University Registrar Graduation Specialists Share March Employee of the Month Award

March 30, 2017

Thomas Hartrum and La Toya McLean receive the Employee of the Month award from Old Dominion President John R. Broderick.

La Toya McLean and Thomas Hartrum, graduation specialists in the University Registrar's office, are Old Dominion University's March Employees of the Month.

McLean has been employed with the University since 2007; and Hartrum has been at ODU since 2010.

McLean and Hartrum were recognized for working diligently as a two-person team for the December 2016 graduation. With a graduating class of over 1,800 students, Hartrum and McLean planned, coordinated and developed an efficient way to divide responsibilities. As a team, they supported each other and strategized the work ahead to ensure the graduating class was well taken care of leading up to commencement exercises.

"Thanks to their tireless efforts, the vast majority of degrees were awarded within two weeks of the commencement ceremony, said Laura Vann, the pair's supervisor. "This was made possible because both gave it their all. McLean and Hartrum's commitment to the University means that our students left the institution satisfied."

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 visit ODU's Employee of the Month website.