12 Receive Distinguished Staff Award - 06/03/96

OHIO STATE HONORS 12 AS THE BEST OF STAFF

     COLUMBUS -- The Ohio State University's 1996 Distinguished 
Staff Awards honor a dozen people who have contributed to their 
workplace and helped their co-workers, faculty and students.  
Their creativity has meant the university operates more 
efficiently and effectively.

     Recipients will be guests at a luncheon June 4, where they 
will receive a plaque and a $500 honorarium. The Office of Human 
Resources sponsors the annual recognition program.

     The 1996 Distinguished Staff are: Margie Bogenschutz of 
COLUMBUS (43214), Max M. Fisher College of Business; Michael 
Bourne of UPPER ARLINGTON, University Technology Services; 
Leonard Copeland of COLUMBUS (43230), Office of the Treasurer; 
Rebecca Crowell of GALENA, Office of University Development; 
Thomas Ewing of COLUMBUS (43212), offices of Finance and 
Controller; Norma Flesher of UPPER ARLINGTON, James Cancer 
Hospital and Research Institute;

     William Harrington of COLUMBUS (43220), College of the Arts; 
Barbara Lee of COLUMBUS (43220), Department of Agricultural 
Economics; Gail Lewis of WESTERVILLE, Department of Slavic and 
East European Languages and Literatures; Cecil Smith of POWELL, 
Office of Physical Facilities; Betty Wallace of GROVE CITY, 
Department of Physics; and Elaine West of COLUMBUS (43214), 
University Honors Center.

     The best education is worth nothing if a graduate cannot get 
a job.  Margie Bogenschutz, director of undergraduate career 
services for the Fisher College of Business is vigorous in making 
sure employers form links with graduates, faculty and staff with 
employers.  In fact, under her leadership, the number of 
companies recruiting business undergraduates rose 27 percent in 
one year.  She has long been a leader in using technology for 
career placement, from a World Wide Web page, to computerized 
recruiting and scheduling, to software to write resumes

     When people ask him questions about computers, Mike Bourne, 
senior computer specialist for University Technology Services, 
has an answer.  He remains patient "even with numbskulls like 
me," a nominator confessed.  Bourne is famous for always being 
in touch, even when he is sick.  "It is such a delight to easily 
reach a person who knows the answers," another nominator said.  
A faculty member suggested giving Bourne a Distinguished Teaching 
Award because "over the years he has shown the qualities of 
teaching excellence."

     Since taking charge in 1988, Leonard Copeland, assistant 
university treasurer, has been a leader in initiatives to serve 
customers of the Office of Fees, Deposits and Disbursement.  In 
three years, he has cut red tape, virtually eliminating the long 
lines of students waiting for loan checks.  With new software, he 
established immediate refunds, eliminating the usual six-week 
wait.  "His belief that the student comes first is exhibited 
through daily meetings with his competent and dedicated staff," 
a nominator wrote.

     Like a hostess with the mostess, Becki Crowell, director of 
donor relations for the Office of University Development, creates 
a warm welcome for potential donors.  She makes sure an 
interesting mix of guests is invited, the catering is superb and 
the event is in the perfect location.  While the event may be 
fun, the underlying intent is very serious -- raising funds for 
Ohio State, especially since state funds are shrinking.  A 
nominator said, "Becki's skill, vision and commitment play a 
major role."

     The IRS probably would frown if Ohio State shoved its yearly 
tax receipts in a shoebox.  In fact, Tom Ewing, tax coordinator 
for the offices of Finance and Controller, probably saves the 
university millions of dollars each year with a program to bring 
OSU into compliance with tax regulations.  "His efforts are 
crucial as OSU comes under continually closer scrutiny by the 
Internal Revenue Service," a nominator said. Plus, "he has that 
rare talent of being very technically oriented while exhibiting a 
strong service and people orientation," a colleague said.

     Norma Flesher, clinic nurse for the James Cancer Hospital 
and Research Institute, has touched "so many lives by her gentle 
and loving ways," a colleague said. For 40 years, she has 
assisted cancer researcher Arthur G. James and shared his dream 
for a cancer hospital. Another summed up Flesher: "Has (she) 
served on many committees? I doubt it.  Has she volunteered for 
public relations events? Probably not. ... Has she served the 
Ohio State University, the University Medical Center, Dr. James 
and the patients? You bet!"

     Every day, Bill Harrington, graphic designer for the College 
of the Arts, jumps up and hits people in the eye.  Well, his work 
is eye-catching.  From posters for plays to catalogs for 
traveling art exhibitions, Harrington's creativity has helped 
shape the public's image of the arts college the last 16 years.  
"His artistry makes people want to participate in the life of 
the college," a customer said.  When budget cuts meant he was 
the only designer, Harrington turned to desk-top computing to 
boost productivity, an example of creatively meeting adversity.

     In a single year, Barb Lee, administrative assistant for the 
Department of Agricultural Economics, works with four faculty 
members, 25 graduate students, three post-doctorate researchers, 
adjunct professors, consultants and subcontractors scattered 
around the world, and a steady stream of international visitors.  
"She is considered the reigning expert" in travel regulations, 
an administrator said.  A colleague said, "Without her, it would 
be impossible for OSU to achieve its worldwide reputation for 
excellence in agricultural economics."

     When the new College of Humanities dean arrived in Columbus 
two years ago, he tried to convince Gail Lewis, program assistant 
for the Department of Slavic and East European Languages and 
Literatures, to take a job in his office.  "She anticipates 
needs rather than just waiting until something needs to be 
done," a faculty member said.  She wrote a student handbook, is 
an academic adviser, and helps students cope with bureaucracy.  
Lewis even keeps in touch with parents of students studying in 
Moscow.  And the list of her duties and accomplishments keeps 
growing.

     The Ohio State community is safer and healthier thanks to 
the work of Cecil Smith, assistant vice president for physical 
facilities.  He has been "a powerful catalyst for implementing 
environmental and occupational health and safety programs," a 
nominator said.  But he also has eased the cost of meeting state 
and federal mandates, such as EPA hazardous waste regulations.  
He has an exceptional "ability to review a complex program, 
extract the relevant and important components and put them into 
meaningful context for our facilities and students," a vice 
president said.

     For more than a quarter of a century, Betty Wallace, account 
clerk 3, has been a law of Physics -- "go see Betty" is the 
formula for making things happen in the Department of Physics.  
Officially, she coordinates and processes purchases, which can be 
a tricky job.  "Because of the level and type of research and 
education done by our department, this is an immense and 
difficult duty," a nominator said.  Wallace is an excellent 
watchdog, taking care to get the most out every dollar.  "Her 
judgment is considered the final word."

     Three years ago, Elaine West, administrative assistant 2 for 
the University Honors Center, found herself suddenly reassigned 
when her old job was eliminated. "West was given the 'option' of 
working within our University Honors Center," a colleague 
recalled.  Within weeks she took on chores not included in her 
job description.  "To be uprooted and basically 'plunked down' 
in a new location is challenging.  To become successful and 
admired is most commendable," the nominator said, "but to 
become a member of the family is very, very special."

                             #

Contact: Ned Cullom, Office of Human Resources, 292-8993.

Written by Gemma McLuckie.


[Submitted by: Von Reid-Vargas (ereid@magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu)
               
Mon, 3 Jun 1996 12:28:32 -0400]
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