Community Engagement's Son Nguyen Honored as Employee of the Month

President Broderick congratulates Son Nguyen on her selection as Employee of the Month. Photo by David Hollingsworth

Son Nguyen, assistant director for operations in the Office of Community Engagement, was honored WHEN as ODU Employee of the Month for April.

She was nominated for the award by her supervisor, Karen Meier, assistant vice president for community engagement.

Nguyen manages ODU's President's Lecture Series, one of the university's most important and visible events. Last fall, the series brought more than 2,000 visitors to campus.

"We had speakers from a variety of disciplines and welcomed many first-time visitors to our campus through these lectures," Meier said.

"The President's Lecture Series is a traditional event that bolsters the university's visibility in the region and beyond. This year, under Son's leadership, we have attracted higher caliber speakers, focused on relevant topics and created a stronger promotional campaign - all factors in larger audiences.

"Son put in numerous hours coordinating the visits of our special guests, reaching out to new groups to increase attendance, and assuring a positive guest experience. Son is well known across campus for her attention to detail, organization skills and positive attitude. In her role as assistant director for operations, Son consistently seeks out opportunities to make our operation more efficient. Son is dedicated to this department and the university as a whole."

Nguyen, who won the Employee of the Month Award for University Advancement in January, joined ODU in 1994 as senior secretary in the development office. She became executive secretary senior in the advancement office four years later, and has been in her current role since 2001.

DETAILS ABOUT THE EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH PROCESS

The University Employee of the Month Selection Committee encourages employees to nominate their outstanding, "go the extra mile" colleagues and employees. This program is designed to acknowledge and reward employees whose accomplishments and/or demeanor exemplify excellence, quality service and commitment to ODU. Classified and AP faculty employees receive a framed certificate from the president, $175 and one day of leave. Hourly winners get $250, since they are not eligible to receive recognition leave.

Note: The selection committee needs specific examples that relate to each applicable criterion in order to select a nominee for the award. Nominations remain active for six months from date of submission and nominators may submit additional documentation to support a nominee during the active six months.

The criteria used to nominate an employee include the following:

An outstanding accomplishment that benefited the department/students.

Extraordinary service to internal and/or external customers.

Inspiring initiative/leadership.

Enthusiasm/energy given to assigned work.

Teamwork.

Exemplary efforts to nurture a climate of care, concern and civility.

Creative innovations to service, process or work tools.

For more information contact Tony Belk at jbelk@odu.edu or 683-3046, or go to http://www.odu.edu/ao/humanresources/employeeofthemonth.shtml.