Human Resource Services
2004 Superior Accomplishment Award Winners
Learn more about the Superior Accomplishment Award and the nomination process
Clerical/Office Support
Pamela J. Howell, Senior Word Processing Operator; Department of Entomology and Nematology
Pamela Howell is reliable, easy to work with, a fast learner and an essential member of our workforce. She has diligently worked for the University of Florida for more than 15 years, and regularly performs with sensitivity, teamwork, and valuable expertise. Evidence of her dedication to excellence includes: Willfully taking on projects not a part of normal job duties, voluntarily handling the department’s travel reimbursement vouchers while successfully eliminating the backlog several times, and enthusiastically accepting a special assignment to proof read and edit a 3-volume, 4000 paged Encyclopedia for the department chair. One Assistant Professor wrote, “It is quite clear to those of us who have had the opportunity to work with her that Pamela has had a very positive impact on the department in the quality of work and in the relationships with other faculty and staff.”
Support Services
Robert Alexander, Senior Custodial Worker; Department of Housing and Residence Education
“Robert is a tireless worker that consistently goes above and beyond the call of duty for our students. On many occasions, he has been seen taking the initiative to handle problems that suddenly arise.” In the absence of his supervisor during an extremely busy time of year for their department, Robert voluntarily stepped in to organize the staff and delegated job duties to make sure that the work was done effectively and efficiently. A colleague wrote, “Robert always has a smile and a great attitude about work. He takes great pride in the job and it really shows.”
Scientific/Technical
Karen E. Williams, Senior Biological Scientist; Ft. Lauderdale Research and Education Center
In addition to her job duties Karen Williams has co-authored research papers and abstracts, helped edit a quarterly extension/research newsletter, volunteered many off-duty hours in completing projects, and participated at all levels of research and teaching. One colleague wrote, “Karen is a role model for other employees, industrious, highly knowledgeable in the research field, and always improving her knowledge. Another colleague writes, “Karen is one of those individuals who people think of first when something needs to be done or a problem needs to be solved.”
Administrative/Supervisory
Annie Guillarmod, Administrative Assistant; Department of Surgery
Quiet, hard working, reliable, and competent are the adjectives used to describe Annie Guillarmod. She has been the key in the transition of the Department Chair and in covering the administrative functions of the Department of Surgery in the absence of a department administrator. Annie computerized most of the everyday office functions, which enables her department to get more done with fewer people. One colleague wrote, “I am honored to be an employee working under her supervision.”
Administrative/Professional
Tina Baker, Coordinator for Education and Training; Student Health Care Center
Tina Baker has dedication, initiative, and creativity that is exceptional. She is extremely passionate about delivering creative education programs to the UF community. Tina has successfully coordinated and launched many education programs, revamped and added new and exciting programs to enhance the effectiveness and appeal of her outreach team to the UF community, and initiated and implemented a collaborative project between the Department of Housing and Residence Education, and the Student Health Care Center. One colleague stated, “Tina’s enthusiasm for her role with our department is contagious and we are fortunate to have someone of her caliber serving as an advocate and educator to the students.”
Academic Personnel
William Castleman, Professor; Department of Pathobiology
Dr. Willaim Castleman has consistently given more than 100% of his effort, since joining the Department of Pathobiology 11years ago. Historically his job duties have primarily been in administration and research; however, in the past year he assumed major teaching and clinical service responsibilities during very difficult circumstances for the department, in the wake of two-thirds reduction in departmental faculty. Dr. Castleman also initiated improvements in the service of the department, including better methods of communication between the clinicians and departmental personnel on duty. Dean DiPietro referred to this winner as, “The glue that has held the department together.”
Jeffrey A. Gabor Employee Recognition Award winners receiving $500
Jennifer L. Curtis, Assistant Director, Division of Human Resources
Jennifer Curtis makes a conscious effort to identify the most difficult problems that block the success of the Division of Human Resources, and becomes an active participant in correcting those problems. She is known to be energetic, innovative, and charismatic. A rare combination of talent, commitment and intelligence, she is admired, respected, and appreciated by her superiors, peers, and subordinates.
John Denny, Assistant Dean, Dean of Students Office
John Denny serves his university clientele with quiet dignity and respect. One student wrote, “His selfless actions have forever marked on me his impeccable character and concern for others.” Mr. Denny is known as a constant source of “outside-the-box” thinking.
James Gray, Maintenance Supervisor, J. Wayne Reitz Union
James Gray is the epitome of customer service with a warm, gentle attitude. He is helpful, and goes above and beyond normal responsibilities. Jim is known to instill a real sense of ownership and pride in our student employees.
Samuel Sheptock, Police Service Technician, University Police Department
Samuel Sheptock is positive, upbeat and helpful in every encounter. His work ethic, dedication to duty, diligence, and overall performance are all a credit to himself, and the University of Florida.
Sam is known to take personal satisfaction in doing the best job possible while never complaining about the workload.
HRH Employee Recognition Award winners receiving $500
Kurt Auffenberg, Coordinator of Museum Operations; Florida Museum of Natural History
The resignation of the project manager for a new 5,000 square foot exhibit hall might be a problem for most departments. Especially when the manager is responsible for a multi-million dollar, multi-year project, with a completion date looming just around the corner. This was not a problem for the Florida Museum for Natural History thanks to Kurt Auffenberg, a 25-year employee, who is known as a role model among his peers.
Elizabeth M. Graeler, Senior Secretary; Stephen C. O’Connell Center
As part of a committee to recognize 1,300 employees under the Office of Finance and Administration, Beth Graeler quietly took care of many of the details with a constant smile and great attitude, despite the fact that the large increase in workload was well outside the scope of her job duties. She is known as a great problem solver and a pleasure to work with.
Carlos Hernandez, Clinical Assistant Professor; University Counseling Center
Stability, Generosity, Continuity, Commitment, are all words used to describe Dr. Carlos Hernandez. Committed to promoting multicultural sensitivity and advocacy for underrepresented minority groups on campus, He is known to continually think about what is best for the students. One writer credits him with having “a miraculous ability to teach without using power.”
Lori O’Steen, Senior Personnel Representative; Physical Plant Division
The resignation of a manager responsible for supporting over 900 employees, and a four month delay in filling the void, might result in a drop in service. Thanks to Lori O’Steen that did not happen in the Physical Plant Human Resources office. She did whatever it took, skipped lunch, worked late, came in on weekends, to ensure that the office operated at a high level.