|
Campus Honors Staff Member For
Extraordinary Service
from Dateline (June 19, 2003)
 |
| Members of the Academic Senate congratulate
Erika Bakken, front center, as this year’s Outstanding
Staff Employee. Clockwise from bottom left, Barry Pasternack,
David Fromson, John Bedell, David Wong, Sandra Sutphen,
Senate Chair Leon Gilbert and co-worker Marilyn Miller. |
|
 |
Campus staff members gave thunderous applause
for one of their own when President Milton A. Gordon announced this
year’s Outstanding Staff Employee: Erika Bakken, admin- istrative
analyst/specialist in the Academic Senate.
She was honored June 6 during the university’s
annual Staff Appreciation Day festivities in Portola Pavilion of
the Titan Student Union.
Bakken, who was one of the volunteers distributing
door prizes during the event, was stunned to hear her name and that
several members of the Academic Senate were on hand to congratulate
her.
“I’m overwhelmed,”
the honoree said. “It’s such a thrill that [members
of the Senate] support me like that.”
Gordon noted that Bakken has “truly exhibited
extraordinary performance in all areas of the required criteria.
Our honoree utilizes her strong people and networking skills and
extensive knowledge of past Senate practices and policies to find
creative solutions to challenges.”
Gordon reported that Bakken has been in charge of
organizing the annual Academic Affairs/Senate retreat during the
last two years and was instrumental in the implementation of electronic
voting for Senate elections. “She coordinated every aspect
of the election voting, from and memos to faculty, petition forms,
letter of instruction on how to vote, to timelines and a database
with e-mail addresses.
“Known for being productive,
resourceful, patient, positive, pleasant and the ultimate professional,
our honoree consistently strives for excellence, going beyond what
is expected or required, to ensure high-quality service to the Division
of Academic Affairs and the university,” he added.
“She is truly
one of the most conscientious, dedicated and collegial staff
people at CSU that I have had the pleasure to work with.”
|
“There is no one better deserving
of this award,” said Leon Gilbert, Senate chair and professor
of modern languages and literatures, adding that Bakken is often
the constant in the Senate office. “She is just a remarkable
staff member. It’s a great award for her!”
Former Academic Senate Chair Sandra Sutphen –
who nominated Bakken – also re-marked on Bakken’s importance
as “the institutional memory for the Senate. She richly deserves
this honor. People who know her, know that there’s no better
choice for this recognition.”
“She is truly one of the
most conscientious, dedicated and collegial staff people at CSU
that I have had the pleasure to work with,” said Senate member
Barry Pasternack, chair and professor of information systems and
decision sciences.
“In a descriptive word,
professionalism sums up Erika Bakken,” said Marilyn Miller,
Bakken’s co-worker in the Senate office. “She is well-respected
for her poise under pressure and dignity through difficult times,
always emerging a lady.”
Bakken has been a member of the campus community
for more than 20 years, including serving in the Finance and Marketing
departments. As this year’s honoree, she will receive a $1,500
cash award from President’s Associates, season tickets to
College of Arts productions, season tickets to a Titan sport of
her choice and a special parking permit good for one year.
« back to People
|
View News by Date