August 2011 – Leslie Berger
Congratulations to Leslie Berger, Assistant Director for Media Relations. Leslie first began her career at Oklahoma City University as Staff Writer and Media Relations Specialist in July of 2006. Prior to joining OCU, she was the managing editor for the MidCity Advocate. Leslie earned her Bachelor of Arts (Summa Cum Laude) in Mass Communications/Print Media from Oklahoma City University in 2002. Not surprisingly, during her time as a student at OCU she worked for The Campus and held several positions of increased responsibility culminating in editor for the 2000-2001 academic year.
Leslie is being recognized because of her passion, dedication and commitment to Oklahoma City University. Her work is impeccable and she is always willing to assist her coworkers and colleagues across campus. Her signature smile and collaborative spirit serve as a model for all to follow.
Please join us in congratulating Leslie Berger on receiving the August Employee of the Month award!
June 2011 – Cassie Ball
Congratulations to Cassie Ball, Administrative Assistant for the Office of Academic Affairs. Cassie has been a member of the OCU family since 2006. Cassie was nominated by her colleagues for her tremendous work ethic and commitment to Oklahoma City University. She is recognized for her positive attitude while carrying out the many duties of her position within the Office of Academic Affairs. In addition to the responsibilities in her department, Cassie has been active on Staff Council, the Distinguished Speakers Series Committee, Positive Tomorrows and university’s community garden. Cassie is admired for her grace and dignity.
Please join us in congratulating Cassie Ball on receiving the June Employee of the Month award!
March 2011 – Blythe Benson
Shortly after earning her BA in East Asian Studies from Smith College in 2005, Blythe returned home to Norman. In 2007, Blythe joined Oklahoma City University as the University Information Specialist. She was the first person to hold this position in its new capacity and quickly developed professional tools to improve the quality and accuracy of information provided to incoming callers. She also and created the BlueNews, a bi-weekly email compilation of all events on campus. In March of 2008, Blythe was promoted to the position of Coordinator of Compensation and Benefits. Currently in this role, Blythe is responsible for managing compensation and benefit changes for payroll purposes, serving as a liaison between OCU and our benefit vendors and managing the university’s employee liability accounts.
Blythe is a tremendous asset to OCU employees and their families. She is always extremely helpful and willing to go the extra mile when employees and their family members seek her assistance about university benefits. She promptly researches problems related to benefit programs and serves as an advocate for the employees to resolve issues with providers.
Blythe has an incredible work ethic and is always striving to provide the highest level of service. Her research and communication to the campus was instrumental in the successful implementation of the new health insurance provider and plan for the university. Blythe’s commitment to providing exceptional service to our employees and their dependents is greatly appreciated!
Please join us in congratulating Blythe Benson on receiving the March Employee of the Month award!
January 2011 – Lisa Riggs
Lisa Riggs earned her bachelor of arts in political science from Oklahoma City University in 1999. As a student at OCU, Lisa was very involved and committed to the success of the university. In 2004, Lisa continued her devotion to the university when she became the executive assistant to the president. In addition to providing exceptional administrative services for the president and first lady, Lisa served a major role in countless university special events and projects. During her tenure as executive assistant, Lisa’s unwavering dedication and passion for OCU was evident to everyone who came in contact with her.
Lisa transitioned to the office of University Advancement and External Relations in July 2010. As a coordinator of special events for UAER, Lisa continues her loyal service to OCU.
OCU is a way of life for Lisa and her family. On any given day of the week, Lisa and her family can be found at an athletic event, special event or program on campus offering her support to our students and the university.
Please join us in congratulating Lisa Riggs on receiving the January Employee of the Month award!
December 2010 – Ming Gu
Ming Gu serves as the Director of International Programs for the School of Law. He holds two degrees from OCU; he earned his M.B.A. in 1995 from the Meinders School's program in Tianjin, China, and his J.D. was earned in 2001 from OCU LAW. He is a member of the Oklahoma Bar Association and a permanent resident of the United States. In 2008, Ming joined the ranks of our dedicated staff at the law school.
