July 9, 2012
Double-duty office associate earns “A+++”
Joanna Villanueva
When the office associate in the Biological Sciences Department took an extended medical leave, Joanna Villanueve added the department’s duties to her own in the Physical Sciences—an overwhelming feat during a busy Summer Quarter leading to semester conversion.
Her hard work and dedication earned her the Staff Employee of the Month award, which was given July 5 in a surprise meeting attended by her two departments.
The ease with which she juggles two departments earned her an “A+++” from one of her nominators, teaching assistant Steve Becherer. “She leads by example, which maintains the respect she is given for somebody of her young age,” said Becherer.
“Managing one department is a considerable task, but dealing with two in a time when the departments are actively engaged in staffing for summer quarter and scheduling classes several terms in advance is a truly remarkable feat,” said Randy Mogg, assistant professor in Biological Sciences. “We greatly appreciate her patience in this regard!”
“She never once complained, showed any stress or frustration,” said Merideth Sellars, instructor in Biological Sciences who also wrote a nomination for Villlanueve. “It just happened that this all occurred as semester conversion scheduling, paperwork and much administrative correspondence was required,” she added. “Joanna never lets us down!” said assistant professor Julie Cronk. “She goes out of her way to help everyone who walks in. She reminds us all what we are here for!”
In all, Villanueve was nominated by six different members of her two departments. Professor Mike Squires and instructor Jeanette Ferguson also added their kudos to the nomination.
Injured Math faculty member doing well
Kip Mengich, the Mathematics faculty member who was injured June 18, is doing well and was released from the hospital Friday, June 22, after undergoing surgery.
“Kip had a follow-up visit this week and we hope to have him back teaching later in July,” said Jonathan Baker, chair of the Math Department.
Mengich has been teaching math at Columbus State since Winter Quarter 2011. “He started out teaching Algebra 102 and 104, but has recently found his niche in the Math 135 Statistics course,” said Baker. While Mengich is recovering, his classes are being covered by William Carman and Justin Jasinski. “Kip will be teaching this fall semester and he’ll have a greater role at the Regional Learning Centers and be working more with high schools this fall,” said Baker.
Still confused about the Health Rewards Program?
More briefings will be offered to all full-time employees with United Health Care coverage. The briefings will be an additional opportunity for employees to learn how the Health Rewards Program works and clarify the procedures that must be followed to participate.
The Health Rewards Program went into effect last September, and the first year of the program closes August 31, which is coming up quickly. The briefings will be held on Wednesday, July 11, at noon,
Thursday, July 19, at 9:00 a.m., and Wednesday, July 25, at noon. All briefings will be held in CT Room 107. Facilitators are Nichole Bowman-Glover, wellness coordinator, and Deborah Robinson, benefits administrator. Employees on the Delaware Campus may participate by teleconference by emailing to nbowmang@cscc.edu or calling ext. 3989.
Whenever you head out for summer fun – whether around the corner or across the globe – take Clawdette along. Snap a photo of plush Clawdette at your destination and email it to csbookstore@cscc.edu to enter the Where in the World is Clawdette photo contest. You’ll be entered to win a $100 gift card to the Columbus State Bookstore. Photos are posted to the Bookstore’s Facebook page. Log on and “like” all your favorites. The photo with the most likes by August 15 will be the winner. (Plush Clawdette dolls are available at the Bookstore for just $9.99.)
Honoring her supporters
Former Columbus State student Deborah Adkins presents President Harrison with a certificate of appreciation for the "confidence, devotion, guidance and assistance" of the college's faculty and staff. Adkins attended Columbus State from 2004-2007 and transferred her credits to Harvard University to pursue her studies. She graduated from the Ivy League institution this spring, earning a Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree with major in science. Stephanie Albrecht, Judy Gentry and Becky Murray, who supported Adkins' efforts here and have followed her academic progress, attended the presentation ceremony. Adkins plans to continue her studies in a physician's assistant program and eventually hopes to practice and influence policy in global health.