ATHENS, Ohio -- Seven Ohio University employees were given 2002-03 Outstanding Classified Employee Awards during a June 4 ceremony at Baker University Center. University President Robert Glidden presented each recipient with a $500 check and a framed certificate.
The honorees include: Louise Bell, records management coordinator, Residence Services; Rodney Darner, maintenance repairman III, Ohio University Zanesville Campus; Charlene Dillon, custodial worker I, Custodial Services; Brian McCoy, administrative assistant, Admissions; Betty Rex, administrative assistant, University Human Resources; R. Ben Saunders, maintenance repair worker, Ohio University Southern Campus; and Teresa Tyson-Drummer, administrative associate, School of Hearing, Speech and Language Services.
University Human Resources sponsors the 17-year-old award program, which was created to recognize distinguished service among classified employees. Eligible employees may be nominated by students, faculty or staff and must be full- or part-time permanent civil service or bargaining unit employees with a minimum of five consecutive years of service.
Bell, an 18-year employee of Ohio University, is responsible for accommodating the housing needs of incoming and returning students. She is described as a dependable, knowledgeable and inventive person who will go the extra mile to meet any deadline. Besides being known as "always friendly and accessible," she was credited with working long hours on the new housing system installed three years ago. She not only helped test the system, but also made sure the system fits the department's profile.
Darner, an 11-year veteran of the Zanesville Campus Physical Plant and Muskingum Area Technical College (MATC), takes a proactive approach to all assigned tasks. He is noted for taking the initiative in resolving problems head on and co-workers say he raises the standards and expectations for the entire staff. Last year, he was voted the MATC Facilities Management Employee of the Quarter for summer 2002 and also was named the first-ever Zanesville Campus/MATC Employee of the Quarter for fall 2002.
Dillon, an 18-year employee of Ohio University, was recognized for providing a clean, safe and home-like living environment for residents of the Fenzel House Residence Hall. She was praised for consistently finding ways to do her job better and sharing her job knowledge with her co-workers. She recently handed out 150 Easter baskets to residence hall students. Dillon is a volunteer on the Facilities Auxiliaries Safety Committee and the Employment Involvement Committee for South Green RCS and also serves as a union steward for AFSCME Local 1699.
McCoy has been at Ohio University for more than six years. He is known as a personable and creative employee who pays great attention to detail and demonstrates a positive attitude in his dealings with staff and students. He was instrumental in developing a template for the FAQ page on the Office of Admissions Web site and also contributed to the development of the online registration procedures for admitted and prospective students who plan on visiting campus. McCoy recently teamed with Facilities Management to initiate a solar-powered energy-conservation project in Chubb Hall.
Rex, an eight-year employee of Ohio University, is often called the "HR Generalist." Her main duties include answering calls from a 36-line telephone while administering to people who enter the office. She was instrumental in the implementation of the new Employee Compensation program and created an innovative information sessions waiting list for classified workers and their supervisors. Rex helped found the Employee Showcase, which provides funding for an endowed scholarship and is a forum for employees to display their personal talents outside of work.
Saunders, a 15-year Ohio University employee, was praised for working long hours and exhibiting extreme dedication to his job of keeping the Southern Campus operational. His attitude toward service is one of his strengths and he is described by peers as someone who leads by example. He has a helpful attitude and is known for the tireless energy he displays daily in his interactions with visitors, students, co-workers and faculty.
Tyson-Drummer, now in her ninth year of service at Ohio University, is considered an ambassador for the School of Hearing, Speech and Language Sciences. Her peers say she uses her leadership abilities and interpersonal and organizational skills to oversee many of the school's daily operations. She serves as Classified Senate treasurer and always makes an extra effort to help new co-workers make an easy transition to the department.
