Employee of the Month
The Staff Council would like to recognize the outstanding contributions made by our staff members each day. It is our goal to choose one full- or part-time employee each month to celebrate as someone who is positively impacting our campus community. This person should be someone who works hard to support the University, someone who has added to the campus community in some way, and someone with whom others enjoy working.
Employee of the Month
Lisa Tam, Administrative Assistant to the Dean of Engineering, was selected as the August 2024 Staff Council Employee of the Month.
Nominators spoke about Lisa’s dedication to teamwork, service to others, and her commitment to Valparaiso University:
“Lisa works highly effectively with all members of the faculty and staff in Gellersen. In particular, she coordinates with Bridget Murphy and Tina Konke, the other two administrative assistants in Gellersen, and the staff in Facilities Management to ensure that the highly complex facilities and equipment in Gellersen are maintained at nearly 100% availability. This is a task that requires both a high degree of attention to detail and of effective communication and interpersonal skills, both of which Lisa exemplifies.”
“Lisa coordinated all the tours for prospective students during the 2023-24 academic year. While doing so, she arranged for a faculty member to give a personal tour to every prospective engineering student who visited campus for the entire year. This often required communicating with several faculty, who have busy and complicated schedules, to ensure that a professor with relevant expertise was able to meet with the student and give them a tour of our facilities. This was often done at the last minute as students scheduled their visit with little notice. She also had to frequently make changes at the last minute and recruit a different professor because the assigned person was sick or had a family obligation come up at the last minute. In spite of these challenges, not one prospective engineering student visited campus last year without the opportunity to meet with an engineering professor.”
“Lisa has worked for Valparaiso University for eight years, and during that time, she has filled roles in Engineering, the President’s Office, and Facilities Management. Both of her children went here, and she advocates for Valpo at every opportunity.”
“The best example I can give of her commitment to Valpo is that Lisa goes above and beyond her job responsibilities almost every day. If she sees something that needs to be done, she does it without asking whether it is her job. Every weekend and evening event we have (such as Homecoming, the Engineering Banquet, the Design Expo, and the Engineering Picnic), Lisa is there helping until the very end. Often, she is the very first person in the building for such an event and the very last person to leave at the end. And she always does this with a smile on her face, helping everyone around her to also approach their work with a positive attitude.”
“The success of an entire college never rests with one faculty or staff member, but a great deal of what makes the College of Engineering special comes directly from Lisa.”
“When I think of teamwork I think of people who build strong bonds and create an environment of respect and appreciation. Lisa takes pride in her work and is very dedicated to her faculty and staff. I am so glad that I get to work with her!!”
“Building genuine and long-term relationships to enable success is what Lisa does every day in her job. I met Lisa two years ago when I was hired at Valpo. Even though I was in another department she showed me respect and kindness whenever I asked her for help.”
“Lisa is a friendly face in the Dean’s office who treats anyone who comes into the office with a welcoming smile. Her commitment to the students and Valpo is never-ending. She does her job with pride and definite Valpo love!!!!”
“I really enjoy working with Lisa! She is definitely a team player. She is always willing to help any of us out with any type of question, situation, or project.”
“Lisa does an excellent job in helping out with all of the College of Engineering’s parties and banquets!”
“Lisa is very committed to Valpo! She works extremely hard and is always willing to help any of us out. Plus, she always has a smile on her face when doing so!”
Congratulations to Past Employee of the Month winners!
We are so thankful to have you on our University Team!
DATE | NAME | TITLE | LINK |
June 2025 |
|||
May 2025 |
|||
April 2025 |
|||
March 2025 |
|||
February 2025 |
|||
January 2025 |
|||
December 2024 |
|||
November 2024 |
|||
October 2024 |
|||
September 2024 | |||
August 2024 |
|||
July 2024 |
Lori Miltenberger | Director of Career and Alumni Network | Photo |
DATE | NAME | TITLE | LINK |
June 2024 |
Bridget Murphy | Assistant Director for Residential Life | Photo |
May 2024 |
Robert Bird | General Technician III with Facilities Management | Photo |
April 2024 |
Amber Ortiz | Supervisor of Facilities Management Building Services | Photo |
March 2024 |
Brett Vester | Associate Director of Technology | Photo |
February 2024 |
Amy Rodriguez | Visitor Services Coordinator | Photo |
January 2024 |
Patty Jurosz | Academic Advisor, College of Engineering | Photo |
December 2023 |
Melizza Zygmunt | Executive Director of Office of Institutional Effectiveness | Photo |
November 2023 |
Jes Janssen | Senior Assistant Director of Admission & Financial Aid | Photo |
October 2023 |
Wendy Paterson | Administrative Assistant, College of Arts and Sciences | Photo |
September 2023 | Daniel Haynes | Director of Maintenance | Photo |
August 2023 |
James Richard | Director of University Photography and Videography | Photo |
July 2023 |
