The efforts of exceptional staff members were recognized Wednesday at the 15th annual Provost's Outstanding Staff Awards.
"Since it is a university, the attention is usually placed on the students and, secondly, the faculty," said Karen Olson, chairwoman of the provost committee for staff. "The staff works behind the scenes, so recognizing them in public is important."
Nominated by their fellow co-workers, supervisors and peers, three staff members and one work group were given awards at the ceremony.
Sarah Dilmore, administrative assistant in the Economics Department, was one recipient.
"She is intelligent and friendly," said Brian Foster, provost and vice president for academic affairs. "Her caring and professionalism provide the impression of the UNM community that everyone at UNM should strive to make."
Dilmore was presented with a prize package including a plaque, a check and a bag of goodies.
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"I am very honored to be a recipient," Dilmore said.
Dilmore is a single mother and full-time student who has been working at the University for two years.
"I have a lot of support and encouragement from my family and from my department," Dilmore said.
Sue Garley, administrator for the Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences, was another recipient.
"Because of Sue's warm, respectful and efficient manner, our client's first impression of UNM is very positive," Foster said.
Garley's job is to interact with clients from the department's clinic.
Foster also said that Garley's research and consultation of a playground proposal for the clinic paid off as the project was recently funded.
"Sue is dedicated to serving UNM." Foster said.
Jerry Pilkinton, remodeling supervisor of the Physical Plant Department, was the third recipient.
"Jerry's professionalism, honesty and work ethic make him the best." Foster said. "He expects excellence in the work that is performed so that the outcome is positive for everyone involved in the project."
The work group award went to the UNM Art Museum staff, which conserves, curates and exhibits the largest permanent collection of art in the state of New Mexico.
Foster said the museum's staff members are part of a complex and demanding business that requires people to be involved in the whole endeavor.
"This group of individuals cooperates with each other to make the unit work well," he said. "They are all hardworking, conscientious people who show integrity in their work."
Upon receiving the award, Linda Bahm, one of the museum's staff members, made an acceptance speech on behalf of her co-workers.
"It is a privilege to work in this institution," Bahm said.
She also mentioned the work group could not take all the credit for the award.
"Lots of departments help us look as good as we do," she said.
Bahm also recognized Pilkinton, fellow award recipient, for the work that was done with the museum.
"Without the support from others, we couldn't do the work we do," she said. "Bottom line."
