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Superior Performance Award Honorees

The purpose of the Superior Performance Award program is to recognize OPP employees and teams for performance on a specific event, problem, work challenge, process or project.

April 2019

Debbie Weaver, administrative support assist in the Research, Instruction and IT Group of Smeal College of Business, nominated Louise Mcgary, building maintenance worker, for her efforts in the Business Building. "Louise takes great pride in doing her job and often goes above and beyond what is expected. If there is any time in our building when it is not busy, Louise will look for projects to do that she doesn't usually have time for during her regular shift. She is very good with communication and does not hesitate to ask if there is something she doesn't understand so she can get it right. Louise has a great relationship with the faculty and staff at Smeal and they know when they put in a request for her to do something, it will be done correctly and within a reasonable time frame.

"In addition to her custodial duties, Louise helps with set-up and tear-down for events in the Business Building Atrium and foyer. This might involve setting up tables and chairs, a stage, sound system, easels, etc. Louise has gottent o know 'what goes where' and is very quick and efficient with these tasks, which is important in the success of these events.

"Louise is an asset to the faculty and staff in the Business Building and, OPP, as well. We enjoy working with Louise and appreciate her dedication."

Nate Patrick nominated Don Partsch and Scott Rhoads for their outstanding efforts in resolving issues at Research West. "When issues with the process chilled water system endangered critical engineering research at Research Building West, Don and Scott both responded immediately and initiated a comprehensive evaluation and response to the situation. Going above and beyond their normal job requirements, they identified numerous items that required resolution, effectively coordinated the work with the field technicians, and quickly resolved the most pressing issues. Throughout the entire process, both Don and Scott kept the researchers and stakeholders informed and ensured there was a level of comfort with the modifications being made to the systems in the facility."

March 2019

Christina Gatehouse nominated Allen Bonsell for his efforts with the ROAR into Supervision program. "Allen was instrumental in making the first training a great success. He not only shared his knowledge of Penn State training and development resources and past offerings, but he also led the organization of the ROAR program. He coordinated the marketing and branding of the training, the communication with the participants and facilitators, developed the BOX and binder information, the details of the week, and was an active participant in gathering and aggregating feedback, keeping the sessions on time and on task, and working collaboratively with Bill, John, Deb and myself. He exhibited enthusiasm from the start and continued that attitude throughout. He shared that he really enjoyed working with us on this initiative and is working with us to facilitate another session. In addition, we are showcasing this training at tomorrow's HRSP meeting and will be sharing an overview and the feedback we've received at one of David Gray's April staff meetings. His integration with our team exceeded our expectations and his skills complemented our team in many ways."

Dan Rivera nominated Mark Woomer, Aaron Esterline, Michael Giedroc and Dave Demko for their efforts repairing the Ag Sciences Emergency Generator. "The techs worked together to take the leaking water pump apart and modify the new pump to fit the emergency generator. They had to finish the repairs three hours ahead of the scheduled repair time. I want to recognize them for their ingenuity and hard work."

Bruce Smith, Ian Salada and Phillip Melnick nominated Darin Bressler, Matt Norris and Brad Miller for a Superior Performance Award. "These employees provides superior leadership to address the challenges with the problematic HVAC systems at the 329 Building. They quickly mobilized to diagnose and stabilize the systems, while collaborating to develop long term solutions. They worked extended hours and show great creativity and leadership to complete this work along with their other daily responsibilities."

Don Fronk nominated Liz Fisher for "doing an excellent job in developing and delivering the safety training presentation for the ROAR training program."

Scott Webster nominated Bob Richardson for the transformer project at the Philadelphia Navy Yard. "Bob is being honored for his outstanding craftmanship and performance on the Philadelphia Navy Yard transformer project."

February 2019

Ric Veruete, Turtle Patterson and Bill McVicker nominated Mary Caldana for taking the lead with group meals by coordinating from start to finish, for conceiving and implementing a filter process to track all filters that have been delivered through Docfinity, and always thinking of her coworkers in all situations. "We all depend on Mary with this great work that boosts our camaraderie."

Superior Performance Award Archive