Ming’s primary role is to serve as the liaison to our university and bar association partners in China. He also coordinates OCU's participation in the summer study-abroad programs we share with Stetson University College of Law. He has served OCU LAW effectively as an interpreter and ambassador, creating opportunities for the law school in China that would otherwise not have been possible. He has also played an integral role in creating opportunities in China for the Meinders School of Business and the Bass School of Music. His gratitude and commitment to the success and increased international presence of OCU is unyielding.
In addition to his work in advancing law and university programs in China, Ming is also a devoted mentor and friend to our visiting Chinese scholars, greatly enhancing their experience at OCU.
Please join us in congratulating Ming Gu on receiving the December Employee of the Month award!
November 2010 – Robert Kennington
Since 2004, Robert Kennington has been coming to the rescue of OCU faculty and staff when our computers don’t want to cooperate. As a computer support technician in Campus Technology Services, Robert is often the one on the other end of help desk line when we call in a panic with our technical difficulties. For the more challenging technical issues, it isn’t is uncommon for Robert to drop everything and immediately come to a faculty or staff member’s office, sometimes even in the pouring rain, to help solve the problem. One of Robert’s more notable qualities is his ability to break the news that the problem was operator error without making the operator feel too embarrassed.
In addition to performing his duties as a computer support technician, Robert has also become an extraordinary teacher, mentor and friend to our students, especially our international students. As a mentor in the Student Professional Program, Robert has positively impacted the lives of students by sharing his technical knowledge, serving as a mentor and developing the students’ professional and interpersonal skills. His patience, kindness and genuine commitment to our students’ success serves as a model for all to follow.
Please join us in congratulating Robert on the November Employee of the Month award!
October 2010 – Laana Layman
Laana Layman is the editorial publishing assistant for the Oklahoma City University Law Review. She has been a member of the OCU family since July 2007. Prior to beginning her position with OCU, Laana worked as a family support service coordinator/mediator in a Maryland circuit court.
The OCU Law Review is the academic publication of the School of Law and publishes academic articles from legal scholars submitted from throughout the country. The Law Review is run by our top law students and currently publishes three issues a year with each issue containing approximately 200 pages of print. When Laana accepted her position at OCU in mid 2007, the Law Review was nearly two years behind its publishing schedule. Needless to say she definitely had her work cut out for her.
In the three years since, the Law Review is not only on schedule, but has been published in print form in its current published date. The current success of the Law Review is a result of Laana’s dedication, relentless work ethic and passion for our students to succeed. As the Law Review Board of law students changes from year to year, Laana remains a consistent source of knowledge to bring the new student members up to par reducing the learning curve drastically and providing a more meaningful experience for our students.
In addition to her outstanding commitment to the Law Review, Laana is also involved in many law school and university special events and projects. Please join us in congratulating Laana Layman on receiving the October Employee of the Month award!
June 2010 – Kyle Blaser
Congratulations to Kyle Blaser, OCU’s Employee of the Month for June 2010!
Kyle Blaser has been part of the OCU family and Athletics department since 1997. Coach Blaser’s tenure as Men’s Golf Coach at OCU has been punctuated by seven NAIA National Championships – the most recent achieved in April of this year – more than any other NAIA institution.
Year after year, Coach Blaser recruits and builds remarkable teams of student-athletes capable of not only athletic, but academic success. Committed to the academic mission of the university, Coach Blaser insists that each member of his team dedicate themselves not only to the course, but their coursework. Golf team members consistently report GPAs of 3.0 or above each semester. Coach Blaser’s former players have gone on to graduate programs, law school and other professional pursuits after graduation.
Coach Blaser’s dedication to OCU extends beyond his athletic accomplishments or his students’ GPAs. Coach Blaser is an enthusiastic supporter of all things OCU and an extraordinary colleague. Kyle’s efforts on and off the course have made OCU a better place.
Please congratulate Kyle on his Employee of the Month award for June 2010!
April 2010 – Rich Tortorelli
Congratulations to Rich Tortorelli, OCU’s Employee of the Month for April 2010!
Since joining the OCU family and Athletics department in 2005, Rich has worked tirelessly to support and promote the success of our student athletes and athletics staff. Although his days often start at 8 a.m. and end at midnight, Rich meets each opportunity to interact with and report on the OCU sports community with a smile and ceaseless work ethic.
