Past Excellence Award Recipients
FY 2008-2009
John-Scott Forester, Art Department
"With over 20 years service to SSU, John-Scott Forester has been a technician in the department of Art and Art History for 14 years. It is refreshing to work with such a highly skilled and motivated technician who is not afraid to extend himself in any capacity to assist faculty, staff, and students. Our department as a whole tremendously regards John-Scott and his contributions…he has been a critical part of several Art Gallery exhibitions and programs in the last several years. His help with the Masami Teraoka, There’s No Place Like Here, and Projected Image shows was incredible. He has helped numerous students complete and install their artworks in the Art Gallery…without his help; many of these students could not exhibit their work. He listens carefully to our needs, works exceptionally well with both students and staff, and brings everyone together to find a workable solution to our exhibition needs."
Jo-Ann Smith, Environmental Studies and Planning Development
"Jo-Ann is a truly outstanding member of our university community, whose commitment to our educational mission is evident every day…she is one of the rare individuals who can truly function without ego….she enthusiastically celebrates each and every one’s successes, large or small, and in doing so lifts the morale of colleagues and students alike. She is currently coordinating a department-wide effort to place more advising information online, allowing faculty advising time to be used more efficiently….all along the way she also gently reminds the faculty to stay on the ball and keep the project moving…..The administrative coordinator job is of a type which, when executed perfectly, calls no attention to itself; the individual performing it becomes in a sense invisible, and what is experienced by everyone else is simply that the system is working. A classic example of this kind of job is air traffic control…..Jo-Ann is like (an) air traffic controller and this…is an opportunity to recognize her immense and often successfully invisible contribution to our university."
FY 2007-2008
Mary Beth Hull, Mathematics Department 
Mary Beth Hull has had extensive experience providing administrative support to various companies and school districts, including five years at the Cotati-Rohnert Park School District, before she joined SSU. She came to SSU in 1998, providing administrative support in the Provost’s Office. In 2000, she was promoted to Administrative Coordinator in the Mathematics Department, where she works now.
Mary Beth is an integral part of the Mathematics Department, and her dedication is evident in her commitment and service to the students and faculty in one of the largest departments on campus. As a self-described "Math Mom", she works closely with the students to get them over their fears and sometimes tears. She has trained many, and sets the standard for the other AC's on campus.
Kamen Nikolov, Center for Performing Arts
Kamen began working for SSU as a Student Assistant beginning in 1998, while an undergraduate student majoring in music. He worked in both the CPA and for the Green Music Festival. Following graduation, he was accepted to SSU’s School of Education Masters Program and joined the CPA staff full time, where he oversees Performing Arts venue scheduling and supervision of all technical support provided to the Music and Theater Arts one hundred and forty plus annual performances.
Kamen provides exemplary service to the CPA through his thorough and consistent support of performance and campus events. His positive can-do attitude is contagious throughout SSU. He goes beyond the call of duty to assure successful performances for our students and outside customers, and he is highly respected by faculty and staff.
FY 2006-2007
Thora Collard, Administrative Analyst/Specialist for the Office of the Dean of Education
Thora was nominated by the Dean, former Dean and Administrative Manager of the School of Education for her outstanding support and service to the faculty, staff and visiting committees during the National Accreditation of the School of Education. She used her technical skills and "outside the box" thinking to streamline processes and find innovative solutions to meet the goals and needs of the accreditation, including the construction of the "accreditation electronic exhibit room" on the Web site. She was praised for her initiative in serving on the University Web Committee and on the School of Education Technology Committee, and for learning new software programs to assist with the accreditation. During the visit, she was on-call 24 hours a day and lived at the hotel in order to troubleshoot and fix any technological problems the team experienced. She has been repeatedly praised for her positive attitude and bringing the focus to the main work at hand. As the Dean of the School said;
Thora's work is marked by excellence and diligence...the School of Education and the University would not have achieved state and national accreditation without her.
