VETERAN EMPLOYEE CECIL SMITHSON EARNS GAZELLE AWARD

Cecil Smithson, senior housekeeping worker in Webb University Center, was awarded the Administration and Finance division's Gazelle Award recently. The award was established in 1996 to honor an employee for outstanding job performance.

The selection committee looked for these criteria: consistently performs duties exceptionally; overcomes obstacles to complete the job; maintains positive enthusiasm; demonstrates consideration, cooperation and generosity; anticipates work needs; demonstrates willingness and ability to learn; maintains smooth and effective relationships with co-workers; looks for better ways of doing things; and demonstrates professionalism.

Smithson, who has worked at Old Dominion since 1975, was nominated for his outstanding attention to detail in an effort to serve the ever-changing needs of the university with energy, enthusiasm and efficiency.

In the nomination letter, Smithson is described as one who goes above and beyond what is asked of him. "Cecil demonstrates a pride in his work that consistently shows in everything he does. He is a dedicated man with high energy, a great sense of loyalty, dedication and a sense of humor," the nominator wrote. "It's these little things, done with a positive and caring attitude, that will make Old Dominion a quality institution. And Cecil is a prime example of all of that."