Celebrating Outstanding Academic Affairs Star Performers of 2008

1. Debra Ambrose • AP and HR Manager,Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering • “Faculty trust and appreciate her calm, her perspective, and her subject matter expertise.” • ~ Kathleen Johnson, Business Officer Academic Affairs 2008 Star Performer

2. Gris Arellano-Ramirez • Business Officer, Human Development Program & Center for Human Development • “She possesses a great work ethic, a strong commitment and passion for her job, and a sincere concern for her employees and students.” • ~ Demian Camacho, Fiscal Coordinator Academic Affairs 2008 Star Performer

3. Gayle Aruta • Graduate Program Coordinator,Communication • “Gayle has been extraordinary in pursuing the university's goal of increasing the diversity of the graduate student population.” • ~ Daniel Hallin, Professor Academic Affairs 2008 Star Performer

4. Debra Avila • Assistant Director, MBA Recruitment,Rady School of Management • “Debra instills a sense of 'can-do' in other staff members, even during high stress and heavy workload periods.” • ~ Margie Frazee, Director, MBA Admissions Academic Affairs 2008 Star Performer

5. Gila Azarabadi • Undergraduate Program Coordinator,Rady School of Management • “Gila is a self starter, dedicated to doing an outstanding job, great with details, and remarkable people skills…” • ~ C. Clark Jordan, Assistant Dean, Undergraduate Education Academic Affairs 2008 Star Performer

6. David Bareno • Contracts & Grants Administrator,Computer Science and Engineering • “David's coordination, communication, and interpersonal skills are outstanding.” • ~ William Griswold, Professor Academic Affairs 2008 Star Performer

7. Natalie Bautista • Course Materials & Support Representative,Rady School of Management • “Natalie is a team player, highly motivated, organized, and a dedicated employee.” • ~ Frances Stanko, Instructional & Curricular Support Supervisor Academic Affairs 2008 Star Performer

8. Jan Bitmead • Math Advisor,Mathematics • “She works effectively in a team partnership with our faculty to make continuous improvements to the program...” • ~ John Eggers, LSOE Academic Affairs 2008 Star Performer

9. Hector Bracho • Media Specialist,Calit2 • “Hector's leadership in setting professional standards and his dedication to his work have translated into the development of a high performing team with good morale and strong motivation to succeed…” • ~ Tad Reynales, Technical Infrastructure Manager Academic Affairs 2008 Star Performer

10. LovellaCacho • Executive Assistant,Calit2 • “Lovella lives to inspire and make a difference in every person that she meets and/or anyone that crosses her path of life.” • ~ Aurena Bacallan, Management Support Associate Academic Affairs 2008 Star Performer

11. Wilson Cheung • Computing Support Manager,Mathematics • “Faculty, staff, graduate students, and visitors alike have all praised Wilson and his team for... solving the most complex problems, and training them to be better computer users…” • ~ Nancy Hartley, Business Officer Academic Affairs 2008 Star Performer

12. Traci Doddy • Development Coordinator,Rady School of Management • “She has a collaborative spirit and always does her best to provide support for all the activities taking place at Rady.” • ~ Jill Gibson, Associate Program Manager Academic Affairs 2008 Star Performer

13. Angie Finnerty • Fiscal Manager,Bioengineering • “Angie has shown the ability to lead by example, modeling a caring, collaborative and open culture which values both individualism and teamwork…” • ~ Sonny Rivera, Fiscal Specialist Academic Affairs 2008 Star Performer

14. Liz Floyd • Business Officer,Communication • “Liz Floyd is an exceptional manager in the manner in which she fosters an environment of community, mutual respect, and encouragement among the staff she supervises.” • ~ Claudia DaMetz, Computing Resource Specialist Academic Affairs 2008 Star Performer

15. Jennifer Ford • Senior Contract Negotiator,Office of Contract and Grant Administration • “...Jennifer's consistent commitment to working with PI's on their proposal preparation and negotiations is outstanding.” • ~ David Meyer, Professor Academic Affairs 2008 Star Performer

16. Jill Gibson • Associate Program Manager, Rady School of Management • “She always exhibits a ‘can do’ attitude when it comes to a new responsibility.” • ~ Graig Eastin, Director of Development Academic Affairs 2008 Star Performer

17. Gary Hoffman • Chief Technology Officer,International Relations and Pacific Studies • “Gary's example as supportive supervisor to his team of employees has made an indelible contribution to the community feeling at IR/PS.” • ~ Linda Thai, Administrative Analyst Academic Affairs 2008 Star Performer

18. Macy Huynh • Intake Advisor,Philosophy • “…her optimistic attitude impacts the ability of others to do their jobs in positive and productive ways.” • ~ June Petersen, Business Officer Academic Affairs 2008 Star Performer

19. Tugay Inal • Programmer/Analyst,Rady School of Management • “…Tugay leads by example, and is always willing to dive in and do what it takes to address any end-user concerns.” • ~ Dean Olsen, Director, Computing & Technology Services Academic Affairs 2008 Star Performer

20. Jennifer Johnson • Academic Personnel Analyst,Arts and Humanities Dean's Office • “Jennifer's achievements have greatly contributed to the mission of the Division of Arts and Humanities and she is especially deserving of recognition…” • ~ Emma Sahagun-Ratz, Business Officer Academic Affairs 2008 Star Performer

21. Heather Kane • Creative Services Coordinator,Rady School of Management • “…she has developed a strong service ethos in her service area and goes out of her way to help meet the needs of customers…” • ~ Kimberly Kennedy, Director, Marketing & Communications Academic Affairs 2008 Star Performer

22. Heidi Knuff • Conference Coordinator,Institute on Global Conflict and Cooperation • “Heidi represents our unit with the utmost in professionalism, flexibility and attention to detail so that all parties feel positively about their interactions with us.” • ~ Elisa Lurkis, Grants Development Analyst Academic Affairs 2008 Star Performer

23. Anna Lu McGhee • Academic Personnel Coordinator,Education Studies • “…Anna has always maintained a positive demeanor and has that can-do spirit that keeps everyone calm.” • ~ James Levin, Professor Academic Affairs 2008 Star Performer

24. Allison Maderia-Joseph • Program Representative,University Extension • “…she is always happy to take a moment to sit down with a colleague and discuss and solve any issue that has risen.” • ~ Natalie Galati, Program Representative Academic Affairs 2008 Star Performer

25. Todd Margolis • Technical Director,Center for Research in Computing and the Arts • “Todd is able to cultivate critical relationships with his peers outside of our research center which are necessary for the multi-disciplinary activities that we are involved in.” • ~ Sheldon Brown, Director Academic Affairs 2008 Star Performer

26. Shelley Marquez • Business Officer,CRL, INC, KIBM • “She is a loyal and dedicated friend, a valued mentor, and in many ways, the lifeblood of these three units and a highly visible campus citizen.” • ~ Marianne Generales, Assistant Vice Chancellor Academic Affairs 2008 Star Performer

27. Molly McDonald • Instructor Services Representative,University Extension • “Her volunteer spirit and unwavering faith in our ability to make a difference in our community is inspirational.” • ~ Rachelle Wilson, Program Representative Academic Affairs 2008 Star Performer

28. Christine McMahan • Dean's Calendaring Assistant,Rady School of Management • “Through her interactions, Christine is the picture image of caring. She reflects the ‘we care’ image that UC San Diego gives to the San Diego Community.” • ~ Gladys Selfridge, Executive Assistant to the Dean Academic Affairs 2008 Star Performer

29. Beth Meyer • Director, Online Learning,University Extension • “Although she is an expert ‘techie’ herself, Beth is passionate about making technology easy and accessible to all.” • ~ Grace Miller, Director, Healthcare Continuing Education Academic Affairs 2008 Star Performer

30. Emily Meyertholen • Marketing Communications Specialist,Beyster Institute • “Emily's positive attitude has made her a resource that all other staff members seek out when they need help or simply want to discuss ideas and approaches.” • ~ Debra Sherman, Director of Marketing & Program Manager Academic Affairs 2008 Star Performer

31. Erwin Milan • Associate Director of Operations,Rady School of Management • “His sense of ownership comes through clearly in his attitude towards his work and in his willingness to step in when needed.” • ~ Maria Lofftus, Assistant Dean, Academic Affairs & Special Initiatives Academic Affairs 2008 Star Performer

32. Sarah Moulton • Academic Personnel Coordinator,Education Studies • “As part of a team, Sarah has raised the bar in terms of expectations and quality of work.” • ~ Paula Levin, LSOE Academic Affairs 2008 Star Performer

33. June Petersen • Business Officer,Philosophy • “June has provided a stellar example to her staff in the fine art of teamwork.” • ~ Vikki DeVries, Administrative Specialist Academic Affairs 2008 Star Performer

34. Melanie Ridenour • Academic Personnel Analyst,Biological Sciences Dean's Office • “Melanie has always understood the old axiom that we rise or fall together and has made teamwork pleasurable.” • ~ Kim Huynh, Administrative Analyst • “Melanie, more than anyone, works constantly to create a team spirit and effective working relationships…” • ~ Steve Kay, Dean Academic Affairs 2008 Star Performer

35. Gladys Selfridge • Executive Assistant to the Dean,Rady School of Management • “She invests herself personally in initiating and actively participating in morale boosting activities and in spreading good cheer.” • ~ Robert Sullivan, Dean Academic Affairs 2008 Star Performer

36. Bev Strobl • Executive Assistant to the SVCAA,Office of the Senior Vice Chancellor • “Bev embraces new responsibilities and challenges with enthusiasm, maintains a cool head and has a wonderful sense of humor…” • ~ Gillian Hemingway, Chief of Staff Academic Affairs 2008 Star Performer

37. Gayle Ta • Data Manager,Calit2 • “She is always ready to suggest and accept suggestions on ways to streamline operations.” • ~ Maryam Attari, Financial Affairs Manager Academic Affairs 2008 Star Performer

38. Lynda Tran • Project Support Coordinator,Calit2 • “…she is developing and proposing new procedures and with input from others, continues to refine and improve them.” • ~ Yuki Marsden, Business Officer Academic Affairs 2008 Star Performer

39. David Wargo • Facilities, Lab and Equipment Technician, Computer Science and Engineering • “…Dave has not only filled multiple roles but also steps up as a role model for collegiality, quality and interdependence.” • ~ Rajesh Gupta, Professor Academic Affairs 2008 Star Performer

40. Melissa Wolf • Student Services Assistant,Education Studies • “She is a true team player and is always looking out for what's best for the Program and our students.” • ~ Pamela Fruge, Business Officer Academic Affairs 2008 Star Performer