Dr. Scott Cutler, Physician at the Student Health Center
Dr. Cutler received nominations from the Student Health Center Medical Director, Nurse Practitioners, Lab Manager, and Radiologic Technologist. He was praised for consistently going above and beyond the call of duty, infusing innovation and creativity into the workplace on a daily basis, and ensuring the high level of service provided by the student pharmacy in the unanticipated lengthy absence of the campus pharmacist. Scott, " readily and willingly pitches in wherever and whenever - without being asked and without losing focus on his primary responsibilities." He is praised for his devotion to the SHC patients, staying after hours and through lunches to make sure his patients get as much time as is required for them to understand how to manage their health situation. He readily steps into roles as needed, including transporting x-rays to Santa Rosa outside of work hours when courier service is lacking. He has repaired and improved functionality of equipment to better serve the clients. He requests and utilizes input from others to come up with a solution that will fit everyone. Scott, "is an accomplished clinician who truly has the interest of the students as his main focus", says one nominator. He is praised also for his involvement as a health educator to the community.
FY 2000-2006
Connie Lewsadder, Assistant to the Dean of the School of Social Sciences
Connie was nominated for the Excellence Award by what appears to be the entire leadership of the School of Social Sciences. She is known for consistently going above and beyond the call of duty and for being a role model for the spirit of continuous improvement. When the school had difficulty managing the paperwork for its contract courses, she designed and implemented a system that solved the problem.
Cindy Stearns, past chair of Women and Gender Studies, wrote:
Connie is a role model for outstanding leadership and teamwork. Connie created and continues to lead the AC Roundtable, which is a forum for Administrative Coordinators to discuss issues pertaining to their jobs, including critically important activities such as implementing policies of the registrar, processing forms and many other student and faculty related activities. Connie has worked to strengthen the lines of communication between Admissions and Records and AC's throughout the University.
Myrna Goodman, Chair of Sociology, adds:
Connie serves as a mentor and role model to new staff in the School of Social Sciences. I have watched her encourage and assist new administrative coordinators. She has strong abilities as a teacher and trainer and performs both tasks with care and concern. Connie is also a kind person and practices her kindness in a multitude of ways.
Dean Elaine Leeder sums it up:
I am so lucky to have her as an assistant. Connie Lewsadder is an amazing woman who deserves to be honored and appreciated by the University.
Stephanie Thibault, Instructional Support Technician for the Biology Department
Stephanie was nominated for the excellence award by the department, and also by what appears to be the entire School of Science and Technology — the dean, the administrative manager, the Council of Department Chairs — for her additional accomplishments in planning and executing the Darwin Hall move.
Ruth Burke, Administrative Manager of the School, wrote:
Stephanie emerged as a leader early in the Darwin move planning process by using her vast technological and organizational skills to direct the focus of the Transition Team to address immediate problems and concerns as well as long-range planning. Her experience was invaluable in identifying issues before they became difficult issues.
Brian Jersky, Director of Academic Planning and Resources for the School, adds:
When Stephanie talks, people listen. Every word she says is worth paying attention to, for behind it lies a great deal of thought, care and foresight. In addition to her numerous talents and skills, she is a personable and positive figure. She was able to convert the inevitable setbacks in the long move process into positives, and even used humor to move people from cynicism and gloom to idealism and hope.
Yes, the consensus from the School of Science and Technology and from the Committee; Stephanie is a star!
FY 2004-2005
Erica Wilcher
Erica is the Operations Analyst in the Social Science’s Dean’s Office. Erica received nominations from both staff and faculty members of the School of Social Sciences, where she is known for her initiative, intellect, and problem-solving ability. These qualities have made her an asset to the School, as well as to the University as a whole. Among her many contributions is her outstanding participation on the Provost’s Academic Affairs Strategic Planning Committee, her revamping of the School’s course scheduling process, and service to the SSU Web Team.
Thomas Cooper
Thomas is a Student Services Professional and Advisor in the Hutchins School. Thomas was nominated by the Hutchins Faculty for his creativity and commitment in his interactions with faculty, staff and students. His creativity is evidenced in all his work, from development of PeopleSoft procedures to design of a highly successful brochure for Hutchins’ Blended Program. His warm and compassionate personality have made him an asset to the University through his outreach work to community colleges.
FY 2003-2004
Mary Rogers
Mary was nominated by the staff and faculty of the Center for Performing Arts, the Music Department, and the Theatre Department. Mary came to the campus in 1981.
In the many letters of support that came with her nomination form, it is apparent that, as one letter states, "Mary is nothing less than the heart and soul of the Music Department."