Rich singlehandedly manages multiple media resources, including a state-of-the-art Athletics website with up-to-the-minute results, stats, schedules and feature stories, an OCU Athletics Facebook page uniting more than 2,400 fans, and the production of video segments highlighting coaches and athletes. Rich prepares press releases and news stories frequently featured in major publications, as well as sports radio outlets. Rich seizes any and every opportunity to publicize the accomplishments of OCU’s hardworking student athletes and Athletics staff.
In addition to compiling, coordinating and reporting sports information for 19 varsity sports, more than 460 student athletes and two dozen plus Athletics coaches and staff members, Rich is a huge OCU sports fan. Whether he’s traveling with a team or catching a game on campus, Rich is always ready to assist in any way – always with a smile and never with a complaint.
Please congratulate Rich on his Employee of the Month award for April 2010!
March 2010 – Murla Adams
Murla joined the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) and the Fine Arts Institute (FAI) as an administrative assistant almost two years ago. Murla is a crucial link between CETL, FAI, faculty members, academic offices, students and external organizations, graciously and competently providing positive support to ensure success for all involved. Since her arrival, Murla has cultivated an invaluable friendly rapport with many members of the campus community. Murla greets us all with a smile, kind words and a genuine sense of care and concern.
Murla is a team player, willing to take on more responsibilities as needed with a sense of joy and optimism for her work. Murla was recently tasked with the daunting project of coordinating the IDEA Student Evaluation of Teaching Program. Working in conjunction with the Provost’s office, Murla has been a vital part of organizing the new program, processing thousands of associated documents and developing training for the campus community. Murla has a strong desire and constant drive to learn new things and continue to develop her expanding skill set.
Murla’s significant contributions to OCU’s faculty, staff and students, tireless work ethic, continuous optimism, dedication to service, collaborative nature, and pursuit of excellence exemplify the qualities of an OCU employee of the month.
Please congratulate Murla on her Employee of the Month award for March 2010!
February 2010 – Kimberley Mlinar
Kimberley joined the University Advancement and External Relations team as Assistant Director of Special Events shortly after graduating from OCU in June of 2008. Her main responsibilities involve planning and coordinating events for alumni, donors, friends, faculty, and staff. Kimberley’s exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail ensure every event is executed perfectly. However, she is doing much more than planning special events. Kimberley strives to build lifelong relationships with the family, friends, and partners of Oklahoma City University, ensuring each of these constituencies know exactly how vital they are to the success and tradition of OCU.
Kimberley’s commitment and enthusiasm for OCU is evident in all she does. She takes great pride in producing memorable events and is always searching for new and creative ideas to make the events unique and exciting each year. Kimberley knows that effective special events require a team effort. She is great at enlisting and motivating volunteers. She also knows how important it is to stay on target with the allocated budget for each event and has built strong relationships with vendors around the city securing discounts and great deals for OCU. Kimberley’s colleagues recognize and admire her hard work and selfless commitment to their department and OCU.
January 2010 – Josh Waddell
Career Services has undergone a dynamic transformation since Josh arrived at OCU in 2005. As the Director of Career Services, Josh serves as the liaison to employers and is available for individual career counseling appointments with students and alumni. Josh is known across campus for going above and beyond when it comes to assisting students and alumni as they pursue their professional goals. Additionally, Josh is a great colleague who is always eager to collaborate with faculty and staff on various projects and committees.
Josh and his team are dedicated to providing premier services in career planning and development. Career Services offers a number of resources and services that can help students who are entering the world of work or those that are looking to further advance their careers. To learn more about the resources available at Career Services, visit their website.
Please congratulate Josh on his Employee of the Month award!
December 2009 – Jessica Tyner
Jessica Tyner has been a member of the OCU family for eight years. She has been in her current position of Administration and Training Coordinator for Campus Technology Services since 2006. Jessica has been a driving force in the development of the training curriculum offered by CTS. Her scheduling efforts and feedback have led the way for Campus Technology professionals to develop a wide array of relevant training topics which are offered on a continuous basis. A majority of the campus community benefits from the training offered by Campus Technology.
