Lisa Benford, laboratory safety officer in the Department of Environmental Health and Risk Management, receives the PEP Award from Dave Irvin, associate vice president for plant operations and interim executive associate to the president. Photo by Thomas Shea

It has been a seven-year tradition to honor outstanding staff members in the Division of Administration and Finance.

This year, the division recognized 19 staff members at its annual back-to-school kick-off event. Gretta McClain, manager of general accounting operations, received the President’s Award. The award is given annually by the Office of the President and includes a $500 check.

McClain said she was surprised, but happy, to learn she was the President’s Award recipient. McClain, who has been working at UH for four years, added that she plans to share the stipend with her “team members, since it’s truly a team effort.”

The division’s PEP Award for exemplary professionalism, enthusiasm, pride and service went to Lisa Benford, laboratory safety officer in the Department of Environmental Health and Risk Management. She has been with UH for two years. Benford received a plaque and a $500 check.

Other Award Recipients

John Rudley, interim president, presents the President’s Award to Gretta McClain, manager of general accounting operations. Photo by Thomas Shea

Ambassador Award recognizes an employee who consistently exhibits a friendly and positive image for the division or through sustained voluntary service promotes the welfare of others in the department, university or community.

Monica Desormeaux
David Davison

Friend of the Family Award recognizes an individual outside the Division of Administration and Finance, a company or organization that has demonstrated outstanding support to the division.

Gary Chelette

Mover & Shaker Award honors an employee who has significantly enhanced the image, impact or public awareness of the department, division and or university.

Bret Collier

Silent Service Award is presented to an employee who exhibits superior work performance while exemplifying a positive and cooperative attitude on a day-to-day basis without being showy or spotlighted.

Leo D'Silva

Rock Soup Award recognizes an employee who performed in an extraordinary manner or made an outstanding contribution to a department while expending minimal resources.

Susan Nester

Path to Excellence Award honors two or more employees in a department involved in a program or project that has a positive impact on UH and assists the university in the path of excellence.

• HR Information Management Team

Sara Chelette
Deborah Clay
Alicia Colbert
Amy Gillard
Connie Kemp
Mandi Oliver
Cody Pelletier
Joan Sigler
Billy Taylor
Juanita Virgin
Carolyn Williams

Staff reports