by Danny Eckardt
Staff Writer
Among the comedy and applause in Wednesday’s annual Faculty and Staff Service Awards, held in La Fetra Hall, many University of La Verne staff members were honored.
This year’s ceremony featured a rare combination of extreme longevity and outstanding service to the University.
Honored for his longevity, Professor of Biology Robert Neher has served ULV for the past 40 years.
“It’s a nice recognition for the time you’ve spent here,” said Dr. Neher. “To me its more of a recognition of the fact that I have such good people working with me that these 40 years have gone really rapidly.”
Dr. Neher has entered a realm where few have yet to tread, but colleague and Dr. Harvey Good is well on his way with 30 years of dedication.
“I feel like most of my life has been dedicated to La Verne from being a student and working here for all these years,” said Dr. Good.
The Excellence in Teaching Awards went to Professor of Business Dr. Jesse Overall and Associate Professor of Education Dr. Margaret Redman.
Other Outstanding Service Awards were given for the Administrative/Professional Employee of the Year and Classified Employee of the Year.
The Administrative/Professional Employee of the Year was awarded to Assistant Vice President and Professor of Humanities Dr. Al Clark.
The Classified Employee of the Year award went to Information Systems Specialist Brett Schmidt, who was also recognized for his five years at La Verne.
“It’s rewarding to be able to do the work that I like to do and work with so many nice people,” said Schmidt.
Between the various service year presentations, which are in multiples of five, master of ceremonies Dr. Jack Meek, professor of public administration joked about the historical events that took place at the time the members began working at La Verne.
Dr. Roswitha Brooks, professor of languages, Dr. Robert Burns, professor of education, Zoila Garcia, administrative secretary to the History/Political Science Department, and Dr. John McElwee, professor of business administration, were recognized for their 25 years at the University.
Special recognitions, which were presented by President Stephen Morgan at the close of the ceremony, honored long time University members Roland Ortmayer and Paul Egly.
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