Purdue University Calumet’s Outstanding Staff Members - 2008

The Outstanding staff award recipients were also announced at the Service Recognition Luncheon and the Department of Biological Sciences had two staff members honored.   Debra Grant, secretary, was recognized as Outstanding Clerical and Deborah Johnson, demonstration assistant, won the Outstanding Service award.   They were both nominated by Dr. Michael Henson, Professor and Department Head.

Debra Grant’s customer service skills, resourcefulness and attention to detail were cited as some of her most commendable traits.  Dr. Henson commented that it is in her interactions with students “that Debbie really shines.”   He further explained that “Debbie is very much ‘the face of our department.’ Her outstanding interpersonal skills and cheerful demeanor project the departmental image we strive for.”  She is also a valuable resource for students and faculty alike as she possesses an “exhaustive knowledge of University policies, procedures and regulations.

Dr. Henson shared that Deborah Johnson is ”clearly the ‘go to person’ in our department with respect to getting good science done on a limited budget” and students and faculty can rely on Deborah because of “her ability to produce quality results while using the resources at hand.”   Dr. Henson described her as professional, efficient, dedicated and having outstanding judgment.   Deborah is also an exceptional role model for both graduate and undergraduate students.

The Department of Biological Sciences is justifiably proud of both of our honorees!