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Pat on the Back Awards April 2007

Congratulations to —

I would like to nominate Bonnie DePew and Sherry Hickman from the Payroll Office for the Pat on the Back Award. Over many years, these two have never failed to offer quick, knowledgeable answers to any question 'thrown' at them! They have always been VERY pleasant in assisting in any questions I have ever had, and I certainly appreciate them! Maybe they've been nominated before, but just in case, I think they are very deserving ALL the time. Thank you.

I want to nominate 2 carpenters, Ron Patterson and Randy Wheeler, for all the creative and hard work they do in the Granger Building. They have completed numerous projects for the HVACR labs, some on very short notice. These projects include making picture frames, equipment stands, and hanging over 100 pictures and company signs and banners throughout the building. We have a good looking building because of their hard work.

I would like to nominate the following Early Learning Center employees for the pat-on-the-back award: Deborah Roberts, Assistant Manager/Teacher, Diane Parrish, Teacher, Susan Fedewa, Teacher, Sandra Salis, Wrap-Around Teacher, Kristen Ritter, student, and Jessica Hughes, FSU student intern. During the confusion on March 1st when the University closed at 11:00 am, these six employees went the extra mile to assist in the operation of the center. I am truly grateful for their dedication, positive attitude and willingness to do what was needed to provide services on this stressful day.

I would like to nominate Ferris' COT Rube Goldberg Machine Team, consisting of students Tom Sybrandy, James Travis III, Mike Dunakin and Matt Tomaszewski, won the National Championship at the Rube Goldberg Machine competition, held at Purdue University, Saturday, March 31. The team won 1st place over Purdue University, University of Texas at Austin, Texas A & M, Penn State University, University of Cincinnati, Hoffstra University, and Washington State Community College. In doing so, the team also set a new World Record for the number of steps in a machine in competition at 345, besting the record held by Purdue at 215. The machine ran in 1 minute and 44 seconds. The record is being submitted to Guinness World Records.

I would like to nominate the Ferris Bus Drivers for a pat on the back award. David Erskin, Marilyn Erskin, Allen Hope, Wendy Starks, Jim E. Lindsey and Tom Proefrock have done an outstanding job in terrible weather conditions. They take safety very seriously and always provide cheerful service. They are very dedicated employees and do a great job. Hats off to all of them.

I would like to recognize Calla Dean and Will Duran for their help in getting me connected to the internet, and then with a problem I was having with my connection. They were both very patient, and made sure I was back up and running before turning me loose. On the bonus side, Will took the time to educate me on internet connections. Thanks!

I would like to nominate Dan Grit in the Physical Plant for a Pat-on-the-Back Award. Dan recently attended the University's legislative luncheon. When we arrived it was pretty clear that we could use some additional help readying the room for our legislators and other visitors. Without being asked Dan pitched in and helped out with the unloading of the materials from the bus and the set-up of the room. He didn't have to do any of that but he saw a need and filled it. Dan could have joined others on a visit to the Capital and while that would have been more pleasurable and lots less work, he stayed behind and helped. His help was much appreciated. In my eyes, he demonstrated what happens every day on campus when we work together.

I would like to nominate Mike Becker a Custodian at Rankin Center. If you need to see a smile for the day, go see Mike. He always has one. He looks like the happiest employed person I have ever seen. Great smile Mike! Keep passing that on! It's contagious.

Cindy Horn is full of life, vitality, warmth and IDEAS! She knows how to bring people together to get a job done and her commitment to Ferris is legendary.

Jody Gardei leads by example. Her unflappable demeanor, openness to new ideas, willingness to go the extra mile and warm spirit make working with her a pleasure.

Helen Woodman is known for her wit, creativity and dedication to her students. She is appreciated because she gets them to do what they had previously deemed impossible.

A big THANK YOU to FLITE Public Services staff members Christine Jacobs and Lyle Mourer, Jr., student assistants Stacy Force, Ryan Paniwozik, Jay Briggs, Matthew Gates, and Codie Lakin, and ATS technicians Margo Higgins and Kriss Tessin. They went "above and beyond" and stayed to staff FLITE's public service desks during the March 1st "snow day," allowing the library to remain open until 5:00 p.m. Despite the dreadful weather conditions, 672 people came into FLITE that day.

I want to nominate the grounds crew and other Physical Plant Trades employees, who helped with all the snow problems that we had right before spring break. The crew included Gerald Battle, Jim White, Steve Huss, Rich Colby, Al Smith, Dan Grit, Gordy Erler, Dale Olson, John Bishop, Chuck Zimmerman, Brad King, Lionel Mackenzie, Jim Spedowske, along with Electricians Tom Lokers, Chris Wright, Painter Richard Spedowske, Plumber Jack Enos, Carpenter Jim Brown and Custodian Floyd Johansen. Also, Grounds Supervisor Will Gasper, for attention given to calls for assistance and sending his crew to go help where needed. Also, Annette Erler for doing such a great job answering the phones and getting help directed where needed. As always, thanks to all of you for taking the time to make life less frustrating for our campus community. A multitude of Spring Break experiences started on the right foot due to the courtesy and attention that you displayed. Also thanks to the Supervisors (Richard Vanhorn, Walt Smith, Darell Reichow, Tom Clement) for sharing their trades workers in a time of need. Thanks to all of you.