By Kim Harris
The Department of Human Resources would like to congratulate Janet Magruder and Jennifer Dress on receiving this honor.
Janet Magruder, business service specialist for the Center for Art and Visual Culture and the Imaging Research Center, is the Nonexempt Employee of the Quarter. Magruder began her career at UMBC in 1992 as an Office Secretary II for Academic Outreach. Throughout the years, she worked in various departments including the Library, Financial Aid, and the College of Engineering. In 1998, she transferred to the Visual Arts/Gallery Department.
Renee van der Stelt, Project Coordinator for the Center for Arts and Visual Culture, nominated Janet for this award.
“Janet completely oversees all of the finances in the two centers," said van der Stelt. "She always has a great attitude when working--is positive and proactive in her thinking about finances and how they affect our programming. Technically, she has implemented PeopleSoft fully in our departments, and showed a great ability to learn quickly. Her accounting skills are flawless, and projections very accurate. This assists us greatly in our grant writing and programs. She is quick to assist in grant writing, and in drawing up budgets for projects upon very quick notice.
“She really is amazing in how positive she is. She gives generously of her time whenever someone needs a listening ear," adds van der Stelt. "She is wonderful for our office in that she is the first person people often see, and she always welcomes them with a great attitude. Everyone at both Centers agree we owe her a lot for the daily running of our offices.”
Janet will receive her award at a ceremony scheduled for November 4 upon her return from leave.
Jennifer Dress, coordinator of major events and programs in the Office of Student Life, is the Exempt Employee of the Quarter. Dress started at UMBC six years ago as a program management specialist at the University Center. She was later promoted to facilities reservation coordinator as her position evolved and she took on greater responsibilities. Dress transferred to the Office of Student Life (OSL) in 2002 working at her current position.
Lee Hawthorne, associate director of student life, said, “Jen is a highly capable professional with an unbelievable commitment to her job and to the students. She has a ‘can do’ attitude and works hard to find safe and realistic ways for students to plan the types of events they want. Jen is an extremely thoughtful individual. Despite her heavy workload, Jen volunteers to help other staff with projects or office hours whenever she can. She is a team player and a wonderful addition to the OSL staff. She not only completes her work with great success, but she also helps our team tremendously."
“Jen is an active member in student events and activities on campus” added Hawthorne. “By helping to plan student events and working to find safe and realistic ways to make them possible and successful, she has become a role model to the students. Despite her heavy workload and long hours, she still manages to find time to volunteer at events and to help other staff when needed. Jen can also be accredited in helping to encourage SEB to charge for their events, assisting them in building revenue.”
Dress received her Employee of the Quarter Award on October 11. OSL surprised Jen with the announcement at an SEB meeting where she received VIP treatment, walking down a red carpet into a room with stars hanging from the ceiling. On each star, students had written why they thought Jen deserved to be the Employee of the Quarter. Jen was presented with her award, a crown, a medal and a toast with sparkling cider.
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 Service Award Ceremony for all the recipients.
Human Resources offers special thanks to everyone that nominated an employee for the award. Previous nominations received will be eligible for consideration for one year from the date received. The next Employee of the Quarter recipients will be selected in December.
Learn how to nominate an employee that you feel is deserving of this award for the next quarter.
