TWU Staff Members Recognized At Honors Convocation

3/28/03

Three Texas Woman's University staff members will be honored for their contributions to the university during Honors Convocation ceremonies April 10 at 10 a.m. in the Margo Jones Performance Hall, located near the intersection of Oakland Avenue and Sawyer Street.

Martha Wall, secretary III in the Department of Biology, will receive the Award of Excellence. Marilyn Elliott, senior administrative assistant in the Office of the Associate Provost, and Janine Gann, financial aid administrator for processing, will receive the Outstanding Achievement Award.

Award of Excellence recipients must be full-time employees who have a minimum of five years of continuous service with TWU. Recipients of the Outstanding Achievement Awards must be full-time TWU employees who have a minimum of two years of continuous service to the university.

Ms Wall is described as having a clear understanding of priorities and as someone who can set goals in a logical, professional manner. She has served as secretary for the Department of Biology since 1993.

"I assumed the duties of chair in January, and without Marti's steadfast support and assistance,, I would not have survived these first few months," said Dr. Sarah McIntire. "Marti adjusts her personal schedule to meet department needs. She has developed charts and schedules to keep track of personnel and department finances.

"She came to me and suggested that we needed a good database with student campus addresses, e-mail addresses, etc. so that we could more easily keep track and communicate with our students. She used this information to organize a biology newsletter mailing list that we use to notify students of departmental seminars, get-togethers and other items of interest.

"Marti feels responsible for the operation of the entire department. She is absolutely dependable and has an extraordinary capacity to deal with everyone," Dr. McIntire added.

Ms. Elliott is described as an administrator's dream for efficiency and flexibility — and all accomplished with an essential sense of humor. She has worked at TWU for nearly 20 years and earned both her bachelor's and master's degrees from the university.

"Marilyn is the epitome of TWU," according to her award nomination. Not only does she attend to her regular duties, but she also manages to organize commencements, many special events and convocation each year. She is in charge of all aspects of the TASP examinations for students, which is given on Saturdays. She has gladly given of her time to serve on search committees, strategic planning committees and the presidential search committee.

"Her knowledge, spirit of cooperation and helpfulness, as well as her courtesy and good humor contribute in a meaningful way to the success of many university projects and activities," said Wilkes Berry, associate provost.

"Because she provides major staff support for convocation, her behind the scenes efforts may prevent her from sitting on stage with honorees during the ceremony," he quipped.

Ms. Gann is described as a person who improves everything she touches and as having an unbeatable, positive "can do" and "will do" attitude. She has worked in the financial aid office nearly 17 years.

"Janine gives whatever it takes to get the job done," said Raedean Bolton, associate director of financial aid. "She and various members of her staff have worked most Saturdays for the past several summers to ensure that students' financial aid awards are ready when they need the funds to pay for registration. She is constantly in the process of finding ways to improve service to students.

"She has a gift for putting people at ease with her quiet confidence and reassurance. Over her almost 17 years on the financial aid team, she has received numerous cards and letters expressing appreciation for her exceptional service.

"She will give her thoughtful, well-informed opinion on issues, and then, when a decision is made, Janine is 100 percent supportive. She actively supports the financial aid team, the administration and the university as a whole. Her loyalty and dedication are demonstrated by her commitment to meet the needs of our students," Ms. Bolton added.

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For Further Information Contact:

Roy Kron
Director of News and Information
Tel: (940) 898-3456
e-mail: rkron@twu.edu