ABA AWARDS & RECOGNITION

Elk Grove Mayor Awards Kirtland Stout

Kirtland Stout, director of Risk Management, received the Mayor’s Volunteer Award from the City of Elk Grove in October for his service to the community. Already known around campus for his musical fund-raising efforts that brought in more than $650 for the March of Dimes/March for Babies campaign, Stout is in the spotlight again. Playing piano to entertain the patients of a local rest home earned him the Mayor's award.

Every Tuesday evening, Stout drives directly from work to the "Renaissance" unit at The Commons in Elk Grove and chats with the residents during their evening meal. He then spends an hour or more entertaining them with his piano playing.

The residents of Memory Care, most of whom suffer from Alzheimer's, dementia and other memory related diseases, find that music triggers memories, and Stout experiences the positive effects of his musical contribution as they join in the singing and recall earlier times.

Sustainabile Projects Garner Recognition from CSU

Early this month, Sacramento State was the proud recipient of CSU Best Practices awards from the CSU for efforts in two categories. Sac State's Smart Grid project won the Best Energy Retrofit Award and the Sustainable Technology Optimization Research Center (STORC) won the Best Practice in Sustainability Award. See ABA FOCUS stories about both projects - Smart Grid (Fall 2013) here and STORC (Fall 2014) here, and read comments from the the CSU Best Practices selection committee below.

The following excerpts are from the CSU's Best Practices Awards webpage:

Best Energy Retrofit - "The campus was able to double its capital investment for its Smart Grid project by leveraging a federal Department of Energy grant through a partnership with Sacramento Municipal Utility District. The successful grant opportunity resulted in a $4.7 million dollar contribution which was doubled by a commitment from the campus. The project will yield over 3 Million kWh and 200,000 therms per year in energy savings, offset nearly 1,000 metric tons of CO2 annually and achieve almost $450,000 per year in avoided energy costs."

Best Practice in Sustainability - "Few campuses can claim ownership of a center like this, providing resources such as equipment, space, and staff support for class and independent research projects. The center provides a central place on campus for students, faculty, and staff to collaborate on sustainability project development and research. This project is a successful example of how a campus can support hands on learning in the area of sustainability. It brings together students, faculty, staff and even the local community."

Leadership Awards Coming to an Alumni Center Near You!

On December 1, 2014, ABA will host its annual Leadership Awards ceremony at the Alumni Center. The event coincides with the ABA Staff Professionals meeting, which is scheduled for 1:30 p.m.

Throughout the month of October, ABA Management Council members nominated fellow managers and department staff for outstanding work during the year.

Over 40 nominations were submitted this year. Join us on December 1, as we announce this year's winners in Leadership Peer, Valued Staff, and Team award categories!

Facilities Management Recognizes Monthly Best

September 2014 - Erick Asamoah

"Erick has an excellent understanding of what is needed to get a job done. Once he has his plan, he methodically makes progress towards completion and keeps people involved. He never hesitates to get in and do the 'dirty work' when needed, which sets a good example for others to follow. 

Erick is easy to talk to and a very good listener. He's a hard worker, a good communicator and leader, and has shown that he is open to continuing to improve and learn. Thank you Erick!"

October 2014 - Alex Pearson

"Alex always focuses on the task at hand, needs little instruction, anticipates well, and has full understanding of all of the duties of the Paint Shop. Alex fosters positive working relationships by always having a smile on his face. 'No' is not part of his vocabulary. He is polite to everyone, and professional in all that he does. Great job, Alex!"

November 2014 - Keith Delle

"Keith Delle is an ultimate professional, a self-starter and an excellent planner. He has been counted on routinely to strategize, order, coordinate and complete all hardscape projects. His journey level skill and superior knowledge of heavy equipment make him an essential and indispensable employee. 

His willingness to train fellow workers gives confidence to those on his team. Keith takes the time to explain a project and its expectations.  He is goal driven and, at the end of the day, his team can be proud of their accomplishments."

Public Safety Recognizes Quarterly Standouts

Employee of the Quarter, 3rd Quarter 2014 - Michelle Rowberry-Nogaj

"During this quarter, Michelle signed up for several overtime shifts without hesitation. She also used her CTO time in a way that did not impact other dispatchers during the summer months (days when there was a trainee in dispatch).

Michelle has an optimistic attitude in the workplace. She positively influences co-workers with a professional and friendly demeanor."

Student of the Quarter, 3rd Quarter 2014 - Daniel Knox

"Daniel Knox continually performs in an outstanding manner. He is always quick to assist with tasks at hand and volunteers to help officers with activities, including setting up cones and barricades. Daniel has great leadership qualities and is a positive influence to other CSOs."