Geraline Upshur Honored as December Employee of the Month
Geraline Upshur, senior housekeeping worker with Custodial Services, was honored before the holiday break as Old Dominion's Employee of the Month for December.
Upshur, who is retiring in February, has worked at ODU since 1985. She was nominated for the award by Jay Wright, associate university counsel. Wright commended Upshur both for her work and personality, noting her "calm and tactful demeanor coupled with a gentle spirit when responding to requests."
Wright said that Upshur is an excellent housekeeper who pays great attention to details, as well as a co-worker who is both friendly and helpful.
"Koch Hall employees know her by her smile and attention to detail," he said in his letter of nomination. "She is helpful at every turn and will help persons here quickly. Personally, she greets me every morning and each time she sees me. She conducts herself calmly when confronted with the occasional disaster. Her enthusiasm for her work is contagious. She goes out of her way to direct university guests to the correct office. She puts a shine on a building that has seen better days and a smile on employees because she genuinely cares about each of us."
Wright added: "Her valuable housekeeping skills, resourceful ideas and attention to detail assist in eliminating workplace hazards, thereby contributing to a safe and proper workplace environment. Due to the confidentiality of our office setting, Ms. Geraline maintains our work areas without compulsion at an unusual timeframe. This accommodating spirit demonstrates flexibility on her part, which is to be commended.
"She keeps our work areas and facility neat and orderly by maintaining halls and floors free of slip and trip hazards; removing of waste materials (e.g., paper, cardboard) and other fire hazards from work areas."
Upshur has worked in Koch Hall for more than 25 years.
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 3-3046, or go to http://www.odu.edu/ao/humanresources/employeeofthemonth.shtml.