Kudos
Given to FM colleagues by folks from outside the division
Compiled by Randi Adar

Ann Anderson, Karen Long and Financial Services: “Ann, we want to thank you, Karen Long, and your staff for all the excellent work everyone did during the biennium close process. You and your staff must have worked awfully hard and we appreciate the extra effort…We especially appreciated your offices staying within the timelines you gave us, and the special attention we felt we received in getting questions answered, as well as the good and reliable information you provided all throughout the process.” Mary Melanson, Dean's Office, Arts & Sciences.

Anna Mirza, Payroll Office: “Thank you for making the correction. This certainly made my job easier.” Mervilyn Penwell, Respiratory Care Services.

Beverly Trulson, Student Fiscal Services: “We cannot put into words how professional Beverly was in handling the [challenges that our situation] dealt her. She was always above board in presenting policies and procedures and yet had this calming effect while providing this information…There was never a time that we felt that we were not being taken care of or that our best interests were not being addressed…We are adamant in saying that Beverly was instrumental in steering us in the right direction …You are fortunate to have a supportive staff member who goes the extra mile to represent your department…” Excerpts from a letter written by a UW parent.

Calvin Tran, Grant and Contract Accounting: “Every once in awhile I have the extraordinary experience of working with a UW employee who goes above and beyond what is expected of them. I want you to know that I was very impressed with Calvin. I have worked at the University of Washington for nearly 25 years and I believe that it is important to acknowledge employees who are so very helpful and talented.” Donald Kunz, Oncology.

Christa Woodhull, Payroll: “ I wanted to thank you for how you've interfaced with us the past several weeks…Your emails were always to the point and without any rhetoric or editorial language... Much appreciated!” Gary Prohaska, Information Systems.

Cindy Gregovich and the Equipment Inventory Office: “I appreciate all the cooperation from [EIO] staff, especially Cindy, your property manager in the Equipment Inventory Office, [in submitting the yearly property reports.]” C.C. Everley, ONR Seattle

Donna Andreason and David Wright, ProCurement Card Program:
“ I have found your office to be very helpful in the following ways:
• Establishing interdepartmental bonds
• Willingness to answer questions
• Follow-up with questions to establish accuracy
• Help... There is always someone able to 'walk' one through issues and problems to achieve resolution.
• Courteous & kind regardless of who the caller may be
I hope that the program continues to be successful and I am pleased to have had such a positive experience.” Robert Hathaway, College of Forest Resources.

Frannie Gladney, Student Fiscal Services: "I just wanted to thank you for all the help you gave me in getting my situation together…It is my life long dream to complete my degree at the University of Washington. There is absolutely no way that I would have the opportunity to realize this dream if it were not for your sensitivity to my personal situation, skill at finding options that fit both my needs and the UW's, and your willingness to help.” A student who was assisted with financial aid concerns by Frannie.

Gilda Franada, Payables Administration: “Given the enormous pressure of time constraints with the biennial close protocols, I am all the more impressed with not only the professional and courteous help Gilda has rendered [in processing closing JVs], but also the manner and attitude with which she went about dealing with each JV issue. Gilda's exemplary customer support reflects well on your leadership, and staff like her make you and I proud to be a part of this system!” Geetha Sukumaran, College of Forest Resources.

John Cady, Grant and Contract Administration: “I want to bring an excellent example to your attention of proactive intervention on my HHMI grant by John Cady to save a great deal of time and effort by many people. Without a request from us, John initiated changes that have us very happy over here! [This approach]…solves problems before they frustrate everyone involved and creates a positive relationship between service provider and customer, so essential in our current regulatory climate.” Mary Lidstrom, College of Engineering.

Judy Peterson and the Treasury Office: “In yesterday's meeting of the Foundation Board Executive Committee, Bill Gates stated how much he appreciated your one-page reports to donors to UW Endowment about their named fund showing performance/status. He said that the donors like receiving them and that you and your team do a great job. These comments were echoed by Jerry Grinstein and Laurel Nesholm.” Weldon Ihrig, Executive Vice President, passing on a comment from University donors.

Kristie Dunn, Payables Administration: “[While working with Kristie on a payment issue,] she was extremely helpful, courteous, professional, and went way out of her way to help me with my problem. I really appreciated her professionalism and her kind attitude while helping me. She really exemplified customer service.” Al Sipple, VA Puget Sound Health Care System.

Kyra Worrell and Student Fiscal Services Outreach Team [regarding the new “Managing the Maze” orientations SFS is offering to help students manage their personal finances]: “It's really helpful to have such a detailed explanation of what can often be an overwhelming process! We hope you will be willing to come again next year.” Victoria Corrin, Rehabilitation Medicine.

Lauren Collins, Grant and Contract Administration: “Thank you so much for your very clear answers to all our cost-sharing questions…We really appreciate the time you spent at the College of Engineering. It was very helpful!” Mary Heusner, College of Engineering.

Lily Gebrenegus and Suprimo Manabat, Grant and Contract Administration: “I would like to thank you both for helping us meet our deadlines by having all Journal Vouchers related to the old biennium entered into the system in a timely manner. Without your extraordinary help, which I call a service beyond your normal duties, we would not have been able to accomplish the closing of our books accordingly.” Gloria Escano, Office of Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer.

Monique Bradley and Cecilia Pittman, Grant and Contract Accounting: “I just want to say thank you so much for going the extra mile to help us change our budget’s status—despite your busy schedules and other deadlines. I sincerely thank you for your superb customer service.” Hien Tran, Applied Physics Laboratory.

Payroll Office [in regards to National Payroll Week, recognized during the first week of September:] “Thank you all for your help over the years with payroll. Your efficiency, accuracy and good humor during times of stress is truly deserving of at least a week! It is truly a pleasure to work with all of you at Campus Payroll. I appreciate all you do!!” Maureen Medina, UWMC Roosevelt Payroll/Personnel.

Pramilla Chand and Kristie Dunn, Payables Administration: “Pramilla goes the extra mile to make sure our many, many invoices are processed & expedited. I appreciate her immensely! When Pramilla is not available Kristie Dunn has regularly gone out of her way to make sure things keep moving along.” Jackie Matthews, Disability Services Office.

Sharon Langlois, Payroll Office: “I really want to thank you for everything you have done to help me. In appreciation and recognition of your efforts, thank you as always.” Leila Wirfs, Pathobiology.

The Travel Office: “I'm fairly new to the UW system, but have had several occasions to use the TEV. Coming from private industry, I expected to find things more cumbersome rather than less. This tool has been a delightful surprise to the contrary. We've even used it to validate our own assumptions about object codes, so it has utility beyond what you might have anticipated.” Scott Sipes, Pediatrics.