Faculty and Staff News

Carrie Leath Receives School’s Staff Recognition Award

Carrie Leath, who is celebrating 26 years of service to the University, is the recipient of the 2007 Staff Recognition Award. Program Support Supervisor with the Office of Continuing Education, Carrie began her career at the School in the spring of 1981. She is highly dedicated to the School and to the office in which she works. Carrie often serves as the sole point of contact for community members interested in the programs offered by Continuing Education. Her supervisor, Jane Macy, notes that “Carrie never fails to represent the unit, the School, and the University in the most helpful and positive manner possible. She is an exemplary role model in her dealings with the broader University community and the general public. She is unfailingly polite, cordial, and gracious, even when dealing with those who may be less polite or respectful.” 

Carrie’s willingness to help others and assist where she can, regardless of whether the tasks are part of her position, makes her a highly valued team player. She has been active on many School committees over the years and keeps the plants on the second floor landing happy and thriving! Carrie’s giving spirit is evident in her activities outside of the School as well. She plays piano at senior centers, organizes and cares for elders in her neighborhood, and actively supports and participates in community gardening programs. Jane’s closing paragraph in her letter nominating Carrie for the Staff Recognition Award provides a wonderful insight into some of the components that make Carrie a very deserving recipient of this year’s award: “If I had to describe the cardinal rules that Carrie seems to live by, I would list three—be cheerful, look for the good in every situation and every person, and offer to help whenever you see a need.” 

Other nominees for the award were Helen Carter, Fiscal Specialist; Andrea Hansen, Assistant Director of Development; Angela Lee, Head Librarian, Social Work Library; Gary Olson, Assistant Dean for Student Affairs; Linda Ruffer, Academic Adviser; and Christine Ward, Office Assistant Lead in the School’s reception area.

Jen Kitajo, Program Director with the School’s Northwest Institute for Children and Families, received a five-year service award this spring.