CIE hosts “Day in the Park” Summer Picnic and Award Recognition
On Friday, June 5, approximately 100 CIE staff members gathered in Austin’s Zilker Park to enjoy a BBQ lunch, applaud the winners of our staff awards, and enjoy a day in the park. The event was designed to let staff members get out of the office and into the summer sun. In addition to the picnic, staff members were invited to take part in a kickball game, swimming, a hot sauce contest and a water balloon toss. Participants were encouraged to do as much or as little as they liked, as long as they enjoyed themselves.
Check out the fun in our event photo gallery.
Staff Recognition Awards
After a BBQ lunch catered by Pok-e-Jo’s Texas Smokehouse, Dean Judy Ashcroft announced the winners of the staff recognition awards. These awards are given to team members who demonstrate dedication and commitment to the core purpose and values of CIE and The University of Texas at Austin by meeting two criteria: 1.) significantly improving customer service or customer satisfaction, and 2.) significantly improving a work process system or increasing operational efficiency. These awards are given out twice a year, during the summer picnic in June and the holiday party in December. Recipients are chosen by a committee of CIE colleagues based on peer nominations.
TOP Award
Judy first presented the CE Truly Outstanding Performance Award, or TOP Award, to Wiley Koepp, systems analyst in CE-IT. Judy pointed out that Wiley’s impeccable customer service earned him peer nominations from across the division. Wiley was cited for improving business processes and for establishing strong business relationships with his collaborative work style. During her presentation of the TOP Award, Judy described Wiley as improving business processes by re-prioritizing project tasks to be more efficient. She also described Wiley’s customer service techniques as “opening restricted lines of communication and establishing business relationships that continue to be collaborative and productive.” Wiley was commended for his accessibility to customers and prompt action to meet their requests. Judy also expressed that Wiley’s techniques have “significantly influenced how his entire unit approaches projects and interpersonal communication.”
Star Award
Next, Judy presented Mario Guerra, training specialist in DIIA’s Faculty and Graduate Student Instruction Development, with the Star Award. Judy shared what an instructor in the McCombs School of Business said about Mario: “I am so grateful that I can pick up the phone and know that Mario will help me solve my problems. Without Mario’s assistance, my stress level would be considerable.” Judy also described Mario as taking a leadership role on a number of projects, including the Blackboard Task Force on the new Blackboard Policy Committee and leading the DIIA Technology Training DIG. Mario has also been called “instrumental” in creating a new automated online survey tool for measuring learning outcomes and designing new tutorials and training sessions to assist faculty transitioning to the new Blackboard version 9.
In addition to their award plaques, Wiley and Mario each received a check for $500; two days off from work; and lunch with the dean, their individual supervisors and unit heads.
Hot sauce contest
Judy also announced the winners of the CIE staff hot sauce contest. From eight entries judged earlier in the day, Judy named Judy Krohn, project manager, K-16 Education Center, the winner for offering the “most flavorful” hot sauce, while Robert Bruce, associate dean of DIIA, won for serving up the “hottest” hot sauce.
Congratulations to all of our award winners. See you at next year’s picnic.