Advancement’s Stevens is President’s Employee of the Year

System Staff Council celebrates achievements, milestones at annual event

By Staff

Issue:

December 14, 2017

Categories:

CU System, Staff

Cathy Beuten/University of Colorado

Darrell Stevens receives the 2017 President's Employee of the Year Award from President Bruce Benson.

Darrell Stevens, Office of Advancement, is the recipient of the President’s Employee of the Year Award. He received the recognition and appreciation of exceptional job performance, which includes a $1,000 award, during a Tuesday ceremony presented by System Staff Council at 1800 Grant St.

A graphic designer for advancement operations based in the Broomfield office, Stevens works on more than 100 marketing, stewardship, engagement and strategic fundraising projects annually.

“He amplifies CU’s identity,” said colleague Tim Skillern, assistant director for marketing and creative strategy, in introducing Stevens. “We’re very lucky to have him.”

Among other testimonials in his nomination were:

“His dedication, leadership and skill as a graphic designer for the System Office for Advancement has improved the sophistication of fundraising at every CU campus.”
“He has consistently exceeded our expectations delivering elaborate and detailed creative design well beyond our imaginations.”
“Even when he’s not working on a project, he is always willing to lend a hand to a piece to make sure that CU is well represented, and that it will be the best that it can be.”

Said Stevens, “It really feels good to know the work I’ve done has helped people.”

Cathy Beuten/University of Colorado

President’s Employee of the Year Award nominees, from left, Kimberly Wendelin, Alan Vidmar, President Benson, winner Darrell Stevens, Calvin Anderson and Denise Nakamichi.

System Staff Council also recognized the other nominees for the President’s Employee of the Year Award:

Calvin Anderson, director of financial systems, Office of University Controller. He was involved with the launch of PeopleSoft 9.2 and leads a team responsible for ensuring finance and reporting systems support the requirements of system and campus controllers. From the nominators: “For many years now, Cal has been our ‘go-to guy’ when a report doesn’t tie out or some transaction processed incorrectly as he can quickly research this issue, diagnose the cause, and suggest and help implement a remedy.”

Denise Nakamichi, customer relationship manager, Procurement Service Center. She manages PSC events at all campuses, ensuring value in shows and forums for a broad range of internal and external stakeholders. From the nominators: “Denise is someone who is admired by her colleagues for her hard work and dedication, as well as her upbeat and positive attitude.”

Amar Tekriwal, senior software engineer, University Information Systems. He is responsible for building and maintaining data connections between core UIS systems and for connecting those systems with those at the campuses. From the nominators: “Amar is a stellar employee who continually goes above and beyond his job duties in order to ensure the best possible outcomes for his customers and UIS.”

Alan Vidmar, assistant director of enterprise content services, University Information Systems. He started at CU 25 years ago as a work study employee in housing, then the library, then financial aid. He joined UIS as part of the CUSYS implementation. From the nominators: “Alan has a passion for process improvement, which I believe is a product of his many years on campus, both as a student and a longtime employee.”

Kimberly Wendelin, records manager, Employee Services. Her responsibilities include records management for all past and current employees, department administration of the OnBase records management application and much more. From the nominators: “She is adaptable, flexible and inclusive in these roles and consistently demonstrates a willingness to assist others contribute to the team’s efforts and goals.”

Also recognized was nominee Paula Manzanares, professional assistant to HR in Employee and Information Services, who passed away this week after a battle with cancer. She was described as “completely accountable, unfailingly dependable, uncompromisingly ethical and consistently courteous.” President Benson led a moment of silence and also recalled a recent phone call to her.

“She was always positive, always upbeat,” he said. “We’re going to miss her a lot.”

Wednesday’s reception also celebrated staff members who reached a years-of-service milestone during the 2016-17 fiscal year. In introducing those in attendance, President Benson was joined by Tara Dressler, chair of System Staff Council; Jamie Joyce, System Staff Council events committee chair; and Leonard Dinegar, senior vice president and chief of staff.

Those marking milestones are: