Lamb School’s Donna Wireman receives CSSAC Excellence Award

During a May 26 ceremony, the Campus Support Staff Advisory Committee presented its annual CSSAC Excellence Award to Donna Wireman, lead administrative assistant to the head of the Brian Lamb School of Communication.

Given annually to support or service staff members, the CSSAC Excellence Award recognizes and celebrates those who go above and beyond in their roles, demonstrate exemplary leadership skills, and provide outstanding customer service. The award consists of a plaque and a $1,500 honorarium. 

For the past 21 years, Wireman has seamlessly provided daily support to the Lamb School’s leaders, faculty members and graduate students, with her office often serving as a one-stop shop for knowledge, guidance and stability.

Though her responsibilities are wide-ranging, Wireman expertly tackles any task thrown her way. Whether she’s coordinating travel arrangements for prospective faculty hires; submitting payroll reports; or organizing events like honors banquets, receptions and recruiting activities, Wireman does it with precision, care and ease.

But even while wearing all those hats, Wireman always makes herself available for others, whether they’re stepping into her office with a question or a conversation starter.  

“Donna’s office door is always open, and all are welcome to stop by and say hello, ask questions and seek support,” one nominator wrote. “I have personally had multiple conversations with Donna where she was kind and encouraging. She truly makes the Lamb School better.”

Her friendly and helpful nature, paired with her outstanding ability to meet chaos with tranquility, make her the go-to person for timely, personalized assistance, especially when plans go awry.

When a faculty member stepped up to fill a vacant Lamb School student organization advisor role — unsure of what the position would require — Wireman was quick to show her the ropes, scheduling one-on-one time to guide her through the process of managing the organization’s funds and programming. Later, when the organization’s travel to a conference was upended, Wireman saved the day again, promptly reserving a university vehicle for the trip.

“Donna is always willing to jump in to help the Lamb School with whatever we need,” a nominator wrote. “I can guarantee that every faculty member and graduate student can tell their own story of going to Donna with a ‘crisis’ and her solving the issue.”

Wireman’s nominators can easily recount the times she’s stepped in to help them without pause.

When a graduate student was faced with the task of organizing an annual lecture series event, Wireman offered her expertise, meeting with the student multiple times to build a schedule, create a budget and book a venue. And each spring, when a driver is needed to shuttle graduate students from a hotel to campus during the Lamb School’s Welcome Weekend, Wireman cheerfully gets behind the wheel.

She’s a friend to all and a stranger to none in the Lamb School, ready at any moment to make someone’s day a little bit brighter and serving as the personification of staff excellence in Beering Hall.

“In short, she does it all, and most importantly, she does it all with a smile,” a nominator wrote. “Never do I feel like I’m bothering her with a request; she gets the job done, and she gets it done wonderfully.”