This week’s ‘Thumbs Up’ recipients

Christopher Sloan

Chris (Purdue IT) deserves a thumbs-up for always going the extra mile. He recently helped a fellow Purdue employee with getting her car started. The individual contacted the HR Service Center to express that she was incredibly grateful for the help Chris provided in getting her back on the road. Thanks, Chris, for all you do! — Rachel Gibson (Human Resources)

Jennifer Murray, Brandon Sanders and Adrian Peacock-Downey

Special thanks to Jennifer, Brandon and Adrian (all Purdue IT) for helping get several accounts created for consultants in a time zone 12 hours ahead of Purdue. Quick action was needed because the account creation had already been delayed over two weeks with logistical difficulties. Communication was challenging, both because of the time difference and the consultants’ lack of international calling ability. Adrian took proactive action to get the ticket to the right people quickly, Jennifer cut through the Teams phone tag communications issues and came up with a solid plan, and Brandon got all five accounts activated within a very short window. Their collaboration, proactive follow-ups and quick resolution are much appreciated! Thank you for helping keep our project moving! — Jacob Garis (Administrative Operations), Melissa Maze and Lowell Williams (both Purdue IT)

Ty Nelson and Steve Robinson

I want to shout out a huge thank-you to Ty and Steve (both Operations and Maintenance) from the carpentry shop. They repurposed an old Plexiglas shield into an arctic air deflection screen. It has been very cold in the office area this past week as it is a high-traffic area. I know these guys did not hesitate to help. — Kathy Bryant (Operations and Maintenance)

Neal Novak

Thumbs-up to Neal (Purdue University Press) for his exceptional relationship management and steady commitment to executing on Purdue’s engagement missions. His support has been instrumental in elevating applied research communication, including through his work with my team on the Consumer Corner series. We appreciate Neal’s attention to detail, commitment to excellence and collaborative spirit! — Nicole Olynk Widmar (Agricultural Economics)

Justin Race

Thumbs-up to Justin Race, director of Purdue University Press, for his outstanding leadership in advancing scholarly publishing that supports Purdue’s missions and broadens public engagement. His simultaneous commitment to quality and collaboration has helped extend Purdue research, Extension and engagement to audiences well beyond campus. Thank you for strengthening the visibility and reach of Purdue scholarship! — Nicole Olynk Widmar (Agricultural Economics)

Nicole Begin

I want to send a thank-you to Nicole (Grounds) for noticing that my cart was not starting and stranded in below-zero temperatures, and offering to help. She offered to jump-start the cart with her truck, though neither of us had jumper cables on hand. She then suggested they had a portable jump starter at their shop and graciously ran down to the Grounds Department to grab it. We jump-started the cart so I was able to move it to a safe location for further investigation and repairs. The teamwork displayed was greatly appreciated. — James Brown (Operations and Maintenance)

Aaron Taggart, Jacob Brejcha, Elizabeth Mogan and Steve Martin

Aaron, Jacob, Elizabeth and Steve (all Purdue Research Foundation) helped compose and disseminate a superbly crafted (language and artwork) press release about my polylactic acid dosimeter sensor technology and related inventions. I’ve received numerous compliments and interest, both internal and external commercial, from all across the country. Simply couldn’t have gotten this far without the team’s help. Kudos to the PRF team and its leadership for such stellar service. — Rusi Taleyarkhan (Nuclear Engineering)

Katherine LaMar

Kate is a benefits specialist for HR in West Lafayette. Recently I called Kate to inquire about the Public Employees Retirement Fund and other benefits-related issues. Her vast knowledge of the past rules and ability to connect dots with the present are amazing. She can transform complex pension language into plain English. Big thank-you, Kate! You are phenomenal. — Ewa Forgalska (Purdue University Fort Wayne — Accounting and Budget)