6-23-98 OHIO STATE HONORS 12 WITH DISTINGUISHED STAFF AWARD COLUMBUS -- The Ohio State University's highest honor for nonteaching employees, the Distinguished Staff Award, has been presented to 12 people on campus. Recipients are recognized for their contributions to the quality of worklife for their university colleagues, students and members of the community. They are considered top achievers who demonstrate a daily commitment to performing their jobs at the highest possible level. Interim President Richard Sisson and Acting Vice President for Human Resources Larry Lewellen presented each with a $1,500 honorarium and a crystal trophy at a luncheon June 16 at the Fawcett Center. The Office of Human Resources sponsors the annual recognition program. Recipients are Jennifer Brinkman of COLUMBUS (43215), Department of Plant Biology; Gregory Ferrell of WOOSTER, Agricultural Technical Institute; Cindy Gatens of UPPER ARLINGTON, University Hospitals; Bertha Ihnat of UPPER ARLINGTON, University Libraries; Steven Kremer of COLUMBUS (43220), Housing, Food Services and Event Centers; Joan Maynard of UPPER ARLINGTON, University Hospitals; Jo McCulty of COLUMBUS (43204), University Communications; Juanita Mitchell of ZANESVILLE, University Extension; Kelley Norris of CLINTONVILLE, Veterinary Hospital; Robert Tatz of WORTHINGTON, Department of Chemistry; William Thalgott of GAHANNA, Department of Electrical Engineering; and Norma Trotter of SMITHVILLE, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center. Jennifer Brinkman, research assistant 2, Department of Plant Biology "She is always the first to offer a lending hand regardless of the personal inconvenience it may cause," wrote one nominator of Jennifer Brinkman. Reaching out to others is second nature to Brinkman, who uses her many skills to ensure that the Department of Plant Biology is never lacking for a pair of hands to accomplish a task. Brinkman steps comfortably into others' shoes when they need her, whether it be to apply pesticides to experimental material in a greenhouse or to spend her lunch hour as a receptionist so others can take a break. She completes not only her assigned responsibilities, but puts in many extra hours each week to help keep the department running smoothly. Gregory Ferrell, manager of public safety, Agricultural Technical Institute "Our employees, students and campus visitors are much safer and more adequately protected because of Greg Ferrell's vision and leadership," wrote one nominator. Ferrell is credited with the growth of the Wooster Campus Police Department from a single- person office when he began in 1978 to one where he is manager for a department of four full-time officers, one half-time officer and three auxiliary university law enforcement officers. His dedication is evident in the many additional responsibilities he has shouldered, including attending a 2 1/2-month FBI Academy in Virginia, teaching first aid and CPR classes on campus and serving as chair of ATI's Substance Management Awareness Resource Team. Cindy Gatens, clinical nurse specialist, Psychiatric/Rehabilitation Nursing, University Hospitals Patients come first for Cindy Gatens. Gatens' efforts include promoting patient education by developing several books and coordinating classes for staff on the subject, as well as educating and counseling patients directly. Her knowledge on rehabilitation nursing is respected nationally through her presentations at national conferences and her many published articles and book chapters. Locally, she has set up and runs a clinic for patients with Multiple Sclerosis and other neurologic diseases. "Cindy has gone far beyond expectations in helping to develop and implement quality programming for patients, families and the public," wrote one nominator. Bertha Ihnat, library associate 1, University Libraries In 1981, Bertha Ihnat began her service to Ohio State as a volunteer for University Archives. By 1985, her dedication to quality, productivity and service had led her to a full-time position as a reference assistant. "She is a campus treasure with a phenomenal grasp of the history, heritage, organization and interconnectedness of the people, the events, and the fabric of the institution," commented one nominator. Another wrote that Ihnat provides outstanding customer service. She has been responsible for indexing the alumni magazine and was responsible for the planning, packing, unpacking and arranging when archives moved into a new building in 1995. Steven Kremer, director of residence life, Housing, Food Services and Event Centers Steven Kremer's nominators described him as someone who really cares about students. "Steve thrives on the undergraduate student experience and how the staff can create comfortable, intentional communities for learning," wrote one nominator. As director of residence life, Kremer has addressed issues of student retention, diversity and security through programs that instill students with pride in Ohio State and which improve their contact with residence life staff. He regularly walks the residence halls, introducing himself to students and asking their opinions. He also is committed to his staff, helping to create a "sense of trust and respect within the department." Joan Maynard, chaplain, University Hospitals "She always seems to be at the right place at the right time to offer support, advice, assistance and, most importantly, compassion when it is needed," wrote one of the Rev. Joan Maynard's nominators. Maynard ministers to mothers who have experienced the death of an infant or fetus. Her caring touches include easing the pain of families when viewing a fetal demise baby by ensuring that blankets and outfits are knitted for the babies to wear, and using a seashell when performing baptisms so parents can have a memento. She mobilizes other staff to provide support, and assists with the organization of educational and informational materials for the Bereavement Team. Jo McCulty, photographer, University Communications "If a picture is worth a thousand words, then Jo McCulty has contributed at least a billion beautiful words about The Ohio State University," wrote a nominator. McCulty has climbed onto rooftops to get better angles for photos, risen early to capture dawn's first light and gotten drenched at commencement. A nominator commented: "I've watched her work while she's been sick because the job needed to be done. I've seen her work all hours of the day or night. I've seen her temporarily stumped by logistics of a shot. No matter. She always captures a fabulous shot." McCulty also "takes a personal interest in her subjects and cares about them as people and what they do," a nominator wrote. Juanita Mitchell, nutrition educator, University Extension, Muskingum County Juanita Mitchell has worked as a nutrition educator for 17 years with the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program, teaching parents and children about nutrition, food preparation, meal planning and food safety. Mitchell finds creative solutions to help people help themselves, initiating collaborations with local groups and agencies and reaching out to teach at local jails, homeless shelters, churches, schools and neighborhood centers. "Many youths and adults of Muskingum County know her name and regularly stop and talk to her. Usually they want to let her know that she truly helped them in their time of need," wrote a nominator. Kelley Norris, animal health technician, Veterinary Hospital Kelley Norris' personality, intelligence and keen sense of compassion have earned her the respect of her co-workers and clients, not to mention the trust of the four-footed furry creatures she encounters every day at the Veterinary Hospital. Her specialty is ophthalmology, a field in which she, in the words of one nominator, has "developed an impressive knowledge base." Norris also demonstrates great people skills, as well as an affinity for organization. "Due to Kelley's expertise and careful organization in planning clients' appointments practically down to the minute, a mishap or dissatisfied client is a rare occurrence in this department," wrote a nominator. Robert Tatz, instructional laboratory supervisor, Department of Chemistry "Bob Tatz could not accomplish all that he does for the department and university without having tremendous dedication," wrote a nominator. "He is often still working on various projects long after his day is 'officially' done. He is truly a craftsman in what he does." Tatz's responsibilities include the supervision of the academic laboratory instruction for all of the general chemistry courses, putting him in contact with 15-18 faculty members, 160 graduate and undergraduate teaching assistants, and nearly 3,500 students per quarter. Tatz's familiarity with experiments enables him to work closely with faculty on the quality of the lab experience in relation to coursework. "He makes those of us who teach chemistry better teachers," wrote a nominator. William Thalgott, laboratory supervisor, Department of Electrical Engineering William Thalgott is the kind of employee who is admired not only for his skill and knowledge, but for who he is. After listing many of his contributions as manager of the Electrical Engineering Shops, one nominator wrote, "but all that is just stuff he does. You have to know the person that Bill is. He stands up for what is right. He does what needs to be done. He always looks out for the little guy. He loves our department and he loves Ohio State." Thalgott, a highly skilled machinist who is known as "a resident expert when it comes to anything mechanical in nature," is always available to offer his help to co-workers and to students. Norma Trotter, office associate, Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center At the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center in Wooster, Norma Trotter is the stopping point for many questions. During her 28 years there, she has become a valuable resource on everything from technical questions about the phone systems to inquiries about farm operations. "Norma has been so valuable to us because she has made the extra effort to develop a detailed understanding of the research programs that utilize the land, facilities, buildings, equipment and vehicles for this campus," wrote one nominator. She has served as chair of the Campus Campaign at the Wooster campus and for the OARDC staff council, as well as volunteering at open houses, field days and research showcases. # Contact: Ned Cullom, Office of Human Resources, (614) 292-4341 Written by Susan Wittstock.