UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN River Falls

Chancellor’s University Staff Excellence Awards

2016 Mary Miller and Mike Mueller

Mary Miller

Mary Miller is a financial specialist in Student Billing has worked at UWRF for 11 years. Supervisors and colleagues praised Mary's diligence, sincerity, and commitment. Anthony Rubis described Mary as "an asset not only to the Student Billing Office, but every other office on campus."

"She is masterful in her steady follow up on the smallest of items. She is very unflappable," said Katrina Larson.

"Mary is continually honest and provides sincere customer service to all UWRF students and staff while always ensuring compliance with policy and procedures," said Beth Ann Richter, financial programs supervisor. "She is known for having a calm and reasonable presence, whether dealing with money, complex billing, or upset students. Mary always finds a way to bring a kind, reassuring, and respectful point of view to any situation."

Mary has taken vacation during UWRF's spring break to perform service work for Habitat for Humanity alongside students.

Mike Mueller

Mike Mueller, an electrician in Building Maintenance, has worked at UW-River Falls for 5 years. His supervisor, Steve Wodarz, praised Mueller's stellar troubleshooting skills and positive attitude.

"I have had to call on Mike to troubleshoot all types of electrical problems," Wodarz said. "During several of these situations, the temperature has been well below zero, time is very critical, and many times there is not an instruction manual for Mike to follow. Some of the conditions where Mike has been needed are very hot, noisy, dirty, and dangerous. He always shows up with a can do attitude and isn't afraid to get his hands dirty."

Mike is well-respected among his coworkers and peers at UWRF, earning high praise from his colleague Lurene Johnson. 

"Mike is one of the only people I know that walks in every day with a great smile and leaves at the end of the day the same way. He has the most positive attitude I have ever seen," Johnson said.

In addition to his electrician duties, Mueller has served the university by participating in several committees in Facilities Management.

 

 Mary Miller Award Photo

Mike Mueller Award Photo