Aaron Wolfinbarger Named UW Staff Employee of Third Quarter

When Aaron Wolfinbarger was gone for a week, he was greatly missed -- by University of Wyoming employees working in Knight Hall -- for both his positive presence and his meticulous work, even though he was assigned to that building only eight months ago.

Wolfinbarger, a custodian II for UW Custodial Services, has built a solid reputation among his colleagues as a person who is hard-working and personable and one who sets an example of what every UW employee should bring to the job each day.

For this, Wolfinbarger has been named UW’s Staff Employee of the Third Quarter. He will be honored from 9-10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 7, at Rendezvous Cafe’s conference room in Ross Hall. Yogurt, fruit, doughnuts and coffee will be provided.

The award recognizes a UW staff member for efforts toward excellence in the workplace. Established in March 1985 to recognize outstanding staff as the Employee of the Month Award, the award was revised into the current program in January 1990. The award is given to one current UW staff member every calendar quarter. The staff employee of the year will be named at Staff Senate’s Recognition Day celebration in the spring semester.

Wolfinbarger says he enjoys his job because it gives him the chance to help people and provides him with a sense of accomplishment. Knight Hall colleagues can attest to that.

“Since Aaron came on as the custodian for Knight Hall, our facilities have been in top-notch shape,” a nominator says. “He works so hard to make sure everything is clean and neat. In the four years that I have worked in this building, it has never been near as clean as it has been since Aaron came aboard.”

Another nominator says Wolfinbarger does not hesitate to ask if there is more that he can do to improve his “already excellent work.”

“Aaron comes in every day with a joyful spirit and willingness to go above and beyond,” the nominator adds. “He takes great pride in making sure our building is sparkling. Knight Hall is a high-traffic building, and Aaron works hard to make it presentable.”

Another offers even more praise of Wolfinbarger’s work ethic.

“His attention to detail is beyond measure. There is not a corner of Knight Hall that he hasn’t touched,” the nominator says. “He is very communicative and open to suggestion for any areas that could use improvement with his team and ours. I look forward to seeing this person every day -- he makes UW a much better place.”

Wolfinbarger says his past custodial supervisors and others on campus, plus his current supervisor, Johnny Johnston, have taught him a lot and helped him grow professionally and as a person the past 11 years that he has been employed at UW.

“I think it’s pretty cool that people took the time to recognize my work and to nominate me for this award,” he adds.

One more nominator backs the assessment of the stellar work Wolfinbarger provides each day.

“His attitude, energy and attention to detail help start each day on a positive note. And he does this Every. Single. Day,” the nominator says. “Aaron is a whirlwind of energy and positivity. He is so pleasant and engaging to be around. He always greets us and asks how we are. He is a pleasure to be around.”

An Employee of the Quarter nominee can be any UW staff employee, and each must receive three nomination forms from three separate individuals. Nominations must be submitted to the Staff Senate office. The forms are on the web and can be found here.

The deadline to nominate someone for Employee of the Fourth Quarter is 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1.

For more information, call the Staff Senate office at 766-5300.