Marie Russell, administrative assistant in the Department of Geological Sciences and Engineering, has been named December's Classified Employee of the Month by the Staff Employees Council.

Russell is known on campus and in her department as an ultimate "can-do" type of colleague.

"Marie is a key player to making the Department of Geological Sciences and Engineering run, and is a first-rate problem-solver," wrote one of Russell's colleagues. "Her attitude is always 'I can do that' ... No matter how busy (and she is always busy) she will find time to help a student get a class, deal with a faculty member, or find a set of keys.

"She helps faculty wade through the paperwork to make teaching and research happen. She is unfailingly positive, and has a solution for everything."

For her part, Russell said that, "It is a privilege to work with the amazing faculty of the Department of Geological Sciences and Engineering. They are not only distinguished scholars, they are funny, kind, appreciative, and dedicated to the academic success of their students. And it is gratifying and inspirational to watch our students complete their education and move on to a fulfilling career."

In her free time, Russell said she most enjoys "cooking up a big pot of spaghetti sauce while watching it snow heavily outside, with a crackling fire in the fireplace."