2003 Distinguished Staff Finalists

Mike Cairns
Mike has been with the University for 21 years and has held a number of positions. For the past five years, he has served the University as the Associate Vice President of Students Affairs. Mike has been active in the Ferris and local communities by mentoring students, working behind-the-scenes and being an active supporter of the University and local causes. He is to be commended for his demonstrated profound dedication to the University and its students and for being a true role-model to his colleagues. Thank you, Mike, for your contribution in helping Ferris State University carry out its overall mission.

Sally DePew
Sally has been with the University for 28 years. For the past 16 years, she has served the University as the Director of Budgetary Planning and Analysis. Sally has been active in the Ferris and local communities by being available to the University around-the-clock and serving key roles in numerous committees. She is to be commended for her selfless work ethic and approach to difficult decisions, which commands respect and demonstrates her collegial demeanor. Thank you, Sally, for your contribution in helping Ferris State University carry out its overall mission.

Lori Helmer
Lori has been with the University for 19 years and currently serves as the Director of Dining Services. Lori has been active in the Ferris and local communities by participating in and developing committees, partnerships and teams, both on and off campus, for which Ferris has received local, regional and national recognition. She is to be commended for her innovative leadership and team-building concepts, which have greatly improved Ferris' dining operations and the quality of life on campus for both students and employees. Thank you, Lori, for your contribution in helping Ferris State University carry out its overall mission.

Teresa Langworthy
Teresa has been with the University for over 21 years and currently serves the University as the Student Activities Assistant in the department of Student Leadership and Activities. Teresa has been active in the Ferris and local communities by participating in numerous Student Activities committees, the Calendar Committee, the President's Leadership Program, the Blueline Club and volunteering her time to the Big Rapids High School's Drama and Choir Departments. She is to be commended for her multi-tasking skills, no-wrong-door philosophy and dedication to the Ferris students, which has earned her the honorary titles of "eternal Homecoming Queen" and "concert lady". Thank you, Teresa, for your contribution in helping Ferris State University carry out its overall mission.

Mary Kay MacIver
Mary Kay has been with the University for over six years and currently serves the University as the Assistant Director of Alumni Relations. Mary Kay has been active in the Ferris and local communities by enthusiastically representing the University, promoting the University and its mission, mentoring students and volunteering for a number of local causes. She is to be commended for being a true Ferris State University Bulldog! Thank you, Mary Kay, for your contribution in helping Ferris State University carry out its overall mission.

Lionel MacKenzie
Lionel has been with the University for five years and currently serves the University as a Grounds Specialist at Katke Golf Course. Lionel has been active in the Ferris and local communities by serving on numerous University committees, positively interacting with students and assisting with the promotion of the University. He is to be commended for being a proven dedicated, hardworking employee who has demonstrated his sincere interest in the well-being of the University. Thank you, Lionel, for your contribution in helping Ferris State University carry out its overall mission.

Angela Palmer
Angela has been with the University for over six years and currently serves the University as a Secretary Level III in the department of Residential Life. Angela has been active in the Ferris and local communities by serving on hiring and policy review committees, the Young Women's Group of Chippewa Hills, furthering her education and raising a young family. She is to be commended for her infectious motivation, caring demeanor and timeliness, as well as continually striving to improve customer service and campus relationships. Thank you, Angela, for your contribution in helping Ferris State University carry out its overall mission.

Kristine Szot-Green
Kristine has been with the University for 15 years and currently serves the University as an Account Clerk Level III in the College of Technology. Kristine has been active in the Ferris and local communities by participating in the History Commemoration Task Force, Clerical/Technical Association, church leadership roles and numerous activities which positively influence today's youth. She is to be commended for her professionalism, dedication, integrity and genuine concern for the welfare of Ferris' family and friends, which has earned her the admiration and respect of her colleagues. Thank you, Kristine for your contribution in helping Ferris State University carry out its overall mission.

2003 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.

Custodial Work Order Process Committee
Team members: Diane Johnson, Chair, Kay Anderson, William Carpenter, Abdollah Ferdowsi, Will Gasper, Thomas Jackson, Jerena Keys, LouAnn Kirkpatrick, Fonda Kuzee, Jackie Perrin, Denise Wild, Sandra Werner, Lynn Winans, and Carla Worth.

The Custodial Work Order Process Committee investigated and established the use of technology to create a computerized custodial supply ordering system. In addition, it developed an innovative teaching and learning program for the custodial staff and other stakeholders in order to use the system. In this regard, the committee developed opportunities for custodians to meet their customers, established an electronic method to allow stakeholders to communicate their needs to the custodians, provided computer training for custodial staff and developed an electronic order system. This cross-divisional committee demonstrated that it is a Ferris State University Distinguished Team by effectively accomplishing its goal of re-engineering the supply order process through the use of technology, empowering employees, and developing a continual communication flow with stakeholders. Congratulations!

FSU History Commemoration Task Force and W.N. Ferris' 150th Birthday Subcommittee
Team members: Harry Dempsey, Chair, Jennifer Ditto, Gary Huey, Dan Hurley, William Keller, Beth Krueger, Mary Kay MacIver, R. Larry Martin, Melinda McMartin, Barry Mehler, Todd Price, Sheila Squicciarini, Steve Stillwell, Patty Terryn, Kristine Szot-Green, and Jim Wessell.

This team's central purpose is to preserve and promote the Ferris mission by commemorating the unique history of the institution and its founder by establishing and maintaining a campus presence and awareness of the Ferris legacy. This was accomplished by creating a ten-year plan for the establishment of that historical presence on campus, through the display of the University's historical artifacts and through the observance of significant dates and anniversaries, such as Woodbridge Ferris' 150th Birthday celebration. This diverse committee, comprised of University faculty, staff, emeriti, and local community members, is to be commended for creating a visible record of the words and philosophy of Woodbridge Ferris and a tangible presence of the vision he had for his institution. Congratulations on your accomplishments!