James Brown, secretary senior for the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures, and Cleo Phillips, an hourly program support technician in the Department of Ocean, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, walked away with the HACE Staff Member and Rookie Staff Member of the Year awards at the organization's annual luncheon May 10.

This marked the second Hourly and Classified Employees Association award for Brown, who won Rookie honors shortly after joining the Old Dominion staff in 1989, following a 20-year career in the U.S. Navy.

Brown was credited for his excellent networking skills, his volunteer work in support of departmental symposia and the close working relationship he established with the Department of Communication and Theatre Arts. He was nominated for the Staff Member award by Frederick A. Lubich, chair of the foreign languages and literatures department.

"In my 18 years as a professor at seven different American universities ... Mr. Brown clearly stands out as the secretary most talented and dedicated to his profession. Mr. Brown gives his very best to help students, staff and faculty," Lubich said.

"Most characteristic in this area is his habit to immediately drop everything - if he possibly can - and resolve the problem by going directly to the source ..."

Lubich also cited Brown's greeting of foreign visitors in their native tongue, his volunteering to work over the weekend to support the department's International Symposium, and his "genuine warmth and outgoing friendliness" as just some of the qualities that qualified him for the award.

"His personal loyalty, his discretion toward others, his empathy and enthusiasm, his professionalism and his unstinting willingness to help, and last but not least, his good sense of humor, make it a true joy to work with him," said Lubich, who further noted Brown's good rapport with students.

Brown's nomination also was supported by Gabriela Toletti, assistant professor of Spanish, who lauded Brown for his "great personality" and his secretarial skills. "James Brown knows all the ODU administrative paperwork like the back of his hand, and he can promptly help us to solve administrative and service demands," she said.

Lynne Dell'Acqua, adjunct instructor of German, added to the praise, noting, "I feel that the importance of the position of administrative program specialist is much overlooked by most. It is my opinion that this position is pivotal in the well-oiled mechanics of the department and the good communication between faculty and staff members." Additionally, she credited Brown for his "warm, gracious and helpful" manner.

In his nomination, Lubich also cited Brown's public service. He helps out each year with the HACE Thanksgiving food drive, and outside the university his volunteer activities include service as secretary/treasurer for Fleet Reserve Unit #64, adjunct Sunday School teacher and weekend driver for the Tidewater AIDS Crisis Task Force.

As winner of the HACE Staff Member of the Year award, Brown receives a $200 check from the Jill Nolte Endowment Fund, a reserved parking space for one year, a sweatshirt and T-shirt from the University Bookstore and two tickets to an Old Dominion basketball game. He will also have his name added to a plaque in the President's Office.

Cleo Phillips' nomination for the HACE Rookie Award was supported by faculty, staff and students throughout the Department of Ocean, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences.

"Although she is a relatively new employee, joining the staff in early 2000, she very quickly has become integral to departmental office operations," said department chair James G. Sanders, who nominated her for the honor. "Her work ethic, her calm, positive demeanor, and her willingness to take on any task make her special."

Sanders also credited Phillips for her initiative - quickly learning about the university and OEAS, revamping the departmental Web page, and developing new forms for the undergraduate records and advising system.

"Cleo is a professional, and approaches her work with the seriousness and focus that it deserves," Sanders concluded.

Dana Oblak, program support technician senior and Phillips' supervisor, also offered words of praise.

"Her understanding of the Banner computer system and how all of the academic red tape works is exceptional for someone with so little time at the university," Oblak said. "Because of her knowledge, faculty, staff and students are receiving the information they need in a timely manner, and she is providing exceptional service to those who visit our office."

Ron Johnson, OEAS chief departmental adviser, added the following, "Cleo is clearly the 'Top Rookie' this department has ever had. I have known every new staff person we have had since our oceanography program (now combined with geology) was established in 1968. Cleo has demonstrated this top ranking through her ability to handle any and all situations that cross her desk."

David J. Burdige, professor of chemical oceanography, add the following, "As the first person whom most visitors see and interact with when visiting the department, Cleo makes an excellent first impression."

Several students also wrote in support of Phillips' nomination. "She is so good at her job, I don't even think of her as a 'rookie,'" noted Rachel Borum. "Cleo constantly wears a smile as she listens to my problems and needs, then quickly and efficiently takes care of them for me. She seems to have everything under control, which is amazing when one considers her workload."

Outside the university, Phillips takes classes in computer science at Tidewater Community College. She also is involved in her son's school as an active PTA member and often volunteers as a teacher's assistant.