Additionally, Jessica is known throughout campus as being the “go to” person when it comes to Campus Technology. If she doesn’t know the solution she will promptly put you in touch with someone who does. Her extraordinary efforts and commitment to the success of her department and OCU have earned her the recognition of her peers.
Please congratulate Jessica on her Employee of the Month award!
November 2009 – Tina Stevens
Tina Stevens has been a member of the OCU family for 8 years. She currently serves as Loan Coordinator in Student Financial Services (SFS). When SFS converted to Banner last year, the student loan certification, ordering, processing and receipt of all loans fell to one position. Tina readily accepted the challenge of this new position knowing that new processes and procedures were needed to detail each aspect of the position. She has surpassed all expectations of the position. She has created reports, audits, checks and balances, while streamlining the overall processing procedure, improving efficiency. This year alone she has certified more than $33 million in Stafford, Graduate/PLUS, PLUS and private loans. Thanks to Tina’s outstanding efforts, SFS is months ahead of where they were last year at this time.
In addition to managing the overall process, Tina assists students and parents daily, walking them through the application process. She has created tools to use when reviewing a student account that allows any staff member to know if the loans have been certified and if information or documents are missing. She has also devised new methods of informing students about lender changes in light of changing economic circumstances. Tina’s innovation and thoughtfulness has been integral in helping students and families better navigate the financial aid process.
Tina is a tremendous asset to her colleagues, students, parents, and the university. Please congratulate Tina on her Employee of the Month award!
October 2009 – Nancy Cowden
Nancy Cowden has been a member of the OCU family for 29 years. She serves as the Assistant Director for Technical Services in the Law Library. Nancy is responsible for ordering nearly all of the books, journals, and materials for the Law Library. She is also responsible for maintaining the law library collections, as well as supporting law faculty and students. Throughout her career, she has mentored and trained several people who, with her encouragement, have gone on to become professional librarians as well. Nancy stays involved in her profession by serving as an active member of the American Association of Law Libraries, the Mid-America Association of Law Libraries, and the Oklahoma Law Library Association. Nancy serves as the Law Library’s coordinator for the United Way campus campaign and Habitat for Humanity. Nancy’s unwavering commitment of service and loyalty to the university and her staff has earned her the admiration and respect of her peers and the October Employee of the Month award. Congratulations, Nancy!
The following are excerpts from the nominations received on Nancy’s behalf:
“… When we are short-handed either through budget difficulties or because of illness, she wades in and does whatever needs to be accomplished, working shoulder-to-shoulder with her staff. Through this attitude and selfless effort, she fosters a real sense of teamwork in her department.”
“Nancy’s can-do attitude is a great service to Oklahoma City University. She is and has been a key person in keeping the Law Library running smoothly providing a source of support to the Law School faculty and students throughout the years she has been here.”
“…Nancy has an excellent grasp of the library’s collection and how it can benefit the students and faculty of the OCU Law School. Her work has often gone unnoticed because her office is located on the lower level and her job is mostly behind-the-scenes. However, she has been an integral part of the Law Library as it has expanded and changed throughout the years.”
Please join us in congratulating Nancy on her Employee of the Month award!
July 2009 – Rosa Torres
Congratulations to Rosa Torres, OCU’s July Employee of the Month!
Rosa has been a very special member of the OCU family for more than 11 years. Working as a member of the SSC Service Solutions custodial team, Rosa takes excellent care of Wilson House and the president's family. Rosa also trains and supervises the custodial crew responsible for ensuring the administration building and dorms are always clean. Her positive attitude, friendly smile, and caring spirit are admired and appreciated by faculty, staff, and students across campus. Rosa is an exemplary employee and we are honored to have the opportunity to recognize her many years of hard work and dedication to the university.
Please join us in congratulating Rosa as Employee of the Month!
March 2009 – Ruth Ann Couch
Congratulations to Ruth Ann Couch, Employee of the Month for March 2009! Ruth Ann has been a member of the OCU family since 2003. As Assistant Director, Ruth Ann is responsible for the oversight of the financial verification process for all undergraduate, graduate, and law students. She counsels students concerning their financial aid needs versus the availability of university and federal aid, as well as overseeing the scholarship renewal process. Ruth Ann provides invaluable service to our students and exhibits the dedication and compassion that is paramount in helping our students achieve the most in their experience at OCU.
