2016 Tradition Of Excellence Award Recipients Announced

Fourteen Texas A&M University staff members and one staff team have been selected to receive Division of Academic Affairs “Tradition of Excellence” awards for 2016. The recipients will be recognized at the Academic Affairs Awards Ceremony and Reception, Thursday, May 19, 2016, at the Thomas G. Hildebrand, DVM ’56 Equine Complex, beginning with a social at 3 p.m. followed by the awards program at 4 p.m.

The awards include 12 awards to individuals recognizing their distinguished contributions through dedication, initiative, attitude, and outstanding achievement at Texas A&M. Recipients are Blair Alvarado, administrative assistant, Aggie Honor System Office; Virginie Blum, senior immigration specialist, Dean of Faculties; Valerie Coleman, program coordinator, Academic Success Center; Margot Goff, assistant director, Office of Data & Research Services; Jess Junek, business coordinator II, Academic Affairs Business Services; Kevin Kraeft, senior lead software applications developer, Provost IT Office; Gracie Lara, assistant to the executive director, Public Partnership & Outreach; Barbara Lee, administrative coordinator, Academic Success Center; Oscar Lopez, senior regional advisor, Office of Admissions; Angela Parkoff, scholarships & financial aid administrator, Scholarships & Financial Aid; Paul Pausky, associate director, Career Center; and Dale Sharp, microcomputer/LAN administrator, Provost IT Office.

An additional inaugural award—the Leadership Excellence Award—has been made for distinguished leadership through dedication, flexibility, initiative, transparency, attitude, and outstanding achievement at the University. This year’s recipient is Catherine Roueche-Herdman, associate director, Office of Admissions.

Another inaugural award is the Tradition of Excellence Diversity and Inclusion Award, recognizing distinguished contributions to improving climate through community building, broadening perspectives, and outstanding achievement at Texas A&M. This year’s recipient is Mark Dawson, business coordinator II, Academic Affairs Business Services.

The inaugural Tradition of Excellence Team Award has been made to the Veterans Service Office team, Scholarships & Financial Aid, in recognition of distinguished teamwork through dedication, initiative, attitude, and outstanding achievement. Recipients of the team award are Leah Morales, financial aid administrator; Clay Bassham, financial aid advisor III; and Charlotte Farrington, Rebecca Thompson, and Ashley Drake, all financial aid advisors I.

The “Tradition of Excellence” award recognizes superior service by employees within Academic Affairs, non-college units.

For a complete list of these units, see the Office of the Provost website.