Donna Larson Wins First ICES Staff Excellence Award

[[Donna Larson, ICES accounts supervisor, received the first ICES Staff Excellence Award for contributions to innovation, productivity, and morale.

Nominated by ICES faculty, staff, and students, Donna was described as “exemplifying everything that this award is meant to honor.”

In announcing the award at the staff appreciation ceremony July 14, ICES Director Tinsley Oden read from her nominators’ comments. Read more.]]

“She inspires me to be the best I can be,” one wrote. “When routine settles in, all I have to do is spend some time with her to be recharged and motivated.”

“Her positive attitude encourages employees to approach her for assistance instead of ignoring problems that need remedy,” another co-worker said, “which allows for more efficiency and accuracy.”

Donna’s main duties with the Institute require serving as accounting supervisor, budget manager, travel coordinator, and purchasing agent.

Additional nominators showed appreciation in other ways for Donna’s work that reaches into every aspect of the Institute’s daily operation.

• “She is always on time and frequently helping to ‘patch-up’ after my errors or delays.”

• “She is never late for work and, actually, never on sick leave – in a high pressure work environment, this is very appreciated.”

• “She is the quintessence of a perfect employee.”

• “She is a key contributor to the unparalleled level of excellence, productivity, and morale I’ve been privileged to observe…she inspires excellence by example.”

Donna received a certificate and a $1,000 check for the new award, which will be presented annually.