Avery Greene, IT Support Associate for the Division of Information Technology (DoIT), has been named UMBC’s Nonexempt Employee of the Quarter effective July 1, 2011 thru September 30, 2011. Avery began his career at UMBC in September 2006.

Nancy Abell, Executive Administrative Assistant for the Vice President of Administration and Finance, nominated Avery. Abell says “If you set up a person to be the perfect IT tech, you would come up with Avery Greene.  His technical expertise is outstanding; I have never had a problem that he was not able to quickly diagnose and fix.  Coupled with expertise, Avery brings an enthusiastic, friendly, helpful attitude.  Avery’s knowledge and work ethic is so well respected by his department that he has been chosen to be the VIP tech for Google migration for the campus management team.”   

Avery received letters supporting his nomination from several other UMBC staff members.   Diane Lee, Dean of Undergraduate Education, says, “I have always been impressed by his knowledge, positive attitude, and willingness to do whatever it takes to resolve any IT problem I may be experiencing.  Avery has extended his work day to assure that my IT needs were met.”

Doug Pear, Assistant to the President, says, “Avery is an excellent ambassador for the Division of Information Technology and a very dedicated member of the UMBC community.  He is also a patient “teacher,” always taking the time to answer my IT-related questions.”

David Gleason, General Counsel, says, “He is a superb professional, an extraordinarily bright knowledge worker, and a wonderful person.  Not only does he have the requisite technical expertise and dedication to solving the issues, but he brings to his job – and into each office he visits- a personal warmth and friendliness that makes his presence a delight to those with whom he works.”

Christopher Tkacik, University Counsel, says, “Avery demonstrates his breadth of knowledge by venturing outside of the area of desktop support to answer questions and expressing interest in researching another question so that he can drop in with an answer within the next few days.  He seems just as interested as you are to learn the newest thing and the next best work-around which will make your job just a little easier or faster.”

Avery is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies at UMBC.  He has future plans of attending law school.

Avery was presented his award on August 1, 2011 at a surprise meeting attended by DoIT staff and his nominator, Nancy Abell. 

 

Patrick Merryman, Specialist for the Department of Human Resources has been named UMBC’s Exempt Employee of the Quarter effective July 1, 2011 thru September 30, 2011. Patrick began his career at UMBC in 1997 in the Human Resources Department as a Human Resources Associate.

Patrick was nominated by Donna Anderson, Manager of Landscape and Grounds.  Anderson says, “As Co-chair of the Landscape Stewardship Committee, Patrick Merryman acted above and beyond. It has been an absolute blessing to have Patrick as my co-chair and assistant for Arbor Day planning and activities this year. Patrick utilized a personal day off to insure that he was able to fully focus his energies in making Arbor Day a success for the Landscape Stewardship Committee. Patrick was instrumental in contacting and encouraging departments to participate. He negotiated President Hrabowski’s appearance after another committee member dropped the ball. Patrick then escorted the President in a timely manner to our event and delivered him to his next event.”

“Even at the tree planting site, Patrick was my right hand man”, says Anderson. “I instructed him how to plant a tree and the next thing I know, he is instructing others and placing trees species, directing the process in my absence. Patrick really stepped up and made my work easier. He has displayed great flexibility, versatility and leadership.  I truly appreciate his dedication to UMBC, the Landscape Stewardship Committee and his assistance with this event. With his help the participation was enormous, 140 participants and over 34 different organization represented. Patrick assisted in making Arbor Day 2011 truly a campus community event.”

Patrick was presented his award on July 13, 2011 during a surprise staff meeting. The guest list included staff from the Human Resources Department and his nominator, Donna Anderson. 

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.