has a strong ability to recognize individual staff
strengths and capitalize on them. This year, departmental employees had the
opportunity to evaluate her and other supervisors within the DRC. Among all
managers and supervisors, Christine was one of the highest rated supervisors.
She is well respected for her ability to attend to individual staff issues while
maintaining a balance with unit-wide needs. She encourages individual
expression, is compassionate in her dealings with staff and is always fair. She
consistently demonstrates thoughtfulness, integrity, skill and "Wildcat Pride."
Judith A. Stanfield
Administrative Associate, Management &
Policy
Nominated by Suzanne Cummins
"Great organizations achieve their greatness because of the
quality of their people. In the scholarly field of management, we write about
'organizational citizenship behavior' to describe activities that go above and
beyond the normal set of duties. Not surprisingly, we have found that great
organizations have employees with high levels of organizational citizenship.
Judith is clearly a prototypical example of exceptional organizational
citizenship. She has helped make the University of Arizona great."
In letters of nomination, Judith's sense of pride, responsibility and quality
are translated into exceptional contributions toward the effectiveness and
efficiency of her department. She makes sure everything that needs to get done
is done regardless of self- sacrifice. She often works Saturdays and Sundays and
can be found in her office late into the night. Judith leads by example. In an
environment that can sometimes be hectic and stressful, she manages to maintain
a pleasant camaraderie. She knows everyone's name whether faculty, staff or
student. Her sincere interest in peoples' well being allows her to be very open
and nonjudgmental.
Judith's willingness to volunteer is demonstrated by her administering the
budget for the Business Minor program, serving on the Staff Employee Recognition
Committee, The Committee of 16, Resource Committee, Staff Advisory Council,
Parking and Transportation Committee, Staff Dispute Resolution Committee and
Beta Group.
Team Awards for Excellence
Wildcat Welcome Executive Committee
Kathy Adams-Reister
Melinda Griffith
Keith Humphrey
Heather Miller
Juliette Moore
Christine Salveson
Saundra Taylor
Nominated by Nancy Huber
The Wildcat Welcome Coordinating
Committee plans dozens of events that provide a welcoming environment for the
opening of school in August. These events target all members of the campus
community, especially new and returning students and their parents.
Thanks to this committee of five, the Wildcat Welcome drew more than 300
volunteers to assist an estimated 7,500 to 10,000 new and returning students for
fall semester 2003.
Wildcat Welcome helps students to move into residence halls quickly, assists
students who are seeking directions to classes and services or those who just
need to ask questions. Students have been offered a ride in a golf cart or
handed a cool bottle of water on a very hot day, shared ice cream with new
friends, learned to sing "Bear Down" at the barbecue and danced in Wilbur's
Underground. Overall, 25 events were organized and spread out over 10 days.
This committee and the Wildcat Welcome event demonstrate team excellence. Their
hard work and great planning provide support for students, allows faculty and
staff the opportunity to meet, greet and assist students at a fundamental level
while maintaining a campus-wide goal of making the University an open and
welcoming community while setting a positive tone for the entire year.
Mel & Enid Zuckerman Arizona College of
Public Health
Rachel Billowitz
Sara Brinson
Linda Dobbyn
Kathleen Martin
Jeannette Mullins
Kathy Ott
Jeanet Renaldi
Chris Tisch
Nominated by Chris Tisch
Created in the early 1990s to
serve the needs of the tri-university collaborative Arizona Graduate Program in
Public Health, this team comprises seven staff members and the assistant dean.
Staff members are cross trained and meet every two weeks for two hours to
discuss current issues, upcoming projects and events, strengthen problem solving
approaches and measure progress toward the previous period's goals. Because two
of the team members are located in Phoenix and Flagstaff, the meetings are held
via telephone conference. All team members participate in every academic event.
A little more than two years ago, the MEZACOPH embarked on the process to become
accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health. This is a very
difficult process. The staff of the Office of Student Services played key roles
at each level of the accreditation process. They served as task force members
and chairs, writers of major self study sections, data providers and as
facilitators for site visits.
The contributions by the members of this team to the accreditation process far
exceeded the expectations of the group. No task, menial or complex, was refused.
Individual team member needs related to completing a daily set of
responsibilities were put aside to meet the needs of the larger organization,
the College of Public Health. Their dedication, hard work and commitment to
excellence resulted in a successful accreditation.
Business Communication Team, Eller College
Renee McConnell
Bryan Patchett
Sandra Rothschild
Diza Sauers
Michael Sechrest
Carol Shuherk
Nominated by Pam Perry
The overall mission of this
team was to deliver a comprehensive course to improve undergraduate business
students' communication skills and anchor the Master of Business Administration
Business Communication course. In the first year, the undergraduate course was
delivered in a mass lecture format. The program has developed into smaller
targeted courses to meet specific needs of each unique student. The course
serves approximately 500 students per semester in 18-20 sections. This requires
extensive coordination of faculty, staff and students.
The team has gone far beyond the initial scope of the project. Constant
refinements, creative energy, quality service for all students and unique
contributions throughout the college are the hallmarks of this team.
It is rare that a group within the College is able to provide a service to
support the success of all academic departments and students within a College.
These outcomes require networking, energy, commitment to excellence and a
passion for work.
This team's can-do attitude has produced stellar results.
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