Civil Engineering Classified Staff Member Recognized for Distingquished Service Civil Engineering Classfied Staff Member Recognized for Distinguished Service
Contact: Paul G. Miller
E-mail: Paul.G.Miller@colostate.edu
Phone: (970) 491-2658
Five state-classified employees at Colorado State received Outstanding Achievement Awards for exceptional service to the university.
Award-winners this year are Sheryl Highsmith, Department of Art; Laurie Howard, Department of Civil Engineering; Diane Maybon, Faculty Council/Provost's Office; Sherry Neb, School of Education; and Pat Wright, Hartshorn Health Service.
The winners will be recognized at the Distinguished Awards Ceremony at 3 p.m. Nov. 20 in the North Ballroom of the Lory Student Center. A reception follows at 4 p.m. in the LSC Cherokee Park Room. In addition to the Outstanding Achievement Awards, the ceremony will honor winners of the Oliver P. Pennock Distinguished Service Awards and the Distinguished Administrative Professional Awards.
Sheryl Highsmith
Sheryl Highsmith, office manager for the art department, provides major essential services to one of the largest and most complex departments on campus. She is known for her leadership and mentoring skills, her high moral standards and for her heartfelt concern for other people.
A former department chairperson said, "Sheryl is extremely knowledgeable about university policies, procedures and resources. She is always friendly and welcoming. As the leader of the office staff, Sheryl sets a very positive atmosphere for the whole operation."
Laurie Howard
As student adviser in the civil engineering department, Laurie Howard's responsibilities have evolved into an autonomous and professional-level position that requires a great deal of initiative, judgment and independent decision-making. Colleagues noted that she is able to recognize by face or name every student in the department - about 600 to 700 students.
Two professors in the department said, "She has received outstanding evaluations for the past 10 years, and we know of no staff member who so regularly works nights and weekends to ensure the excellence of her office."
Diane Maybon
Diane Maybon, who has served with distinction at the university for 21 years, provides administrative management support for Faculty Council, for university search procedures and for related executive secretary responsibilities. She demonstrates extraordinary initiative with her organization, attention to detail and skill in the course of carrying out her complex duties.
A former Faculty Council chairperson noted, "Her thoughtful approach to office matters, her positive attitude and her personal support enabled me to do my job. She is invaluable and irreplaceable."
Sherry Neb
As administrative assistant in the School of Education's Graduate Programs Office, Sherry Neb supports the advising efforts of faculty, helps graduate students navigate the university system and helps train and supervise other employees in the office. Over the course of her 26 years at Colorado State, Neb has impressed colleagues and co-workers with her leadership, dedication and commitment to excellence.
"Every day I receive the benefit of Sherry's organizational skills, her public relations abilities and her concern for others," an associate director said. "She is the secret ingredient to our programs' success. I value her as a colleague and as a friend."
Pat Wright
Pat Wright, a registered nurse at Hartshorn Health Service and university employee for 31 years, is known for going above and beyond her duties with innovative and creative ideas for improving health services to students and to the university community. She also engages in outreach programs, most notably a statewide effort to provide rabies shots, and has helped develop the specialized Travel Medicine Clinic.
The director and associate director of the clinic noted, "Pat has worked in virtually every nursing capacity in our clinic, always successfully and cheerfully. She is creative and imaginative in collaborating on solutions for problems and issues - and she's a great colleague."