12/03/14
Mark Cook, PC support technician in Fort Hays State University's Computing and Telecommunications Center, and Mitch Weber, digital imaging specialist in the university's Center for Teaching Excellence and Learning Technologies, were recognized today as the 2014 winners of the President's Distinguished Service Awards.

The announcement was made at the university's 27th annual Holiday Party and Awards Ceremony in the Memorial Union. FHSU President Mirta M. Martin made the presentations.

The President's Distinguished Service Award, begun in 2007, recognizes one University Support Staff member and one member of the unclassified professional staff. The award is given for excellence and dedication and commitment to FHSU over a sustained period. Each recipient receives $500 and a certificate of appreciation.

"Since becoming a PC support technician at FHSU in 2005, Mark has helped hundreds of people with thousands of problems," said Martin. "He is known all over campus for working long hours and for providing friendly, expert service who helps people with their problems without making them feel bad for having a problem."

Weber, said Martin, "always finds a way to get the job done."

"The nature of his job involves working many unusual hours and responding to requests from many people all over campus," she said. "He never complains and always demonstrates a consummate, friendly professionalism."

The fall 2014 winners of faculty awards for scholarship, teaching and service were also recognized at today's celebration. Their awards were previously announced when the winners received surprise visits in their classrooms.

Kathleen Ward, associate professor of nursing, was named the winner of the fall Outstanding Teaching Award; Dr. Robert "Bob" Meier, professor of informatics, was selected for the Outstanding Scholarly Activity Award; and Eric Deneault, assistant professor of applied technology, received the Outstanding Service Award.

All three recipients received a $500 check for their accomplishments. In the spring semester, three more faculty members will be recognized for teaching, scholarly activity and service, and together with this semester's winners will constitute the pool from which the Faculty Member of the Year will be chosen. That winner will be announced at the Fall Convocation in August. The Faculty Member of the Year Award carries a $1,000 cash prize.

Each of the four colleges of the university nominates outstanding instructors to receive the awards. Recipients are selected by a committee appointed by the respective college deans. Three winners will also be selected during the spring semester.
Award winners receive a $500 check and each is eligible for the Outstanding Faculty Member of the Year Award announced at the Fall Convocation in August. The Outstanding Faculty Member of the Year also receives a $1,000 award, contributed by Commerce Bank.

The Holiday Party and Awards Ceremony also recognizes the service of FHSU employees. This year, 55 people were recognized for a collective 1,025 years of service to the state and university. Four people were recognized with 40-year pins; five have completed 30 years of service; 10 people were recognized for 20 years; and 24 employees received 10-year pins. The FHSU Alumni Association recognized 11 employees for 25 years of service to the university.

The awards:
40 Years
Dr. Keith Campbell, professor of sociology.
Larry Getty, director of budget and planning.
Dr. Robert Meier, professor of informatics.
Judith Pape, library specialist, Forsyth Library.

30 Years
Stan Compton, associate state director, Kansas Small Business Development Center.
Christine Gist, administrative assistant to the vice president for student affairs.
Dr. James Hohman, professor of chemistry.
Dr. Mohammad Riazi-Kermani, professor of mathematics and chair of the Department of Mathematics.
Marcia Tacha, administrative associate, University Relations.

25 Years
Barbara Bieker, accountant, Business Office .
Clara Dreiling, office assistant, Mail Center.
Connie Ernst, administrative assistant, Department of Advanced Education Programs.
Dr. Gregory Kandt, associate professor of health and human performance.
Craig Karlin, director of student financial assistance.
Dr. Michael Madden, professor of allied health and director of the medical diagnostic imaging and radiologic technology programs .
Terry Pfeifer, skilled trades supervisor, Buildings Maintenance Department.
John Ross, retired director, Forsyth Library.
Dr. David Schmidt, assistant professor of philosophy and senior director, Center for Teaching Excellence and Learning Technologies.
JoAnn Tomecek, program coordinator for financial aid administration.
Gregory Walters, exhibits manager, Sternberg Museum of Natural History.

20 Years
Dr. Douglas Drabkin, associate professor of philosophy.
Joy Fuqua, director of the Off-Campus Baccalaureate Center, Dodge City.
Linda Ganstrom, professor of art and design .
Linda Garner, administrative associate, the Graduate School.
Shawn Hammerschmidt, storekeeper, Central Purchasing.
Brenda Hoopingarner, associate professor of allied health, chair of the Department of Allied Health and director of diagnostic medical sonography.
Michael Leikam, director of the Colorado Higher Education Opportunity Center, Denver.
Jackie Ruder, manager of new development, Computing and Telecommunications Center.
Dr. Steven Sedbrook, associate professor of health and human performance.
Linda Smith, instructor of English.

10 Years
Chantelle Arnold, financial assistance counselor, Student Financial Assistance.
Charmion Arthur, instructor of art and design.
Michael Barnett, vice president for administration and finance.
Sue Boldra, instructor of teacher education.
Christopher Cochran, general maintenance and repair technician, Custodial Services.
Jason Cole, security officer, University Police.
Randall Collins, general maintenance and repair technician, Kansas Wetlands Educational Center.
Dr. Timothy Davis, associate professor of social work and director of social work.
James Dechant, custodial supervisor, Custodial Services, Department of Health and Human Performance.
David Dreiling, power plant technician, Power Plant.
Gorman Glaze, instructor of agriculture.
Dr. Christine Hober, associate professor of nursing and chair of the Department of Nursing.
Cynthia Huser, administrative assistant, Department of Management and Marketing.
Scott Jones, instructor of management and marketing.
Mike Karl, director of field experiences, Office of Professional Services.
Jeffrey Kroeger, certified asbestos worker, Grounds Department.
Dr. Kathryn McGonigal, associate professor of sociology.
Lisa Morgan, custodian, Custodial Services.
Lynette Ottley, administrative associate, Docking Institute of Public Affairs.
Shane Schartz, instructor of informatics.
May Schumacher, assistant director of student fiscal services.
Brady Ternes, instructor of health and human performance and head athletic trainer.
Christa Weigel, associate professor of allied health.
Dr. Regi Wieland, associate professor of advanced education programs.