Phyllis Snedeker and Holly Marizu have been named co-Employees of the Month for May by the Staff Employees Council.

Snedeker is an administrative assistant in Development and Alumni Relations, while Marizu is an accounting tech in Planning, Budget and Analysis and the Office of the Vice President for Research.

Snedeker was credited by Erik Williams, past chair of the SEC, for a number of important committee initiatives that have "revamped" the Classified Employees Luncheon. "This not only saved the University money by cutting catering costs, but also made the event a lot more accessible to the staff," Williams wrote of the efforts of Snedeker and Melodie Gander in changing the event to a Retiree and Recognition Reception. "She also served as the liaison between that committee and the Open House committee, making sure that both events worked alongside each other with respect to carrying forward any donations made at the Open House event to the Reception."

Williams added that Snedeker also "worked with the Classified Staff Development fund to make sure that donations were made at the Open House for that fund. ... Many times I had to ask Phyllis to help me with council matters that were outside of what her position was supposed to do and she never once turned me down."

For her part, Snedeker said she simply enjoys "the work" that she is involved with at the University.

"That may sound silly," she said, "but our mission is to help in all aspects of fundraising for scholarships. When you see how the students need that assistance it makes you feel good that our area of development makes a difference in a student's ability to get their college education."

Marizu, according to Stephanie Woolf, director of Environmental Health and Safety, has been a patient and knowledgeable source for Woolf regarding budget matters as well as developing a vision for the unit's future.

"Holly has taken the time to educate me about my different budget lines; explain to me the budget process at Nevada; and keep me aware of budgetary items that need my immediate review," Woolf wrote. "Holly does all of this in a very collegial manner ... (She) listens to my vision on where I want to take my department, and provides me valuable and realistic feedback in order for me to push my ideas and my department forward." Woolf added that, "It is wonderful to have people like Holly on campus."

For her part, Marizu said she has a "great support system" at the University, which "makes my job easier and enjoyable."

"My department and the University of Nevada Reno really make it easy to come to work every day," she said. "Even with the major budget reductions and restructuring going on over the past years, all of the faculty and staff pulled together to keep UNR an amazing institution.  Every one of us, the students, faculty and staff, make the University a great place to work. I come to work early every morning with a big smile on my face ready to do my part."