Carla Geib, administrative assistant in the Department of Theatre and Dance, and Kathy Hoffman, buyer in the Purchasing Department, have been named the Staff Employees Council's Co-Employees of the Month for March.

Geib was described by a nominator for the award as exemplifying "what teamwork is all about." In the past year, Geib has helped coordinate multiple searches in the College of Liberal Arts. In addition, it was Geib's work that combined resources from all departments in the creation of a print ad for a national search.

"She obtained all fees and proofed all submissions while reporting all pertinent information to the participating departments," wrote Debi Dearman, program officer in the Department of Criminal Justice. "Upon completion of the one search, the college was awarded additional positions to fill and once again, Carla rose to the occasion and provided the same service to interested departments for yet a second round of searches."

Dearman added, "I, for one, am not only thankful, but very grateful for the exemplary service of this outstanding employee."

Hoffman was lauded for always having a kind word and a friendly smile for all she has worked with.

In a nomination letter from Leslie Nady, it was noted that Hoffman "never hesitates to take an extra minute" to help.

"All the while," Nady wrote, "(Hoffman) acts with kindness and patience that is much appreciated. When I am faced with a new project it is an incredible relief knowing she is there and willing to help me along the way."

Whenever last-minute issues have come up, Hoffman has always helped steer things so that there have been "positive outcomes time and again," Nady wrote. "As purchasing is such a vital administrative component of the organization, her contribution, care of her customers, responsiveness and genuine concern leads to success for everyone."

For her part, Hoffman, who has been on campus for nearly 25 years, says that she is happiest "when I'm contacted for help, and am able to guide (coworkers) through the maze of policy quickly and painlessly. I get a true sense of enjoyment when I've put them at ease and give them a path to follow."

Hoffman said she also loves the University's "spectacular campus."

"The grounds are beautiful," she said, "and not many people are fortunate enough to have lakes, rose gardens, and museums at their fingertips when working. Looking back, not a day goes by that I would change my choice to join UNR and be a part of this special group of people."

For Geib, it is the variety of her work that holds the strongest allure.

"Having variation in what I do, helping others and learning new ways to accomplish the goals at hand," she said. "I work with great students and people all over campus. This is what keeps me going and what keeps it all interesting."