Ruth Ann’s positive impact on our students and their parents is evident by the overwhelming number of letters of appreciation received on her behalf this spring, one of the busiest times of the year for Student Financial Services. Amid the normal flurry of activity in Student Financial Services, Ruth Ann also created a committee to review, award, and notify student recipients of the emergency “You’re a Name, Not a Number” scholarship fund. While Ruth Ann always exhibits the qualities that make OCU employees shine, it was during this critical time that Ruth Ann’s professionalism and commitment to our students and OCU shone brightly and earned her the recognition of her peers and supervisors.
Please join us in congratulating Ruth Ann Couch on her Employee of the Month award!
January 2009 – P.T. Solinski
Congratulations to P.T. Solinski, OCU’s Employee of the Month for January 2009! P.T. is a Lieutenant for OCU’s Police Department.
P.T. has been instrumental in the creation and further development of our police department. His specific participation has been in updating the policies and procedures, police report forms, patrol vehicle equipment (procurement and installation), membership in the Student Affairs Division SASPAC Committee, and other accomplishments.
P.T. has shown great initiative in development the relatively new OCUPD. He has been promoted from patrol officer, to sergeant, to lieutenant in a very short period of time. P.T. has the respect of our OCUPD staff and requires minimal supervision. He excels in planning, organizing, and staffing for special events and is extremely diligent in follow-up. He is also an active member of the Oklahoma Campus Law Enforcement Association.
Lieutenant Solinski received his bachelor’s degree from OCU and is currently enrolled in a master’s degree program.
P.T. is a strong team player and is presently involved in the creation of the first OCU Honor Guard Program. He excels at every assigned responsibility and we are proud to call him one of our own.
Please join us in congratulating P.T. Solinski, OCU’s January 2009 Employee of the Month!
December 2008 – Ernesto Chavez
Congratulations to Ernesto Chavez, OCU’s Employee of the Month for October 2008! Ernesto is OCU’s Manager of Classroom Technology/AV.
Ernesto embodies the spirit of OCU with his “can-do” attitude. He is an innovator, excellent teacher and creative problem solver. He exudes optimism and joy for his work. Ernesto remains calm and professional, even in the face of the most stressful of situations. Ernesto has an outstanding rapport with his staff and his colleagues, and he shows respect to everyone. It is obvious that Ernesto has tremendous knowledge and skills pertaining to technology, and he is always willing to share that expertise with OCU faculty and staff.
Ernesto is an actively engaged citizen of campus, willing to connect in social settings and events across campus. It is his unselfish service, cheerful demeanor, and commitment to performing his job with excellence and dedication that we should all look to as an example for the rest of us.
Please join us in congratulating Ernesto Chavez, OCU’s December Employee of the Month!
November 2008 – Jonathan Triplett
Congratulations to Jonathan Triplett, OCU’s Employee of the Month for November 2008! Jonathan is OCU’s Director of Intramural and Recreational Sports – Student Life.
Jonathan knows first-hand what makes OCU a special place. He started at OCU as a basketball player and later become the head resident of Smith Hall. He now directs the intramural and recreational sports program, is head resident of Centennial Hall, as well as a professor for various kinesiology courses.
He is a man of many hats, both literally and metaphorically, because the hats he wears were not put on one at a time over the years, but all at once. Each job carries enough responsibility that multiple people could fill them. Jonathan takes on every role with a smile on his face, and an attitude and spirit that exemplifies what is best about OCU.
With each job and responsibility, he goes above and beyond to make the position, as well as himself, better. He made the opening of Centennial Hall a success, has created a variety of intramural sports events, and recently developed a new Alcohol Awareness counseling program, called B.A.R.F. To make the program a success he became certified as an Alcohol Counselor and a DUI Instructor, and has made several presentations about the new program.
Jonathan has made a lasting mark on OCU and will continue to succeed in whatever he does because the students love him and he loves them.
Please join us in congratulating Jonathan Triplett, OCU’s November Employee of the Month!
