Each year, the Staff Employees' Council recognizes one outstanding classified employee. During the Honor the Best ceremony on May 13, 2009, JoAnne Gipson was announced as the 2009 Classified Employee of the Year.

JoAnne Gipson is a Program Officer for the Gaming Management Program at Extended Studies and provides a variety of invaluable services to the program. JoAnne coordinates the non-credit gaming courses, manages the department’s copy program, and often travels to tradeshows on behalf of Extended Studies and the University to recruit students for the program. In addition to being meticulous, detailed and focused in her work, JoAnne is a tremendously gracious and caring representative to all of the Extended Studies students and instructors. She goes well out of her way to support students and assists instructors in developing their skills with presenting to adult learners as well as adjusting program curriculum to meet the needs of the audience.

JoAnne never hesitates to help when needed and does so without complaint. In January 2008, JoAnne gave the gift of life by donating her kidney to a coworker who had been diagnosed with a severe kidney disease. Due to her generosity, courage and sacrifice, the fellow employee is happy, healthy and living life with her family. JoAnne was also recently awarded a 2009 Red Cross Real Heroes award.

Classified Employee of the Year Runner-Up: Cindy Erskine Cindy Erskine is an Accountant Technician I working in the Controller’s Office whose duties include reconciling three University bank accounts and setting up new account numbers for departments.

Cindy takes tremendous pride in her work, making sure that all three accounts are balanced to the penny and will often be the first to discover fraud. She frequently takes college level accounting classes to improve on her already stellar work. Besides the amazing work that she does, Cindy is courteous and friendly with fellow employees and is always willing to help others.

Congratulations to the other eligible nominees for Classified Employee of the Year:

Michelle Bruce
Kathleen Corkill
Michelle Horton
Melissa Viera