UW Employees Honored at Staff Recognition Day

Beth Buskirk, office associate, senior, in the Department of Mathematics, and David Lopez, facilities attendant II with Residence Life and Dining Services in Washakie Center, today (Tuesday) shared recognition as the University of Wyoming’s outstanding staff employee of the year during the annual Staff Recognition Day at UW.

It marks the first time there was a tie vote for UW’s top staff award. Buskirk and Lopez were named from among four individuals who had been selected for UW’s Outstanding Employee of the Quarter Award that recognizes excellence in the workplace.

Dozens of employees were honored for their years of service and contributions to UW. Sponsored by the UW Staff Senate with support from the UW Office of the President, Staff Recognition Day encourages and acknowledges the work of all UW staff members.

Other staff members honored for their contributions to UW:

Meyer Family Outstanding Staff Service Award -- Wilma Varga, assistant to the vice president for academic affairs; and Deisy Vaske, library assistant, senior, Coe Library Technical Services.

Jody K. Humphrey Inspirational Staff Award -- Jeffery Braaton, Custodial Services facilities/grounds attendant.

Off-Campus Awards -- Tracy Navarro, UW Extension office assistant, senior, in Cheyenne; and Daniel Smith, farm manager at the Sheridan Research and Extension Center.

Pete Simpson Golden Gloves Award -- Mark Gunnerson, control specialist, senior, in the Controls Shop.

Skilled Crafts Award -- Bob Christensen, mechanic with Athletics Facilities.

Skilled Services/Maintenance Award -- Jim Mora, Custodial Services facilities/grounds attendant.

Staff Incentive Awards -- Trish Hysong, office assistant, senior, in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences; Matt Messersmith, operator/technician IV with Athletics Facilities; and Steven Wolff, Custodial Services facilities/grounds attendant.

Unsung Hero Full Time -- Brian Romero, Multicultural Affairs project coordinator; and Mary Runner, office associate, senior, with the Student Educational Opportunity GEAR UP program.

Unsung Hero Part Time -- Leif Cawley, office assistant, senior, with the Department of History; and Clark Jones, video teleconference specialist at UW-Casper.