Denise Godfrey, Administrative Assistant II for The Commons-Event Planning & Conference Services, has been named UMBC’s Nonexempt Employee of the Quarter effective January 1 thru March 31, 2011. Denise began her career at UMBC in March 2006.

Denise was nominated by Patti Schuyler, Administrative Assistant II of The Commons, and Drema Wentz, Coordinator of The Commons-Event Planning & Conference Services. Patti Schuyler says, “Denise has outstanding people and customer service skills. I have witnessed first hand her interaction with student organizations and departments in scheduling events to be undoubtedly exceptional. She always goes the extra mile to assist people and to assure them of a successful event. On many, many, many occasions, she works through her breaks and stays late, doing whatever it takes to get the job done. Her positive attitude, patience, and flexibility are key contributors to the department’s repetitive business. Anyone who meets her for the first time, will feel as if they have known her forever. She is very approachable and has a great sense of humor.”

Drema Wentz says, “Denise took on additional duties during her supervisor’s absence which included processing facility use contracts for outside rentals of campus facilities. This process was new to Denise and she had very little training beforehand; however, she jumped in with both feet and did an exceptional job contacting clients, service providers on campus, and ensuring all necessary signatures were obtained prior to the event dates. Without Denise, this portion of the department would have had difficulty maintaining good customer relations both on and off campus. Denise has been instrumental in the changes that have taken place within EPCS which include the Event Management Worksheet that enables student organizations to walk through their event prior to it actually happening as well as what their expenses may be. Denise was also extremely helpful in the development of the planning guide that is available to student organizations through our website which assists them in how to plan an event on campus. Denise will continue to be instrumental in both of these areas as we expand them out to campus departments and she becomes the main point of contact. Denise is always pleasant and goes above and beyond to assist any student, faculty, or staff member who comes into the office or calls to plan an event or ask a simple question. If she does not know the answer to the question, she finds it and gets back to the individual who made the inquiry. Denise was awarded the Student Affairs Staff member award in January 2010 because of her accomplishments and contributions to the division and her drive to make each event unique and important.”

Denise was presented her award on January 12, 2011 during a surprise staff meeting. The guest list included members of The Commons staff along with her nominators, Patti Schuyler and Drema Wentz.

Rochelle Sanders, Director for the Department of Human Resources, has been named UMBC’s Exempt Employee of the Quarter effective January 1 thru March 31, 2011. Rochelle began her career with the State of Maryland, Department of Personnel in 1981. She joined UMBC in 1988 as an Office Secretary III for the Department of Human Resources. She received numerous promotions within the Human Resources Department, including serving as Benefits Specialist and Assistant Director. She was promoted to her current position in 2009.

Rochelle was nominated by Michael Pound, Director of Environmental Safety & Health. Michael Pound says, “Rochelle has taken over the entire reporting of the Injured Workers Insurance Fund process. Prior to, the duties were split between HR and Environmental Safety & Health. Already, she has made contributions to this process. She has improved the tracking of the claims, and the ability to view all background information about the claim with just a click of the mouse. She also has taken over the IWIF process of providing and tracking all Lost Time Work, and coordinating with the worker’s needs the appropriate medical services needed. She also implemented letters to be sent to the customer updating them with information about their claim, automatically.”

“In difficult situations, she is consistent to deal with people professionally and with her remarkable skills. She is always calm when faced with adversity. Several customers have contacted me directly to express their gratitude with how she handled their personal situation. She has done a fantastic job in responding to the customer quickly with pertinent information about their claim.”

Rochelle was surprised to learn she had been selected Employee of the Quarter at a staff meeting on January 13, 2011. In attendance was the entire Human Resources staff who congratulated Rochelle on her achievement. Rochelle’s favorite pastries were served at the breakfast.

Each recipient will receive a check for $500, a special 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 Service Award Ceremony for all the recipients.