Two honored by CSSAC for excellence in results, spirit of work

Joni Hipsher (third from left) receives the 2018 CSSAC Excellence Award for Clerical Staff from CSSAC chair Allen Bol. At left is Christopher Ruhl, interim vice president for human resources. At right is her nominator, Jennifer William, professor and head of the School of Languages and Cultures. (Purdue University photo/Purdue Today) Download image

Two awards for outstanding work performance and attitude were presented recently by CSSAC, the Clerical and Service Staff Advisory Committee. The presentations, which came during the CSSAC recognition luncheon Aug. 14 at Purdue Memorial Union, were:

* CSSAC Excellence Award for Clerical Staff to Joni Hipsher, graduate secretary in the School of Languages and Cultures.

* CSSAC Excellence Award for Service Staff to Mike Lauderdale, environmental technician in Radiological and Environmental Management.

Hipsher, in receiving her award, stressed the collegial atmosphere of Languages and Cultures and the satisfaction of meeting and helping the international students there. One of her nominators called her "without a doubt, the most beloved person to our graduate students." Many of them are international students, and she provides both a sympathetic ear and practical guidance on procedures.

Another nominator wrote that in a job with many varied tasks, Hipsher maintains her patience, finds the best solutions and overall "goes out of her way to make sure the graduate students have a successful and meaningful experience." A PhD student wrote, "Joni's heart is as wide open as her office door" and told several anecdotes illustrating that.

Mike Lauderdale (third from left) receives the 2018 CSSAC Excellence Award for Service Staff from CSSAC chair Allen Bol. At left is Christopher Ruhl, interim vice president for human resources. At right is Lauderdale's nominator, Eric Johnson, hazardous materials manager. (Purdue University photo/Purdue Today) Download image

Lauderdale expressed appreciation for the mentoring he has received and the opportunities to become more proficient and broadly knowledgeable. One nominator's letter used phrases such as "the most friendly person" and "always goes the extra mile" whether the task is cleanup, pickup or paperwork.

Another described how he goes far beyond the minimal to train and lead REM environmental technicians, then shows the way by teaching himself additional tasks to ensure that Purdue surpasses EPA standards at a relatively low cost to Purdue.

The recipients receive a plaque and $1,500 (subject to withholdings). Any member of the University community may make a nomination. More about the CSSAC Excellence Awards is online, and the 2019 nomination period will be announced.