Quality service. Positive. Sensitive to others’ needs. These are just some of the accolades people use when describing Gary Frost.
A Pullman native, Frost attended Pullman High School and Washington State University before taking a job with WSU facilities operations.
“If you like the town, like the people, like the environment, then why not stay?” said Frost.
He started his career with WSU in October 1977 and eventually worked his way up to a supervisor position. But he decided to take a voluntary demotion to do something else.
“I’ve had nine different titles at WSU. I didn’t stay in one spot if I wasn’t satisfied,” said Frost. “You need to want to be there, and if you don’t want to, you are in the wrong job!”
“Gary has been such an important part of the first impression that people have of our unit that I wanted to see him recognized by the university,” said Cheryl Oliver, director of graduate programs in business. “Gary was always present to do custodial work during business hours,” she said, and always prepared offices and other areas for meetings and events where outside guests would be present.
Though his job was rigorous and not always glamorous, Oliver said, Frost always presented himself professionally. He always wore a collared polo style shirt and was well groomed.
“Gary deserves the award because he embodies the idea of Cougar pride in every task he undertakes,” she said.
Frost ended his 30-year tenure with WSU on March 1, but he retired on a high note: he is being honored with a 2006-2007 President’s Employee Excellence Award for his years of dedicated service.
“It was a surprise to me,” Frost said of winning the award. “It’s a wonderful feeling, but I couldn’t have done it without the right support and resources.”
