Employee Length of Service recognized at Dec. 5 reception

PULLMAN, Wash. – A reception recognizing the length of service milestones of more than 500 Washington State University staff members will take place Dec. 5 in the Compton Union Building’s Carey Ballroom.

The event, open to all employees, begins at 3:30 p.m. with a short program at 4 p.m. Light hors d’oeuvres will be served.

To become an annual tradition, the reception is the start of a substantially expanded university Employee Recognition Program, initiated by WSU President V. Lane Rawlins and coordinated by a committee headed by Steve DeSoer, WSU Human Resource Services director.

“The program reflects Rawlins’ vision of the university,” DeSoer said. “It’s his recognition of the vital ways in which staff members contribute to the quality of WSU.”

Each month, employees reaching service milestones will receive a certificate of service, a lapel pin and an award selected by the employee.

As part of the expanded program, a reception will be held each December to honor staff members reaching 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 and 50-year employment milestones for the university in the past year.

Faculty and staff members reaching the 25-years of service milestone will continue the 72-year tradition of the Quarter Century Club at the annual recognition breakfast held each spring.

The Dec. 5 reception will also recognize staff members who feel their milestones were overlooked in the past. If an individual would like to receive milestone recognition at this year’s reception, they are asked to contact Human Resource Services at (509) 335-4521.

In addition to enhancing the length of service awards and hosting an annual reception, the Employee Recognition Program includes new elements to recognize university employees. The elements include:

–the Crimson Spirit Award. Beginning in spring 2006, it will be awarded monthly to a WSU employee performing in an exemplary manner and making outstanding contributions in support of WSU’s strategic goals. Employees can be nominated by any WSU community member. More details will be announced later.

–the Service and Excellence Mini-Grant Program, set to start in fall 2006. Through the program WSU colleges and departments can seek funding for recognition programs or staff development efforts that advance the mission and strategic plan of WSU. Grants might fund seminars, speakers or training and provide seed funds for innovative ideas and other programs. “It’s amazing what people can come up with when you open the door,” DeSoer said.

More information about the Employee Recognition Program is available online at https://employee-recognition.wsu.edu/ or by contacting Human Resource Services, (509) 335-4521.