Emma Kelley | Director of School and Community Partnerships | Photo |
DATE | NAME | TITLE | LINK |
June 2023 |
Sage Messenger | Assistant Director for Residential Life | Photo |
May 2023 |
July Ordaz | Assistant Director of Annual Giving Programs, Advancement | Photo |
April 2023 |
Karen Stacy | Administrative Assistant to the Dean, CONHP | Photo |
March 2023 |
Carrie Miller | Administrative Assistant, CAS | Photo |
February 2023 |
Kyle Rhein | Officer, Valparaiso University Police Department | Photo |
January 2023 |
Sue Kukurugya | Assistant Director of Enterprise Process & Projects, IT | Photo |
Isis Drosos | Administrative Assistant to the Dean, CAS | Photo | |
November 2022 |
Kate Patterson | Administrative Assistant, CONHP | Photo |
October 2022 |
Michele Pickering | Landscape Manager, Facilities Management | Photo |
September 2022 | Julie Whitaker | Energy and Sustainability Coordinator, Facilities Management | Photo |
August 2022 |
Christina Hearne | Director, Access and Accommodation Resource Center | Photo |
July 2022 |
Denise Aponte | Director of Student Accounts | Photo |
DATE | NAME | TITLE | LINK |
June 2022 |
Kristin Flodder | Administrative Assistant, Music and Theatre | Photo |
May 2022 |
Adam Klos | Parking and Transportation Manager | Photo |
April 2022 |
Stephanie Kinkade | Assistant Director of Student Services, Graduate School | Photo |
March 2022 |
Bob Sokol | Technical Equipment Specialist, College of Engineering | Photo |
February 2022 |
Ann Weitgenant | Associate Director of Financial Aid | Photo |
January 2022 |
Paul Lapsansky | Director of Technical Services, IT | Photo |
December 2021 |
Katrina Brechner | Degree Audit Coordinator, Registrar | Photo |
November 2021 |
Christine Mileusnich | Building Service Technician, Facilities Management (ARC) | Photo |
October 2021 |
Kaila Neasman | Instructional Technologist and Blackboard Administrator | Photo |
September 2021 | Jodi Gass | Administrative Assistant, CONHP (PA Program) | Photo |
August 2021 |
Daniela Trajceski | Program Coordinator for International & Global Engagement | Photo |
July 2021 |
Angie Taylor | Administrative Assistant, Valparaiso University Center for the Arts |
Photo |
DATE | NAME | TITLE | LINK |
June 2021 |
Ryan Bye | Director, Student Involvement & New Student Programs |
Photo |
May 2021 |
Colette Williams | Coordinator, Accounts Payable, Finance Office |
Photo |
April 2021 |
Jennifer Smolnicky | Academic Advisor, CONHP | Photo |
March 2021 |
Alyssa Darrol | Assistant Registrar, Office of the Registrar | Photo |
February 2021 |
Lisa Dorsey | Office Manager, Counseling Center | Photo |
January 2021 |
Jean Marshall | Supervisor, Building Services, Facilities Management | Photo |
December 2020 |
Mary Patton | Manager of University Mail Services | Photo |
November 2020 |
Melanie Trowbridge | Associate Director of Continuous Improvement, IT | Photo |
October 2020 |
Laura Sanders | Director of the Hesse Learning Center, COE | Photo |
September 2020 | Kelly Eshenaur | Director of the Health Center | Photo |
August 2020 |
Bonnie Dahlke Goebbert | Asst. Dean for Strategic Initiatives, Student Life |
Photo |
July 2020 |
Dave Sierkowski | Chief Information Office, IT | Photo |
DATE | NAME | TITLE | LINK |
June 2020 |
All Staff | Service during COVID-19 Pandemic | |
May 2020 |
Ali Urbanczyk | Registrar, Office of the Registrar | Photo |
April 2020 |
Kevin Steele | Director of Instructional Technology, Design & Assessment, VITAL |
Photo |
March 2020 |
Emily Prough | Sr. Coordinator of International Student Services, OIP | Photo |
February 2020 |
Carrie Whittier | Asst. Dean of Students for Greek Life, Leadership and Volunteer Programs, Student Affairs | Photo |
January 2020 |
Ron Taylor | Building Service Technician, Facilities Management | Photo |
December 2019 |
Doug Rogers & Eric Kwiecien |
Maintenance Services Technicians, FM | Photo |
November 2019 |
Rich Miller | Technical Support Specialist, IT | Photo |
October 2019 |
Jon Hendricks | Director of University Photography & Videography | Photo |
September 2019 | Alan Mangene | Building Service Technician, Facilities Management | Photo |
August 2019 |
Carol Goss | Director, Language Resource Center | Photo |
July 2019 |
Carrie Palkovich | Director of Transfer Enrollment, Admissions | Photo |
DATE | NAME | TITLE | LINK |
June 2019 |
Heather Kimes-Perez | Manager, Student Mail Center | Photo |
May 2019 |
Theresa Kark | Facility and Set-Up Coordinator, Harre Union | Photo |
April 2019 |
Brian Innes | Maintenance Services Technician A, FM | Photo |
March 2019 |
Cassie Hopkins | Director of University Events, Office of the President | Photo |
February 2019 |
Mark Webber | Transportation Service Driver, Transportation | Photo |
January 2019 |
Gail Beischer | Founders Server/Cashier, Dining Services | Photo |
December 2018 |
Shelby Topping | Administrative Assistant, CAS | Photo |
Eligibility Requirements:
- Nominations must be for a regular full-time, limited full-time, or part-time appointed staff member who has worked at the University for at least 90 days. Faculty, members of President’s Council, and students are not eligible.
- Any Valparaiso University staff member, faculty member, student, or alum may submit a nomination via the Google Form on the Staff Council website or on a paper ballot at the Harre Union Welcome Desk or the front desk at Don Hovey.
- A committee of Staff Council members who comprise the Recognition Committee will select the winning nominee each month at their regularly scheduled meeting.
If you believe you know someone that meets those criteria, please submit this form to nominate them!
Winning nominees will receive recognition in the Campus Chronicle and at Staff Council events, and they will receive several small prizes as a token of our appreciation for their outstanding work.