96-06-03 12 Receive Distinguished Staff Award OHIO STATE HONORS 12 AS THE BEST OF STAFF COLUMBUS -- The Ohio State University's 1996 Distinguished Staff Awards honor a dozen people who have contributed to their workplace and helped their co-workers, faculty and students. Their creativity has meant the university operates more efficiently and effectively. Recipients will be guests at a luncheon June 4, where they will receive a plaque and a $500 honorarium. The Office of Human Resources sponsors the annual recognition program. The 1996 Distinguished Staff are: Margie Bogenschutz of COLUMBUS (43214), Max M. Fisher College of Business; Michael Bourne of UPPER ARLINGTON, University Technology Services; Leonard Copeland of COLUMBUS (43230), Office of the Treasurer; Rebecca Crowell of GALENA, Office of University Development; Thomas Ewing of COLUMBUS (43212), offices of Finance and Controller; Norma Flesher of UPPER ARLINGTON, James Cancer Hospital and Research Institute; William Harrington of COLUMBUS (43220), College of the Arts; Barbara Lee of COLUMBUS (43220), Department of Agricultural Economics; Gail Lewis of WESTERVILLE, Department of Slavic and East European Languages and Literatures; Cecil Smith of POWELL, Office of Physical Facilities; Betty Wallace of GROVE CITY, Department of Physics; and Elaine West of COLUMBUS (43214), University Honors Center. The best education is worth nothing if a graduate cannot get a job. Margie Bogenschutz, director of undergraduate career services for the Fisher College of Business is vigorous in making sure employers form links with graduates, faculty and staff with employers. In fact, under her leadership, the number of companies recruiting business undergraduates rose 27 percent in one year. She has long been a leader in using technology for career placement, from a World Wide Web page, to computerized recruiting and scheduling, to software to write resumes When people ask him questions about computers, Mike Bourne, senior computer specialist for University Technology Services, has an answer. He remains patient "even with numbskulls like me," a nominator confessed. Bourne is famous for always being in touch, even when he is sick. "It is such a delight to easily reach a person who knows the answers," another nominator said. A faculty member suggested giving Bourne a Distinguished Teaching Award because "over the years he has shown the qualities of teaching excellence." Since taking charge in 1988, Leonard Copeland, assistant university treasurer, has been a leader in initiatives to serve customers of the Office of Fees, Deposits and Disbursement. In three years, he has cut red tape, virtually eliminating the long lines of students waiting for loan checks. With new software, he established immediate refunds, eliminating the usual six-week wait. "His belief that the student comes first is exhibited through daily meetings with his competent and dedicated staff," a nominator wrote. Like a hostess with the mostess, Becki Crowell, director of donor relations for the Office of University Development, creates a warm welcome for potential donors. She makes sure an interesting mix of guests is invited, the catering is superb and the event is in the perfect location. While the event may be fun, the underlying intent is very serious -- raising funds for Ohio State, especially since state funds are shrinking. A nominator said, "Becki's skill, vision and commitment play a major role." The IRS probably would frown if Ohio State shoved its yearly tax receipts in a shoebox. In fact, Tom Ewing, tax coordinator for the offices of Finance and Controller, probably saves the university millions of dollars each year with a program to bring OSU into compliance with tax regulations. "His efforts are crucial as OSU comes under continually closer scrutiny by the Internal Revenue Service," a nominator said. Plus, "he has that rare talent of being very technically oriented while exhibiting a strong service and people orientation," a colleague said. Norma Flesher, clinic nurse for the James Cancer Hospital and Research Institute, has touched "so many lives by her gentle and loving ways," a colleague said. For 40 years, she has assisted cancer researcher Arthur G. James and shared his dream for a cancer hospital. Another summed up Flesher: "Has (she) served on many committees? I doubt it. Has she volunteered for public relations events? Probably not. ... Has she served the Ohio State University, the University Medical Center, Dr. James and the patients? You bet!" Every day, Bill Harrington, graphic designer for the College of the Arts, jumps up and hits people in the eye. Well, his work is eye-catching. From posters for plays to catalogs for traveling art exhibitions, Harrington's creativity has helped shape the public's image of the arts college the last 16 years. "His artistry makes people want to participate in the life of the college," a customer said. When budget cuts meant he was the only designer, Harrington turned to desk-top computing to boost productivity, an example of creatively meeting adversity. In a single year, Barb Lee, administrative assistant for the Department of Agricultural Economics, works with four faculty members, 25 graduate students, three post-doctorate researchers, adjunct professors, consultants and subcontractors scattered around the world, and a steady stream of international visitors. "She is considered the reigning expert" in travel regulations, an administrator said. A colleague said, "Without her, it would be impossible for OSU to achieve its worldwide reputation for excellence in agricultural economics." When the new College of Humanities dean arrived in Columbus two years ago, he tried to convince Gail Lewis, program assistant for the Department of Slavic and East European Languages and Literatures, to take a job in his office. "She anticipates needs rather than just waiting until something needs to be done," a faculty member said. She wrote a student handbook, is an academic adviser, and helps students cope with bureaucracy. Lewis even keeps in touch with parents of students studying in Moscow. And the list of her duties and accomplishments keeps growing. The Ohio State community is safer and healthier thanks to the work of Cecil Smith, assistant vice president for physical facilities. He has been "a powerful catalyst for implementing environmental and occupational health and safety programs," a nominator said. But he also has eased the cost of meeting state and federal mandates, such as EPA hazardous waste regulations. He has an exceptional "ability to review a complex program, extract the relevant and important components and put them into meaningful context for our facilities and students," a vice president said. For more than a quarter of a century, Betty Wallace, account clerk 3, has been a law of Physics -- "go see Betty" is the formula for making things happen in the Department of Physics. Officially, she coordinates and processes purchases, which can be a tricky job. "Because of the level and type of research and education done by our department, this is an immense and difficult duty," a nominator said. Wallace is an excellent watchdog, taking care to get the most out every dollar. "Her judgment is considered the final word." Three years ago, Elaine West, administrative assistant 2 for the University Honors Center, found herself suddenly reassigned when her old job was eliminated. "West was given the 'option' of working within our University Honors Center," a colleague recalled. Within weeks she took on chores not included in her job description. "To be uprooted and basically 'plunked down' in a new location is challenging. To become successful and admired is most commendable," the nominator said, "but to become a member of the family is very, very special." # Contact: Ned Cullom, Office of Human Resources, 292-8993. Written by Gemma McLuckie. [Submitted by: Von Reid-Vargas (ereid@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu) Mon, 3 Jun 1996 12:28:32 -0400] All documents are the responsibility of their originator.