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

Charles Bennett and the SLAP Team, Financial Accounting: “Great work by Charles and the entire team…another obsolete system bites the dust! Thanks for taking the initiative to make these improvements.” Weldon Ihrig, Executive Vice President.

Financial Accounting: “I (and others at KPMG) want to offer our congratulations to all on your team for [your recent TOPS Award]. It is extremely well deserved to say the least, and it is great to see that you got recognition for your efforts at the larger University campus level. Great job!! And, again, congratulations from all of us!!!” Anne Nelson, KPMG.

Grant and Contract Accounting (regarding a tour that administrative staff in the Biology Department took of the GCA office): “It was a very positive experience for us, and a real eye opener…I think every department should be required to have the tour and to see how hard the central departments work—it's very evident from that brief interaction.” Susie Hollingsworth, Biology.

Heidi Anderson, Student Fiscal Services (regarding advice that Heidi provided on a student loan): “Heidi Anderson phoned me shortly after I requested information regarding deferment. She took time to discuss how it would work with my particular circumstances. The paperwork was mailed to me right away and Ms. Anderson also sent notice of my acceptance without delay. As you might imagine, it was a relief to have this completed and I was grateful for the smooth and timely processing. It’s nice to know that no matter how hectic things might be, I can count on good customer assistance.” A former UW student.

John Cady, Grant and Contract Accounting: “In my 29 years at the UW I don't believe I have worked with another person in the accounting department who has provided the level of service that John provides to us– and there have been some who do a really good job. We always seem to get our reports to him with days and hours to spare. It doesn't matter—he gets them done. He imparts information to us that is extremely helpful and is, at all times, extremely patient and courteous. Several of my staff work with him on reports and in at least one case, he has gone far beyond what might be expected of him to assist with these submissions. We think he's great and a pleasure to work with.” Karen McMasters, General Internal Medicine.

Kate Riley and Frank Montgomery: “Thanks so much for making the long trek to Ellensburg and doing a great job presenting FM's performance measurements to the internal auditors. You made a great impression.” Maureen Rhea, Director of Audits.

LiChang Wong and Student Fiscal Services: “Thanks so much for your help [in resolving my son’s tuition issue]. Of all the offices we have dealt with to date at UW, you are by far the fastest and most accurate. I'm impressed!” Den Fusso, parent of a UW student who was assisted by SFS.

LiChang Wong, Student Fiscal Services: Li received the following plaque from the Army ROTC program: “This certificate of appreciation is presented to Li-Chang Wong in recognition of your support to the University of Washington Department Of Military Science, for your dedication and assistance with scholarship processing.” Presented by Lieutenant Colonel, Paul J. Wood, US Army.

Lili Gebrenegus, Grant and Contract Accounting: “I would like to thank one of your staff, Lili Gebrenegus, for the excellent work she did to resolve a budget error for our department. She is always helpful and always willing to educate our department regarding budget problems. We are so lucky to have her in GCA to work with!” Teresa Lee, Center for AIDS and STDs.

Linda Braziel and the Payroll Office: “A big THANK YOU for your willingness to help us out by producing hand drawn checks to the 40 graduate students impacted by [a deduction problem] on today's check. I know that your willingness to process these checks will go a long way to reassuring the students…and will therefore keep this from becoming a bigger issue. We very much appreciate it!” Kathleen Dwyer, Director of Benefits.

Lisa Scheyer and the OPUS Client Service and Training Team, Payroll: “I wanted to pass along my compliments [to your team]! After being peripherally involved with USER/OPUS for years, I finally decided it was time to see how it actually worked. A simple email to your office resulted in a prompt response from Lisa and an offer to come out to provide an overview. We had that training today, and I felt it was extremely helpful and informative. Lisa did a wonderful job in taking us through the various screens and answering our questions. It’s no wonder that OPUS has been so successfully received by the campus.” William Ferris, Office of the Executive Vice President.

New Accounts, Grant and Contract Accounting (regarding a new policy of emailing departments when their new budget has been set up): “These email notices are REALLY helpful.” Joan M. Bodey, Aquatic and Fishery Sciences.

Payables Administration: “Thank you so much for all of your help. Everyone in Payables is always so helpful – I really appreciate it.” Leann Dawson, UWMC Accounting.

Ping Tan, Treasury Office: “The response to the news of the new professorship reports that Ping is doing has been very positive. We think the report is [very] useful.” Connie Kravas, Development Office.

Procurement Card Team, Financial Services: “The Procard and the careful procedures for its use are proving very convenient, efficient and fiscally responsible. The planning and training ahead of time was worth the effort.” JoAnne Sether Menard, Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences.

Randall Lewis, Treasury Office: “Whenever I send Randy proposed changes or a new deal to complete, he does it lighting fast and always with a view to facilitating the transaction. He is very customer service oriented and looks out for UW's best interests. Thanks, Randy and the Treasury team!” Gail Y. Herman, Office of Technology Licensing.

Ruchi Aggarwal, Management Accounting and Analysis: “I just wanted to drop you a note regarding Ruchi Aggarwal and let you know that she has been delight to work with on some long standing issues. We have recently had a change of service which has caused these issues to "heat up," and Ruchi has been particularly helpful in this regard. In what has been a frustrating "crisis" situation, Ruchi has maintained her calm, poise and professionalism. Nan and I are particularly grateful for that and for her clear expertise in this area. She's a great asset, as I'm sure you know!” Betsy Zickler, Harborview Medical Center.

Teresa Crisostomo, Travel: “I would like to thank you for the expeditious processing of [a rush TEV]. I also appreciate your following up the processing of the hand drawn check from your Office all the way to A/P. Thanks again for all the help you have extended our Office.” Gloria Escano, Office of Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer.

Thanh Nguyen, Payables Administration: “I just wanted to let you know that I really appreciate the job that Thanh Nguyen does for Payables. Thanh is always very quick at processing payments that need to get out before our budget closes and stopping payments on those invoices that need revisions. I'm always happy when Thanh answers the phone at Payables because I know that my request will be taken care of in an accurate and efficient manner.” Maggie Connor, National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center.

V’Ella Warren, Vice President, Financial Management: “Thanks for voicing your articulate and persuasive perspective on the role of the USER Project yesterday. Your ability to cut through things and speak about what's important to this place is very valuable. I've enjoyed reading of your organization's recent accomplishments. It occurred to me that despite the sense that as an institution we have become almost too heavy to move or change, that your organization is still moving and changing. Congrats to you for being a leader during these times! And, thank you.” Patricia Woehrlin, Office of the Executive Vice President.