2002 Distinguished Staff Finalists

Mindy Britton
Mindy has been with the University for 20 years and currently serves the University as the Executive Secretary to the Vice President for Academic Affairs. Mindy has been active in the Ferris and local communities by participating in quality improvement teams, task force committees, First Impressions, and as a loyal supporter of her church. She is to be commended for her leadership skills, which have enhanced the University's image, services, and human relations. Thank you, Mindy, for your contribution in helping Ferris carry out its overall mission.

Raymond Gant
Raymond has been with the University for almost 18 years. Shortly after his arrival to the University, he became the first and only Director of Minority Affairs. He currently serves the University as Special Assistant to the President/Director of Minority Affairs. Raymond has been active in the Ferris and local communities by mentoring and motivating students to reach their full potential, serving as a moderator or guest speaker on numerous occasions, and assisting with the development of several scholarship programs. He is to be commended for demonstrating inspiration, enthusiasm and concern for all University students. Thank you, Raymond, for your contribution in helping Ferris carry out its overall mission.

Karen Kirk
Karen has been with the University for 12 years. She currently serves the University as the Assistant to the Vice President for University Advancement and Marketing and Assistant to the Executive Director of the Ferris Foundation. Karen has been active in the Ferris and local communities by supporting Operation Compassion, WISE, and Project Starburst. She is to be commended for her sense of teamwork and selfless giving, which contribute to the success of Ferris. Thank you, Karen, for your contribution in helping Ferris carry out its overall mission.

Sally Nicolai
Sally has been with the University for over 29 years. She currently serves the University as the Coordinator of International Admissions. Sally has been active in the Ferris and local communities by opening her home to students, promoting and leading the International Festival of Cultures, and serving on various committees. She is to be commended for being a proven ambassador through her work with and dedication to the University's international students and their families. Thank you, Sally, for your contribution in helping Ferris carry out its overall mission.

Ronald Salik
Ron has been with the University for 36 years. He currently serves the University as the Interim Assistant Vice President for Plant Management. Ron has been active in the Ferris and local communities by contributing to several charities, serving on University committees, and being available to the University around the clock. He is to be commended for his long term on the Ferris team and contributing significantly to the overall growth and success of the University. Thank you, Ron for your contribution in helping Ferris carry out its overall mission.

Linda Telfer
Linda has been with the University for 25 years. She currently serves the University as the Executive Secretary to the Vice President for Student Affairs. Linda has been active in the Ferris and local communities by serving on numerous committees and organizations that influence and develop the young leaders of tomorrow. She is to be commended for earning the reputation as the ultimate team player with exemplary work ethics and a sense of humor. Thank you, Linda, for your contribution in helping Ferris carry out its overall mission.

Rhonda Turner
Rhonda has been with the University for over 17 years. She currently serves the University as the Benefits Specialist in Human Resources. Rhonda has been active in the Ferris and local communities by serving the United Way, Project Starburst, First Impressions, and the Women's Professional Development Conference, while being an active participant in her children's school and sports activities. She is to be commended for being a respected human resources ambassador who demonstrates compassion for all her fellow employees. Thank you, Rhonda, for your contribution in helping Ferris carry out its overall mission.

Tom Weaver
Tom has been with the University for 14 years. He serves the University as a Journeyman Carpenter and President of AFSCME Local 1609. Tom has been active in the Ferris and local communities by dedicating his time to the American Cancer Society, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, PAST, and the Riverwalk Committee projects. He is to be commended for being an instrumental force in the advancement of workers' issues, including the connection between employees and the students we serve. Thank you, Tom, for your contribution in helping Ferris carry out its overall mission.

Louise Yowtz
Louise has been with the University for almost five years and is the Director of Affirmative Action. Louise has been active in the Ferris and local communities by serving on numerous University committees, training all University employees, and contributing to the Legal Access Center, Racism Summit and Dispute Resolution Center. She is to be commended for demonstrating objectivity, innovation, collegiality, and leadership to the University community. Thank you, Louise, for your contribution in helping Ferris carry out its overall mission.

2002 Distinguished Team Finalists

The Distinguished Team Awards recognize two teams who identified a need and effectively delivered their product to fulfill that need. These awards recognize their accomplishments.

Dining Services Training Team
Team members: Craig Bowman, Michael Langan, Stephanie Patton, and Viriginia Reinink.

The Dining Services Training Team developed an innovative program to formally train entry-level Dining Service employees in order to provide employment opportunities to individuals not typically qualified to fill those positions. Along with providing new opportunities, this training program also satisfied department goals of continuous quality improvement. This weeklong training program has received five-state regional recognition from the National Association of College and University Food Services, and has served as a model for other training programs, both on-campus and at other universities. The Dining Services Training Team, comprised of service and management employees demonstrated the true meaning of teamwork and proved what can be accomplished when people pull together for one common goal.

Recruitment CD Committee
Team members: Bill Bitzinger, Jeff Gabalis, Raymond Gant, Kent Kachaterian, Donna Smith, Susan Starkey, Adam Wetherell, and Louise Yowtz.

This cross-divisional committee produced a CD-Rom to be used as an effective, national recruitment tool for faculty and administrative employees. This tool combines technology and information in an innovative way and emphasizes the University's accomplishments and its role as a national leader in many areas of education. This team was able to deliver its product in a short period of time and at little cost to the University by producing it "in-house." In effectively accomplishing its goals through cross-divisional cooperation, the Recruitment CD Committee demonstrated those qualities that make it a Distinguished Team.