The Department of Human Resources has announced UMBC's first Employee ofthe Quarter award recipients.

Nafi Shahegh, an administrative assistant II for the Departments of Philosophy and Ancient Studies, is the nonexempt Employee of the Quarter. She has 12 years of service at UMBC, beginning as a contractual employee with the education department. Since then, Shahegh has also worked for the history and physics departments before coming to philosophy in May 2000. Last summer, she was assigned to handle the administrative affairs for both the philosophy and ancient studies departments.

Shahegh acknowledges that it was a significant challenge to take on the administrative responsibilities for two departments, but, according to those who work with her, she has managed the added workload with competence and grace. Says Terry Aylsworth, executive administrative assistant in the College of Arts and Sciences, "Nafi is a dedicated UMBC employee. She has taken on two departments without complaint and has managed them beautifully, asking for nothing in return. She has taken a difficult situation and managed to make everyone extremely happy."

Despite these kind words, Shahegh never expected to be honored for her work. "I was very surprised when I was informed about the award," she says. "I am very proud to be one of the first to be given the new Employee of the Quarter award and it feels good that my colleagues recognize the effort I put into my work."

Gary Rupert, the senior major gifts officer in the Office of Institutional Advancement, is the exempt Employee of the Quarter.

Rupert came to UMBC as the associate director of athletics and has been working in Institutional Advancement for nearly 15 years. Under his leadership, both the alumni and faculty/staff fundraising campaigns have exceeded their goals, with the last faculty/staff campaign raising over $1 million.

David Moore, a former colleague from the Office of Institutional Advancement, says, "Because people know Gary cares, they feel comfortable talking with him about philanthropic support. People also know that Gary is not just there for their money. He builds relationships with people across the campus in all capacities. He knows that faculty and staff contribute in many ways beyond their dollar-they give of their time, their talent and, like Gary, they give of their heart."

"It's always nice to be recognized by one's peers," says Rupert, reflecting on this honor. "But it's even nicer to be rewarded for something you love doing. I believe in UMBC, which makes it very easy to do my job well."

Each recipient will receive a check for $500, a personalized parking space, one day of administrative leave, a certificate, his/her name on the Employee of the Quarter plaque and an invitation to the annual luncheon for all the recipients.

Human Resources offers special thanks to everyone that nominated an employee for the award and encourages members of the campus community to nominate employees deserving of the award. Nominations received during the first quarter are eligible for consideration throughout 2004. The next Employee of the Quarter award will be given in August. Nomination forms and additional information may be found on the Human Resources Web site: www.umbc.edu/hr/EOQ.html.