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!