Employee of Quarter known for kindness, respect of environment

Mary McGill, recently named the Third Quarter 2012 Employee of the Quarter at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, knows how to work with faculty, often completing thankless tasks and actively taking steps to make the Departments of Geography and Environmental studies and Political Science operate more smoothly.

But that’s not all, according to Carole Huber, senior instructor, Tom Huber, professor, and Steve Jennings, associate professor – all in the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies. The Hubers and Jennings were McGill’s award nominators.

“We have been at UCCS for decades and have worked with many different administrative assistants,” the trio wrote in a nomination letter. “None has come close to providing the support, commitment and personal strengths Mary brings to the position. Her tireless dedication makes our jobs so much easier.”

Since 2007, McGill has worked for both departments. McGill’s ability to balance the needs of faculty in both departments drew  praise as did her commitment to many of the principles geography and environmental studies teaches.

McGill works closely with a student environmental group, helping them with purchases and donating time to help with the Office of Sustainability’s Bike Jam Event. As part of that commitment, she rides her bike to campus almost every day.

“Mary is a very caring individual who quietly, yet tirelessly, works to move our campus and our world toward a more sustainable future,” her nomination letter stated.

For her efforts, McGill will receive a $100 stipend, a certificate, one day administrative leave and three months free, reserved campus parking. The campus parking permit brought a chuckle from McGill and most of the GES faculty who attended her award presentation. Most of the department’s members bike to campus.

“One of the best parts of working for the people in this department is … getting to work for the people in this department,” McGill said. “Both GES and the political science departments have been beyond wonderful to work with. Every faculty member is committed, passionate, super at teaching, cooperative as a group, compassionate as human beings and of the highest integrity. They have made it easy for me to be their program assistant.”

McGill built on her relationships with the two departments to prepare for her next challenge. On Sept. 1, she began a new position as human resources specialist in the Office of the Dean, College of Letters, Arts and Sciences.