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2010 Janice Abraham winners announced
l-r: Joelle Chavre and Martha Jantz
The annual Janice Abraham Award is presented to Whitman College staff (non-faculty) members who have made significant contributions and provided outstanding service to the college. The award honors and celebrates staff members who go above and beyond job expectations, bring forward creative and innovative ideas, promote the philosophy of customer service and contribute to the excellence found at Whitman. Nominations may come from staff and/or faculty; winners receive a cash award and a personalized plaque. Announced at last week’s Staff Appreciation event, the 2010 recipients are: Martha Jantz, daytime nurse, Welty Health Center, and Joelle Chavre, Division III academic consultant and assistant director, WCTS support services.
In nominating Martha Jantz, co-workers wrote: “I work with her every day and see her work ethic in motion. She is tireless and committed. She is friendly to all students” and “knows her job inside and out.” “She sends students e-mail notes of encouragement, follows up on their medical needs, checks to see if their symptoms have improved, as well as sends congratulation cards to known graduates each year.” “She is an excellent nurse. Throughout the day, she gives her all to students who enter the health center for care.”
In nominating Joelle Chavre, a faculty member wrote: “Joelle stands out even among the many capable, hard-working staff members who keep Whitman running. If I had to sum up what makes Joelle particularly special and deserving of this recognition, I would say that for every computer issue I have encountered, what seems to me like an emergency, Joelle treats as though solving the problem fast matters as much to her as it does to me. When I have computer needs that are a bit off the beaten track, Joelle will research new software and technology and figure out a way to make it work. For example, when my computer needed repairs but I needed it daily in order to teach (so that I couldn’t be parted from it during working hours), Joelle stayed at work until 9 p.m. working on it, and then dropped off the now-functioning computer at my apartment in time to prepare for my first class the following morning. And this is just me. All Division III faculty members must have benefited similarly from her dedication and habitual support above and beyond the call of duty…”
Click here for a list of past Janice Abraham Award recipients.
This year’s retirees were recognized: Judy Veighey, financial aid clerk; Tom Frazier, custodian; and Marilyn Klock, payroll coordinator. Denise Mann, associate controller, also was recognized for her 40 years of service to Whitman. With Pete Reid’s retirement last year, Mann now holds the distinction of being the college’s longest-serving staff member. She plans to retire next year. “The best part of my 40 years is all of you,” she said.
Also at the event Andrea Dobson, chair of the faculty, presented a talk on “Cosmic Latte.” She shared some astronomy lessons and humor, and she credited staff for supporting students through just about everything we do on our jobs. President Bridges added that “students would not have the experience they do here at Whitman without the contributions made by staff.” He also presented the members of the Personnel Advisory Committee (PAC), who coordinated the event, with commemorative pins and expressed appreciation on behalf of the campus community.
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Volume 4, issue 41 
