Outstanding Civil Service Award nominees named

Six accomplished University employees are nominated for the 2005 Outstanding Civil Service Award.

The award recognizes exemplary achievement in University, community, regional and national service.

A reception honoring the six nominees is set for 3 p.m. Friday, April 1, in the Old Main Lounge in the Student Center.

The outstanding employee chosen receives a $2,000 cash award; a marked reserved parking space on campus for one year; an engraved plaque; has their name added to the permanent plaque displayed near the Student Center River Rooms; and is recognized at the Chancellor's recognition dinner in April. The Outstanding Civil Service Award is one of the Excellence Achieved Awards funded centrally by the University.

The six nominees are:

• Judi L. Cockrum, Office Systems Specialist III, Department of Mechanical Engineering and Energy. Employed at SIUC since 1983. Cockrum was the driving force behind establishing the Dahlgren Reading Center -- which later became a public library where Cockrum also works as librarian and treasurer.
• Maureen L. Doran, Supervisor, Histology Center, School of Medicine, Carbondale. Employed at SIUC since 1982. In addition to her many University-related jobs within the Histology Center, she provides presentations to grade school and high school students; presents youth workshops; serves as director of the Murphysboro Girl Scout Day Camp; and since 2001, has been a fitness instructor in the University's Intramural-Recreational Sports Fitness Department.
• Rhonda L. Hooper, Administrative Assistant I, Institutional Research and Studies. Employed at SIUC from 1979-1982, and since 1986. Currently the University's External Reporting Data Coordinator, Hooper is involved in various fund-raising activities for the American Cancer Society, including the Saluki Walkers Always Triumph over Cancer (SWAT); treasurer since 1996 of the De Soto Grade School Education Foundation; and is part of a disaster relief team with the Illinois Baptist Association.
• Nancy L. Mallett, Office Systems Specialist II, Economics Department. Employed at SIUC since 1981. Serves as assistant to the department chair, and among her duties is supervising student workers, and is credited for the smooth operation of day-to-day functions. She also participates as a volunteer in the Meals to Wheels program.
• Jeri L. Novara, Office Systems Specialist III, School of Accountancy. Employed at SIUC since 1980. She serves as office manager and administrative assistant to the director of the School of Accountancy. In addition to her job-related duties, Novara regularly works with three student organizations in fund-raising and support activities. She coordinates the annual Accounting Challenge Competition for high school students and is heavily involved in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.
• Ruth M. Pommier, clerk, University Housing. Employed at University Housing since 1990; from 1982 to 1990 Pommier had miscellaneous long-term temporary help and certified appointments in several departments at SIUC. In 1999, Pommier led a statewide effort to restore health-care benefits for hundreds of state university civil service employees who had less than 20 years credit in the university retirement system; she has served on numerous Civil Service Council committees during her six-year tenure and served as vice president for two years. She actively participates in numerous social, philanthropic, educational and legislative activities in her community.