Lapioli named Employee of the Quarter
So say Lapioli’s co-workers who nominated the 18-year UCCS veteran as Employee of the Quarter for the first quarter of 2013.
As executive assistant to Brian Burnett, vice chancellor, Administration and Finance, Lapioli is used to dealing with details. There are policies to be reviewed, websites to be updated, leases to be executed and details to be sweated before documents are sent to the Board of Regents. But her enthusiasm for tasks that aren’t directly related to the higher-ups also drew praise.
“Debbie’s organizational skills have proven to be vital during department moves,” said Iryse Naro, executive assistant, and Lapioli’s suite mate. Naro praised Lapioli’s service on numerous staff council committees and volunteer work with various campus events such as commencement and convocation. But Lapioli doesn’t quit at 5. She is active in her church and often visits those who are ill. During those visits, she often supplies family members holding hospital vigils with food baskets.
“It is very humbling to receive this award and actually makes me embarrassed to have public recognition,” Lapioli said. “There are so many people who go above and beyond to complete extra tasks and serve others and it is truly an honor to be included in the employee of the quarter group.”
Naro praised Lapioli’s work with student employees. She encourages them to balance work and school and to maintain focus on their goals. Lapioli speaks from experience. In 2010, already a grandmother, Lapioli earned a bachelor’s degree in communication, completing a process that began in the early 1970s.
“I’ve earned a Ph.D. in life,” Lapioli said at the time. “But what I wanted was a B.A. in communication.”
As a result of her Employee of the Quarter honors, Lapioli will receive one day administrative leave, a $100 stipend, three months free, reserved campus parking and a certificate of recognition.