The Dean’s Staff Awards for Superior Performance recognize outstanding effort and achievement in the support of the mission of the College. This year the college established two award categories: one for superior administrative support and one for superior technical support. Each award winner receives a cash award of $250 from the Dean’s office, and has his or her name engraved on a commemorative plaque displayed in the reception area of the Dean’s office. This year the Dean’s Staff Award for Superior Administrative Support was awarded to Lise Larose, Academic and Student Services Advisor in the Dean’s Office. The 2010 recipient of the Dean’s Staff Award for Superior Technical Support was awarded to Geology Departmental Technician, Gabriela Mora-Klepeis. Lise Larose (pictured on left) was described by one colleague as “The Little Engine That Could” for the College of Arts and Sciences. Lise has worked for the College for more than 20 years, is well respected across campus, and is involved in all areas, from enrollment management to advising to curriculum. In that role she is “a tireless advocate for students, an essential link to other staff across the university, a valued colleague, and an individual who is truly and passionately devoted to the College of Arts and Sciences.” Gabriela (pictured on right) has worked at UVM and in the College for the last 10 years. Her job, as described by one faculty member, “entails knowing how to run and fix almost every piece of equipment in the department, as well as communicating with faculty, other staff, undergraduate and graduate students, and countless vendors, outside contractors, and administrators.” Her colleagues spoke of her good nature, sense of humor and caring personality; they described her as “very dedicated, enthusiastic, very independent, extremely easy to work with and an “invaluable asset” to the department, noting especially her strong organizational skills, and her “ability to seamlessly work with staff colleagues in so many different venues….” Congratulations to this year's recipients.