The room was filled with white circular tables, green centerpieces and yellow tulips. Light jazz music filled the air as people munched on hors d’oeuvres and sipped coffee. Guests trickled in to sign the guestbook and talk about the accomplishments of the eight recipients of the 2007 Outstanding Classified Employee and Officer of Administration Award.
These two recognition programs were specially created at the University to acknowledge superiority in officers of administration and classified employees. This year’s award winners were the cause for celebration on Tuesday afternoon in the Alumni Lounge.
President Dave Frohnmayer, who arrived on crutches because of a recent ski injury, was there to honor the recipients, who were distinguished in the crowd by yellow boutonnieres worn on the right side of their collar. Frohnmayer spoke about the qualities of each recipient, and each one responded with a speech offering thanks and a renewal of their dedication to the University. Similar qualities noted in each winner included attitudes of selflessness and sincerity, outstanding leadership, and exceptional commitment.
The reception continued after the President spoke. A large lemon-flavored sheet cake was served in celebration of the outstanding employees, which featured the names of each winner in yellow frosting.
Cindy FitzGerald was one of the names on that cake. She is one of three employees chosen for the Officer of Administration Recognition Award. She has worked for the University for more than 15 years, first in the computing center and now as the business manager for the Physical Activity and Recreation Services. Frohnmayer praised her contributions and described her presence as welcoming and considerate.
“FitzGerald is the kind of person who can make others feel at home,” Frohnmayer said. “She models the kind of behavior we should all emulate.”
FitzGerald’s co-workers agreed.
“We think of Cindy as the glue that holds us all together,” said Dee Bowden, PARS assistant director of services. “She is caring, intelligent and hilarious. She deserves this award.”
FitzGerald thanked her co-workers, students and even her hairdresser.
“I’m totally flattered,” said FitzGerald about the honor. “This is a total shock to me.”
The audience of the ceremony was made up of the recipients’ co-workers, family, friends and even the nominators of the winners. The recipients are chosen each year by a selection committee, who rely on nominations by co-workers at the University. Faculty and staff are encouraged to nominate those in their department who go above and beyond to exemplify the standards of their job.
“The people here today make a statement about the University as a community of people who genuinely care about each other,” Frohnmayer said. “It may be cliché to say we are a team, but I happen to believe it.”
At A Glance
Outstanding Classified Employee and Officer of Administration Awards
2007 Outstanding Officer of Administration Recognition Award
Gordon Burke: Intercollegiate Athletics
Vicki Strand: Intercollegiate Athletics
Cindy FitzGerald: Physical Activity & Recreation Services
2007 Outstanding Classified Employee Recognition Award
Mandy Chong: EMU Cultural Forum
Frank Haworth: Facilities Services
Cindy Smith: University Health Center
Doug Clegg & Kathy Mangold: Department of Public Safety