"I've never seen Mary not greet everyone who comes to her office with a smile, a kind word, and her absolute full attention. She is a cherished friend and mentor to staff, students, and faculty."
Many also speak of Mary's above and beyond involvement in the department. Professor Gardner Rust speaks of Mary's participation specifically in the gamelan. "She joined as a way to relax after a hard day's work. She had no previous experience with playing music of any kind. The gamelan instruments aren't exactly easy to learn and she did a terrific job. Not only did she learn to play several of the instruments, she did so with a sense of purpose and lightness of spirit from which we all benefited."
"When a student comes back after fifteen years and they are happy to see her, you can tell that even back in the early days she was that same caring and genuine person."
"She remembers our birthdays with cakes and celebrations. She asks about our spouses, our kids, and our friends. She comes to visit us when we're sick. She gently reminds us when we're working too hard, or losing our perspectives on the big picture."
Nels Worden
Nels was nominated by the faculty of the Chemistry Department. Nels' outstanding and consistent contributions have brought him nominations for this award three times.
Nels came to SSU in 2000 in his current position as the Chemistry Department technician. He has consistently exemplified wonderful creativity in his position. He has participated in the creation of two new on-line experiments in the Analytical Chemistry class, an area which he has an extensive professional background. He has time and again breathed new life into outdated equipment, including turning an extra display freezer from a dorm into a glass-doored refrigerator, which allows classes to watch experiments through its doors.
For the Founder's Day celebration, Nels took the initiative to locate argon gas and replaced the oxygen inside the time capsule with the argon gas. The argon gas will better preserve the contents of the time capsule. Nels also set up the chemical reactions for the Chemistry Magic show. He has also participated in two "Best Overall" Halloween costume groups!
FY 2002-2003
Vanessa Franklin
Vanessa Franklin was nominated by the School of Arts and Humanities for her creativity, leadership, and teamwork ability.
Vanessa is able to solve extremely difficult scheduling conflicts, as is also able to develop creative solutions to logistical puzzles that arise during scheduling periods. She also designed a system of modules and deadlines in order to accommodate the entire University, and to help make things work for all departments. She is always ready to help with whatever needs or questions might arise.
Vanessa is "one of the sweetest, kindest, friendliest, and patient people we have the pleasure of working with on campus." She is an invaluable employee who has touched the lives of every academic department on campus.
Henry Amaral
Henry Amaral received six nominations from various areas of the campus for his "can do" attitude, leadership, and dedication.
Henry is a person that regularly goes above and beyond the call of duty, coming in during off hours to complete event set-ups and tear-downs, and making sure that everyone he serves is happy with the finished product. He handles difficult moves and last minute changes with a cool demeanor and helpful suggestions. He works well with all members of the campus community, as well as outside groups.
Henry "has a wonderful way with everyone he interacts with. He is always positive, friendly and energetic. He is a role model for others."
FY 2001-2002
John Champie
John Champie was nominated by one of his colleagues for his outstanding work and creativity in maintaining and upgrading our facilities. Dan Parker wrote:
Facilities Services has an excellent staff. The University is growing, and maintenance personnel's responsibilities are growing too. These capable men and women are rising to meet this challenge. Every once in a while a person stands out. This summer and fall that person was John Champie.
John took personal initiative to repair the gymnasium roof. The gymnasium had leaked for almost twenty years. John repaired it for less than $500, which allowed a new floor to be put in the gymnasium.
His co-workers especially applaud John for his fun "can-do" attitude. It is infectious and boosts everyone's morale.
Sue Foley
Sue Foley was nominated by the staff and faculty of the Hutchins School. They commended Sue for her creativity and innovative solutions to problems, for her leadership and teamwork. Sue is described as a "master of interpersonal relationships with faculty, staff and students." Her colleagues applaud her for the initiative she displays and the way she improves the working environment.
Sometimes it takes a crisis to illuminate the truly outstanding qualities of a person. This became apparent when we experienced the unexpected death of Jeannine Thompson, the Hutchins Provost. Sue pulled together the Hutchins community, making arrangements for the memorial service and caring for grieving students and colleagues. Always one to pay attention to subtle details, Sue even arranged for everyone at the service to take home iris bulbs to plant in Jeannine's memory.