Ferris Recognizes Distinguished Staff
BIG RAPIDS – Ferris State University recognized the achievements of faculty and staff
during the annual Employee Service Award Celebration.
The reception honored employees completing from five to 40 years of continuous service
to the university, as well as announcing awards for Distinguished Staff.
This year, five people were nominated by their colleagues and chosen to receive the
Distinguished Staff Award. They include:
- Steve Johnson, equipment technician, College of Engineering Technology, has worked at Ferris for
22 years. His colleagues noted not only does he go above and beyond in his daily responsibilities,
but he has been actively involved in the community with such projects as assisting
with CET picnics, serving as ski club advisor, working with AM radio stations, volunteering
for the Year of the Dawg project and Friends of Ferris, and maintaining the sound
system at his church.
- Angela Mishler, senior recruiting officer for Enrollment Services, has worked at Ferris for 10 years.
While she has demonstrated her enthusiasm for the university, her colleagues noted
she is an ambassador of good will. Her involvement in the community includes Ferris'
6th Dawg Women's Basketball Booster Club, United Way, Big Brothers/Big Sisters and
Stepping Stones Parent Advisory Group.
- William Potter, dean, University College, has been employed at Ferris for 10 years and has exhibited
bulldog pride everyday in and out of the office. Potter encourages his colleagues
and students to be successful in whatever life brings them, his colleagues noted.
His community and Ferris involvement includes leading the university's Political Engagement
Project, volunteering with various committees from academic advising to university
planning to scholarships, raising money for March of Dimes and participating in band
boosters.
- Paula Rushford, Advancement Services accountant for University Advancement and Marketing, has been
working at Ferris for four years. She demonstrates her work ethic as her day often
begins early and ends late, he colleagues noted. Her activity in the Ferris and local
communities includes starting a PGM scholarship for students and volunteering in her
child's classroom.
- Karen Youngs, custodian for Physical Plant, has been employed for 3.5 years at Ferris. Youngs
is dedicated to making the Prakken building clean and safe for everyone as she continues
to learn by taking training sessions and testing new products, her colleagues noted.
On top of being dedicated to her work, she is serving as a role model while she is
helping raise her grandchildren.
To be nominated for these awards, staff must have been employed for a minimum of two
years, demonstrate a positive attitude, and be actively involved in the Ferris and
local communities. Honorees were selected by the Distinguished Staff Awards Committee
and received a plaque and a one-time monetary award of $500.
20 May, 2009
