This week’s ‘Thumbs Up’ recipients
![A shot of the Purdue University campus during the winter season.](https://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Winter-Purdue-2024_JU25323.jpg)
“Thumbs Up” gives faculty and staff the chance to recognize others on campus for a job well done. “Thumbs Up” submissions may be made online.
Elizabeth Gray
Elizabeth Gray (College of Engineering): I was struggling with a problem involving our website, and Elizabeth came through with an answer, along with additional follow-up answers to my questions as they came up. She is always quick to reply and is incredibly helpful. Thank you, Elizabeth! — Dave Montgomery (Industrial Engineering)
Dustin Baldwin
Dustin Baldwin (Veterinary Medicine IT): A big thanks to Dustin from Purdue Veterinary Medicine IT for fixing our pharmacy label printer on Thanksgiving. He was the IT person on call, and he cheerfully arrived minutes after I called him. He got the printer up and running in short order with no disruption to our doctors or patients. No one even knew there was a problem. Thanks for your fast and pleasant customer service, Dustin! You made all our jobs easier. I hope you still had a happy Thanksgiving! — Trinna Pierce (Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital)
Emma Welsh
Emma Welsh (Animal Sciences): A huge thank you to Emma Welsh, Department of Animal Sciences building deputy, for troubleshooting, networking with appropriate IT staff, receiving quotes and managing the repair of the audiovisual system in the Purina Pavilion. The pavilion hosts classes and events throughout the week, and its audiovisual system is critical to the success of each of the endeavors. Emma’s ability to communicate and collaborate with the appropriate personnel across campus allowed for a resolution that had minimal impact on the department. She is to be commended for her diligence and creativity in making this happen. — Paul Ebner (Animal Sciences)
Tim Kerr, Miranda Baer, Linda Gregory and Lynette Bleed
Tim Kerr (College of Agriculture), Miranda Baer (Mechanical Engineering), Linda Gregory and Lynette Bleed (both Exploratory Studies): Thank you to everyone who has helped with the PACADA Awards Committee this semester! I really appreciate your efforts in helping recognize others around campus. — Katie May (College of Pharmacy)
Patty Turner
Patty Turner (Materials Management Administration): Patty is so outstanding in her area that when you ask someone if they’ve asked Patty, they know who you are talking about just by her first name. Never once in my time at Purdue has Patty ever turned me away when I have contacted her for assistance. Now that she’s retiring, I felt the need to add my appreciation of her wealth of knowledge and the help she’s always willing to give. Happy retirement, Patty; you’ll be missed! — Tania Bell (Procurement Center)
Volunteers for the Fall Undergraduate Research Expo
Volunteers for the Fall Undergraduate Research Expo: With over 350 student presentations from Nov. 14-21, we had a wonderful turnout of 171 volunteer judges, who provided important feedback to student presenters while helping academic units choose their top awards. With consistent support from the Purdue community, we can continue growing this event without losing the individualization of the evaluation process. Additionally, we had 30 day-of volunteers who helped with the expo’s operations. Thank you! — Purdue Office of Undergraduate Research
Chris Adair and Jason Adams
Chris Adair (Student Farm Operations) and Jason Adams (Plant Science Management): Thank you to Chris and Jason for giving my high school-age Girl Scout troop a tour of the Purdue Student Farm and Indiana Corn and Soybean Innovation centers in October. Along with meeting other badge requirements, they were able to earn the Sow What Journey in a day and learn more about what it takes to get farm to fork. — Julie Hickman (Ag Research and Grad Education)
Michelle McBrite, Pat Carducci and Gloria Pacheco
Michelle McBrite (Purdue for Life), Pat Carducci and Gloria Pacheco (both Building Services): Michelle, Pat and Gloria go above and beyond on a daily basis to make sure Dauch Alumni Center is one of the best-kept buildings on campus and is always ready to host our many accomplished alumni from around the world. They truly separate themselves on holidays, especially at Christmastime, with decorations, contests, hot chocolate and cookies. They are the best staff around and are appreciated for their dedication, hard work and Boilermaker spirit! — Tom Smith (Purdue for Life)
Kurt Patel
Kurt Patel (Purdue Global): Kurt went over and beyond assisting me with a Gift of Knowledge intake form. His due diligence and follow-through were much appreciated. — Lisa Wilson (Purdue Northwest)
Jessica Joya
Jessica Joya (Computer Information Technology): Jessica pulled together our senior recognition banquet and did an amazing job. It now feels like a planned event, and I know the students appreciated it. Thank you for all you do! — Melody Carducci (Purdue Polytechnic Institute)