Aloha means hello and goodbye and as UCD staff welcomed the summer and celebrated their university family, they also honored those saying goodbye.
With Hawaiian dancers, grass skirting and leis galore, more than 150 staff, administrators and even a few faculty were whisked away to a festive luau in the Tivoli Turnhalle at the annual Staff Appreciation Luncheon.
Chancellor M. Roy Wilson and Provost Mark Heckler applauded the hundreds of dedicated staff and their monumental contributions to the university over the years. They recognized that the past few years have been challenging and tumultuous, but looked ahead to better times in the consolidated university.
“It’s important to take time to recognize the contributions and achievements of our employees,” Wilson stressed.
The luncheon honored six people for 20 years of service, three for 25 years, four for 30 years and, remarkably, one person for 35 years of service to the university.
Also honored were outstanding staff awardees.
“These employees approach their work with enthusiasm, they create a sense of stability, often seen as the calm in the midst of storms, they are the voice of reason and leadership, no matter what their job title and they are prepared to do their work and complete it effectively and efficiently. I ask all employees here today to look to your honored colleagues and to be inspired by their examples,” Wilson said.
“Thank you for the work you do every day.”
Honorees include:
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Althea Redd received the systemwide Staff Council 2007 Service Excellence Award
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Karin Hunter, academic advisor, for academic units
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Martina Juarez Lopez, degree audit coordinator in the Office of the Registrar, for general administration
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Tobey Stein, reference librarian, for the Library
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Mary E. Lassiter, administrative assistant, EOP, for student services
Retirees honored include:
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Jeffery Rene Gash, administrative assistant in the Business School, 24 years
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Bob A. Kagohara, 30 years, associate director of the Financial Aid Office
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Marti Mann, 25 years, the Business School
The annual luncheon was sponsored by the UCD downtown Denver campus Staff Council.