North Dakota State University

Vance Olson

Facilities Management

"I think Vance did a fabulous job making sure that NDSU's Valentine ball went off without a hitch.  He was instrumental in working with the volunteer committee.  He made sure the event was respectful and well organized.  He let the students voice their opinions and work out the issues while guiding them in the proper direction without being bossy. Vance was very well informed off all the necessary steps.  He was extremely conscious of the monetary issues and stayed well in formed in all aspects.  I think Vance was a great leader and lead a great group that accomplished a great event!"

Nathan Nerenz

Student

"Nathan is the computer support person in our college. I was having a problem with my computer which was difficult to fix, but Nathan didn’t give up until it was resolved. He came to my desk at least four times and spent several hours trying to solve and fix the problem. He was friendly, courteous and I appreciate all of his help. I know from talking to others, his friendly manner and attitude is extended to everyone. He is an asset to our college."

Shelly Swandal

Info Systems & Student Services Coordinator
Agribusiness & Applied Econ

"During the past several years, Shelly has stepped up to perform services and otherwise contributed in ways far beyond her responsibilities. She responds to student emails on the weekend and when she is on vacation regarding their technology issues. I could not offer our students the level of instruction online that we provide without her. She is such an important part of this campus!"

Steve Schwandt

Auto Service Worker

Facilities Management "Steve always has a smile on his face and is willing to help someone out at a moments notice. He is well liked by many people on and off campus. He teaches a class on automotive care for students on campus in conjunction with the Memorial Union Recreation and Outing Center. Steve also helps out in the winter with snow removal."

Marc Wallman

Director, IT Infrastructure
Information Tech Services

"Marc Wallman took the time to call in a telephone pole that was rotten and in serious jeopardy of falling over on a windy day. He took the time when other people had already walked by. It was on a Friday that was very windy and it was very noticeable. Thanks to Marc because this power pole would have fallen onto pedestrians, cars and buildings."

Kim Teske

Technology & Events Coordinator
Career Center

"The Career Center puts on nine events each year and Kim does an excellent job staying on top of deadlines, marketing, organizing and much more. She’s a very welcome asset to NDSU."

Mary Marto

Menu Management Coordinator
Dining Services

"Mary always goes the extra mile for fellow staff members and takes staff with disabilities under her wing. She does a lot of anonymous things without ever expecting anything in return."

Dr. William Martin

Head, School of Education

"Dr. Martin is skilled at listening and considering alternative points of view. He goes out of his way to be sure faculty and staff feel valued. He treats us with fairness and honesty which fosters trust."

Amali Samarasinghe

NDSU Student

"Quality work and unimpeachable integrity are the hallmarks of Amali’s science. Her teamwork extends beyond her work in the lab: remembering birthdays, sending ‘get well soon’ cards, and caring about the welfare of her labmates."

Donna Alby

Administrative Secretary
Mechanical Engineering

"Donna has been on campus over 20 years and has exhibited all of the valued behaviors. Her customer service is top-notch, whether assisting faculty or serving as the ‘elevator lady’ in the dorms when new freshmen come onto campus."

Bill Kozojed

Equipment Operator
Document Publishing

"Bill is always in a good mood, with a smile on his face, even though his job has got to be demanding! He makes everyone's day just a little bit brighter, taking customer service to the next level in my book."

Bobbi Riziska

Administrative Coordinator
University Police

"Bobbi has restructured the record keeping system so it runs like clockwork and has done a tremendous amount of work on the Clary Act and Campus Security information. She is a tireless worker who gives 110%."

Ann Sitzmann

Assistant Director
Career Center

"Ann is very professional and knowledgeable. Ann does a remarkable job with the Accounting Club and Meet the Firms Night. She is extremely helpful to students exploring career opportunities."

Sarah Hunter

Hall Director

"Sarah is always a pleasure to work with and has been instrumental in planning and organizing Residence Fall Training. She is ALWAYS on top of her game with vision, enthusiasm and a willingness to help."

Blair Johnson

Microcomputer Hardware Tech

"Blair goes out of his way to fit in our requests, even at his inconvenience—AND, he always helps with a smile! When many of us grumble over a computer problem, Blair says ‘isn’t this interesting!"

Rhonda Kitch

Assistant Registrar

"Over the years, I’ve greatly appreciated Rhonda’s professionalism, compassion, and ability to communicate clearly. She’s thorough and responds quickly. Thank you for your numerous contributions to this campus."

Amy Ochoa

Account Assistant

"Amy is always willing to help with travel arrangements, reimbursements and pointing people in the right directions for forms. She is always pleasant to visit with and has a great sense of humor!"

Ruth Anne Faulkner

Administrative Assistant
Center for Science & Math Education

"Ruth Anne constantly makes everyone feel like they are the most important person she has to deal with. She is caring, compassionate and giving. She takes care of things to the nth degree."

Diane Axness

Administrative Secretary
College of Business

"Diane is always ready and willing to help faculty and students and will typically interrupt whatever she is working on to assist others. Her promptness and friendly nature is much appreciated!!"

Bruce Frantz

Director of Facilities Management

"Bruce has shown such tremendous support of Staff Senate throughout the year including going above and beyond by sending a final memo encouraging his staff to self nomination themselves or others.  he is a real team player and I have so appreciate his input and support. Thank you Bruce."

Lyn Pletta

Benefits Specialist for Human Resources

"Lyn is the Benefits Specialist for NDSU. She holds benefit sessions every Monday and Wednesday, she has helped countless numbers of staff/faculty with the enrollment of benefits, any questions about their benefits, etc. She is always the person in the office that is there if someone needs help with something; she is a great team player.  She has been with PeopleSoft from the start, and she works very hard to fix anything that comes up in the system pertaining to an employee's benefits before it affects them."

Brian Kennedy

Desktop Support Specialist

"My computer crashed and was "pretty friend." Everything I had --syllabi, notes, test, recommendations -- were on the hard drive; I was very upset. But Brian, a Desktop Support Specialist with ITS never gave up trying everything he could and eventually retrieved everything!  He spent many, many hours and I am deeply, deeply grateful.  When I said that owed him a lot, he just shrugged it off and said, "That's what they pay for me." No, Brian, you are extraordinary, and very deserving of special recognition."

Donald Lebakken

Carpenter, Facilities Management

"I had the pleasure of being able to work with Don Lebakken Fall Semester of this year. He was called to our department to help mount two new sewing machines. Due to a series of events, Don needed to visit the sewing lab on at least three separate occasions to complete the project. In the end he needed to remake the top of the table where the machines are mounted in order for the students to use them. Don was always pleasant and willing to help however he could. I appreciated his skilled workmanskip and positive attitude throughout the completion of this project. The tables look great. Thank you."

Steve Walker

NDSU Student

"My husband and I attended two volleyball games. On both nights it was a pleasure to watch Steve throw mini volleyballs to children during the breaks. One night Steve caught one of the balls and he played catch with a child for about ten minutes. At the end he gave the ball to the boy and you could just see how happy the child was that his HERO had taken the time to play with him.  The boy even had Steve autograph the ball.  It was great to see such an unselfish act!"

Dana Davis

NDSU Admission Counselor

"Dana Always has a warm, inviting demeanor with everyone she interacts with.  She exudes a very kind and gentle attitude with students and staff.  She is willing to take on any project with a smile and always completes it to the best of her ability. She is a joy to work with."

Peggy Cossette

Assistant to the Dean in the College of HD&E

"Peggy was very helpful in getting me an answer regarding a Program Fee, for myself as a staff person taking classes through tuition waivers. This was not the first time Peggy went out of her way to resolve programs or give an encouraging word."

ITS Network Services:
Carla Johnson, Valerie Nordsletten, Cheryl Swanson, Chad Foster, Diane Clark, Bruce Curtis, and David Dahl

February 2004

Teresa Sonsthagen

January 2004

NDSU Telecommunications Staff

January 2004

Charles Cherry, Office of Trio Programs

November 2003

Jane Devaney, Facilities Management

November 2003

Trish Tallakson, Graduate Student and
Heidi Frie, NDSU Counseling and Disability Services

October 2003

John Underwood, ITS Help Desk

October 2003

Deb Ott, Registration and Records

October 2003