Cornell James, IT Telecommunications Specialist in the Division of Information Technology (DoIT), has been named UMBC’s Nonexempt Employee of the Quarter effective July 1, 2012 thru September 30, 2012. James began his career at UMBC in August, 1994.

Jennifer Dattoli, Police Communications Supervisor for University Police, nominated Cornell for the Employee of the Quarter award. Dattoli says, “I have worked with Cornell James for over a decade and during my time at UMBC I have never known a person to be more inspirational and motivated than he is.  He has consistently displayed an outstanding commitment to his work and the university as a whole. Cornell is highly dependable, and has exceptional customer service skills.  Cornell’s work impacts everyone on campus with his duties involving the campus alarm monitoring system, electronic door locking security, video surveillance and so much more. Recently, Cornell has been deeply involved in an important campus project related to enhanced security measures needed in the academic area and the campus police department. Cornell greatly helped in the daily trouble-shooting and planning effort that spanned over several months. He always made sure the job got done properly and within the necessary timeline.”

“The University Police Department depends on Cornell to be available nearly 24/7.  When we have serious alarm issues, we may have to call him on the weekends and nights.  He has never let us down.  Cornell truly exemplifies a positive UMBC attitude.  I have enjoyed working with him and he motivates me to be a harder worker.”

“In his spare time, Cornell enjoys spending time with his family and babysitting his grandchildren.”

The Division of Information Technology (DoIT) coordinated a surprise luncheon for Cornell on July 17, 2012. Colleagues from DoIT’s Telecommunications Department and members of the University Police Department attended and enjoyed delicious pizza and cupcakes. Cornell was delighted to learn he had been selected as the Employee of the Quarter. He thanked his coworkers, supervisors and Jennifer Dattoli for their support.  

 

Karen Dowell, Business Manager in the Shriver Center has been named UMBC’s Exempt Employee of the Quarter effective July 1, 2012 thru September 30, 2012. Karen began her career with UMBC in 1985 as an Office Secretary for the Office of Cooperative Education (which ultimately became the Shriver Center). Karen was promoted through the years and has held various positions. She became Business Manager in 1998.

Karen was nominated by Michele Wolff, Director of the Shriver Center. Michele states, “Karen Dowell is an exemplary member of the UMBC and Shriver Center community. She exhibits great skill, expertise, efficiency and effectiveness in many areas including her roles as a supervisor and leader. Additionally, she is an expert in grant accounting and management. Karen demonstrates her effectiveness as a leader and supervisor by leveraging the skills of her team to successfully manage over $4 million in contracts and grants from over a dozen different funding organizations; payroll for over 200 individuals; and, an IT support system that includes three off-campus/remote locations. With recurring budget cuts (including deep cuts to the Center’s Choice Program), Karen’s leadership has been key to assisting the Center in maintaining the capacity and quality of its programs, which serve thousands of individuals and families on and off campus each year.”

“Karen serves as an exemplar in providing customer service,” states Wolff. “She approaches everyone with professionalism and respect. She continually instills in her staff and others within the Center a sense of shared purpose and pride in and commitment to the work of the Center. In addition, Karen has committed herself to continually improving the business and technology related processes and procedures that allow the Center to fulfill its mission and purpose.”

“In my opinion, Karen’s greatest accomplishment has been her ability to persevere during the most challenging life changes one can experience. Karen faces both personal and professional challenges with finesse and grace, while also maintaining a professionalism and effectiveness in her work ethic. In addition to her contributions to the Center, Karen and her family have been supporting the Southwest Emergency Services (SWES), a non-profit organization in Arbutus. She has volunteered during the holiday season with food and Christmas tree drives. She donates food, household items and clothing to SWES on an on-going basis.”

The Shriver Center coordinated a surprise celebration for Karen on July 10, 2012. Colleagues and friends attended and enjoyed scrumptious breakfast treats. Karen was ecstatic to learn she had been selected as the Employee of the Quarter. Karen, with tears of happiness in her eyes and warmth in her heart, graciously thanked and acknowledged everyone for their support.

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.