"She sets the standard for professional competence, creativity and dedication; welcomes change and new challenges; understands her department's projects and systems and proactively improves them. And in doing so, makes us all proud of what we do," said Tom Vogelmann, dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. He was describing Sarah Goodrich, communications coordinator of UVM's plant biology department as she received the Outstanding Staff Award for the College at Honors Day ceremonies April 16 on campus. The award, in its sixth year, is the most prestigious honor for a member of the staff of UVM's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. It recognizes sustained excellence, invaluable service and professional expertise. Goodrich develops plant biology department newsletters, brochures and displays; maintains benchmark databases; is instrumental in fundraising; schedules courses and assists the chair and staff on annual and special projects. She also navigates and streamlines the grant writing process — a role she has had for the past five years. "Sarah's goal is getting things to work and not have a starring role. In fact, this focus on the project goal and not herself means that she truly becomes a star in the process," wrote associate professor Jeanne Harris in support of the award going to Goodrich. This award is especially timely in 2010, because, as her nominator for the award, associate professor Mary Tierney noted, Goodrich took the lead in several significant projects: o Goodrich redesigned and updated the department website and revamped the way plant biology attracts and interviews prospective graduate students. o She played a major role in making the groundbreaking ceremony for James M. Jeffords Hall, turning it into a veritable reunion. Then she provided continuity for the department during the building's construction and now is helping the transition to new classroom, office and laboratory space. o But Goodrich was especially valued by all when she temporarily handled Lillian "Porky" Reade's job last winter after Reade broke her ankle. Reade is a student services administrator for plant biology. "Sarah picked up Porky's work without being asked, so smoothly, that there were few bumps resulting from Porky's absence," wrote senior lecturer Cathy Paris, again in support of the award nomination. Goodrich is also a graduate student in UVM's Rubenstein School of Natural Resources. She received her bachelor of arts degree in English summa cum laude from the University at Albany where she was a Presidential Scholar and member of Phi Beta Kappa. Previously she worked in publishing for Berkshire Publishing of Great Barrington, Massachusetts and Stratford Publishing Services in Albany, New York. She is a land steward with the Winooski Valley Parks District. CAPTION: Sarah Goodrich, ~Cheryl Dorschner photo.