UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN River Falls

Chancellor’s University Staff Excellence Awards

2004 Lurene Johnson and Monica Voiles


Lurene JohnsonLurene Johnson

Lurene Johnson, a shipping and mailing clerk, has worked at UWRF for three years delivering mail, packages and freight to every department on campus, rain or shine.

"Lurene shows what we used to call in the U.S. Army a 'can do attitude.' Whatever the task, whatever the job, whatever the project, her response seems to indicate 'I can do it,' " said Tom Weiss, director of Purchasing Services and Johnson's supervisor.

Nathan Beeman of Housekeeping Services said Johnson has one of the most physically demanding positions on campus, but is always smiling.

"Often times I have seen her moving items with a hand truck that must weigh twice her weight, yet she never asks for assistance," Beeman said.

Monica Voiles

Monica Voiles

Monica Voiles is an office manager in the Admissions Office, She has worked there since August 1995. She is involved in all facets of the admissions process, such as speaking with prospective students, assembling recruitment materials and registering students.

Director of Admissions Alan Tuchtenhagen, Monica's supervisor, believes her position is one of vital importance to the success of the university's enrollment.

"Her upbeat, helpful and cheery approach to her job has made a positive impression on literally thousands of students," Tuchtenhagen said.

Monica also serves as housemother for the Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity. President Brandon Bruder of Alpha Gamma Rho said she has been one of the best additions to the fraternity in a long time.

"Monica is our mother figure away from home and always wants to help us succeed and become better men," Bruder commented.

Dean Stephen Ridley of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences said Monica's dedication to duty and her employer is rare.

"Knowledge is important, and when combined with a positive attitude and a welcoming demeanor, one's effective working knowledge seems to be multiplied into another dimension. It is this dimension in which Monica operates," Ridley said.