Office of University Communications 

Employees, retirees honored; staff service awards given

SPRINGFIELD — During its Jan. 3 Staff Service Awards Luncheon, Missouri State University announced the two winners of its Staff Excellence in Community Service Award, announced the six winners of its Staff Excellence in University Service Award, honored the 38 employees who retired in 2006 and recognized 172 employees who reached a 5-year employment milestone in 2006.

Two honored for community contributions

The Excellence in Community Service Award recipients are Kathleen Morrissey, coordinator of theatre and events for university and community programs at the West Plains Campus; and Paula Vinson, executive secretary for internal audit. To be eligible for this award, a Missouri State employee must be a full-time staff member for at least three years and must be nominated for the service award. The award criteria include demonstrated personal action to service community causes, a significant and sustained record of volunteer service and significant contributions to improve the quality of community life. The winners received a personalized plaque and a $1,200 cash award from the Missouri State University Foundation.

Six honored for service to university

The Staff Excellence in University Service Award was presented to six Missouri State staff members in recognition of significant contributions to the university community. Full-time, regular employees in administrative, professional and support staff positions who do not hold faculty rank and have at least one year of full-time employment at Missouri State were eligible to receive an award. The awards recognize those staff employees who strive to do their jobs well on a daily basis, go above and beyond the call of duty in a special situation and have contributed in a significant way to the success of the university. The recipients each received a $1,500 cash award.

The six employees who were recognized include Krista Bassen, assistant project manager, design and construction; Elizabeth Burton, associate director, citizenship and service learning; Bob Gerken, senior electronic technician, Educational Technology Center; Lisa McEowen, library associate, Meyer Library; Gloria Reed, administrative secretary, theatre and dance; and Amy Schuldt, assistant director, publications.

Retirees contribute 790 years of combined service

The 38 retirees honored contributed approximately 790 years of combined service and an average of more than 20 years of individual service to Missouri State. They are Jerald Banks, mechanical, 1999-2006; Bobby W. Brinegar, grounds, 2000-2006; JoAnne K. Brown, religious studies, 1970-2006; Raymond F. Castrey, theatre and dance, 1977-2006; Irene M. Chapman, Ozark Public Television, 2001-2006; Sheryl L. DeBoer, Taylor Health & Wellness Center, 1970-2006; Arthur Gary Ellis, College of Continuing Education, 1979-2006; Twyla C. Everett, military science, 1981-2006; Gail A. Fritz, undergraduate programs, 1999-2006; Wayne L. Gamble, The Alumni Center, 1990-2006; Rita I. Garrison, Meyer Library, 1988-1993 and 1997-2006; Donna J. Hagar, The Alumni Center, 1987-2006; R. Deanne Hayden, financial services, 1978-2006; Carl R. Henson, mechanical, 1987-2006; John W. Hofmann, Jr., safety and transportation, 1986- 2006; Mary E. Howard, admissions, 1967-2006; Janice L. Johnson, custodial, 1981-2006; Alphonso Johnson, TRIO Student Support Programs, 1997-2006; Shirley L. Keck, College of Natural and Applied Sciences, 1989-2006; Ronald S. Kent, Ozark Public Television, 2001-2006; David G. King, financial aid, 1979-2006; James H. Klousia, men’s tennis, 1978-2006; Richard B. Magruder, Hammons Student Center, 1976-2006; Jerry W. Mapes, residence life and services, 1979-2006; Fred F. Marty, administrative services, 1993-2001 and 2003-2006; Marty Marty, Student Success Program, 1994-2001 and 2002-2006; Peggy A. McCarty, Meyer Library, 1969-1972 and 1973-2006; M.C. McNerney, Academic Advisement Center, 1976-2006; Una F. Painter, Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts, 1977-2006; Frances F. Phillips, records and registration, 1985-2006; Judith K. Procter, records and registration, 1976-2006; Shirley A. Randall, biomedical sciences, 1964-1967 and 1976-2006; Carol E. Silvey, West Plains development, 1968-2006; Donna J. Smith, philosophy, 1995-2006; Michael H. Smith, KSMU, 1981-2006; Garry G. Sorrell, West Plains business, 1994-2006; Margaret E. Swales, College of Business Administration, 1999-2006; and Bonnie F. Waterman, Center for Scientific Research, 1998-2006.

Employees recognized for up to 35 years of service

Also recognized were Missouri State employees who had achieved a 5-year employment milestone — from five to 35 years of service. Recognized for 35 years of service was Janet M. Wight, Meyer Library. Recognized for 30 years of service were Darrell M. Bucher, safety and transportation; Julie Ann Ebersold, development and alumni relations; Mike Jungers, office of the dean of students; Concha N. Marbut, public affairs and the extended campus; M.C. McNerney, Academic Advisement Center; Ivan E. Milton, sports medicine/athletic training services; Judith K. Procter, records and registration; and Brenda K. Whisenant, computer services.