Nominee's Name: Natalie Chen
Nominee's Unit: ERSO - Leslie's Team
Criteria: Team Player
Customer Service Example:
Natalie has helped me beyond belief! I have had a steady flow of incoming proposals that I really needed help managing. The moment I asked Natalie for my help she reached out to my PIs to work with them on 2 separate proposals. Another one of my PIs told me that she needed a "simple budget" within a couple of days which turned out to be a huge budget for a center that was more than $6 million. Natalie graciously and meticulously completed this budget for the PI who was very grateful for her level of detail and customer service. I am so thankful to work with Natalie who is the epitome of a team player! Thank you Natalie!
Nominee's Name: Natalie Chen
Nominee's Unit: ERSO
Criteria: Above & Beyond
Customer Service Example:
Earlier this year this person accepted a new position within ERSO as a RSO. Shortly after I accepted a new position backfilling this persons old position as a FSA2. Before leaving their old position this person took the time to sit with myself and the rest of the purchasing team to train us in Blucard reconciliation. And since her departure she has continued to be a extremely valuable asset and wealth of knowledge to me in my new position. She always makes time for me with any question or issue I have in my new roll.
This person is the ideal employee, I am grateful to have her as a colleague and even more so a friend.
Nominee's Name: Gus Monino
Nominee's Unit: Central-IT
Criteria: Demonstrates Commitment
Customer Service Example:
We were having an emergency where a DARPA proposal was due in a few hours and Lauren's pdf stopped working. Nothing would upload to Workspace properly and Gus dropped everything and came over straight away and fixed the Adobe problem within 10 minutes! THANK YOU GUS. We salute you!
Nominee's Name: Erik Hoopes
Nominee's Unit: ERSO Shipping & Receiving
Criteria: Problem Solver
Customer Service Example:
Erik Hoopes made a huge contribution to ERSO Receiving recently. I struggled to create location barcodes our tracking system would read and finally just handed it over to Erik. The location barcode was the corner stone issue preventing our package delivery and equipment management processes from achieving the ultimate chain of custody goal.
After communicating with our vendor and his impossibly demanding supervisor, Erik researched and procured all the necessary components, installed the software & hardware, cleaned up our database and started testing the new barcodes. Failure has haunted Receiving Departments for over three millennia and Erik's effort met the same fate for a few weeks. However, he was able to determine the issue resided in our vendor's system.
After a long conference call with the vendor, the entire issue was resolved due to Erik's insight, experience and willingness to jump into the problem-solving arena. The result is we can provide irrefutable proof of package delivery and/or asset location with digital time stamping and images. Erik's achievement brings greater accuracy and efficiency to our department.
Erik, I would like to personally thank you for being an excellent problem solver and for making a difference!
Nominee's Name: Mary Cuison
Nominee's Unit: Research Administration
Criteria: Demonstrates Commitment
Customer Service Example:
Today I met with Dr. Padolina who heads the PICARI program. He was visiting from the Philippine government.
In my meeting he expressed how grateful he was for the work that Mary did in coordinating all of his meetings during his visit to UC Berkeley. He said that Mary arranged everything with "military precision."
As we know, arranging meetings is often challenging and this certainly goes beyond Mary's role as C&G Manager. Her commitment to our organization is superb. Thank you Mary!
Nominee's Name: Jennifer Stone
Nominee's Unit: B&FS
Criteria: Above & Beyond
Customer Service Example:
Just wanted to send a quick thank you to acknowledge Jennifer Stone's tremendous assistance with a large number of travel reimbursements (many from non-US participants) recently. These can be quite complex with many attachments, requirements, and much follow-up over a period of time. I very much appreciate Jennifer's professionalism in assisting to resolve each of these many reimbursements. The reimbursements are very important for many of these student or junior researchers (even the Senior Investigators are keen to know the status of their requests) and the processing reflects on our Program and School.
Nominee's Name: Natalie Chen
Nominee's Unit: RA
Criteria: Team Player
Customer Service Example:
I am so grateful to Natalie Chen for stepping in to help with the 2018 Singapore BEARS audit by Deloitte. There were many items of back up to pull and some required her excellent knowledge of BFS and travel systems to produce. She quickly and in a very organized way produced needed items. She was of immense help.
Nominee's Name: Michael Banderas
Nominee's Unit: ERSO T&E Reimb Services
Criteria: Demonstrates Commitment
Customer Service Example:
Recently on Tuesday, late in the day, I overheard a conversation regarding an overdue payment to a photographer. The department had contacted Michael re a pending Requisition, stating there would now be a new Invoice, as the Vendor was upset & was now including a Late Fee. Michael took it upon himself to reach out to the Vendor. As a result, the Vendor agreed to withdraw the late fee & to accept the processing of the original Invoice. As we both work later in the day, this is not the first time I have observed Micheal's customer service skills. He has excellent phone etiquette, & is polite and professional...."Phone Call to Vendor...Saved University $112.00"...Above & Beyond Customer Service... Priceless!
Nominee's Name: Diane Howe
Nominee's Unit: B&FS - Travel and Entertainment
Criteria: Above & Beyond
Customer Service Example:
Prior to moving back onto campus from 4th Street, I had casually mentioned to Diane that at some point, I may want to bring up my chair along with stand up desk to the new office space. After settling in, I messaged Diane with the intent to coordinate with her some time for me to retrieve my items from 4th Street. Without hesitation, Diane offered to load up her car with my belongings and bring everything up to campus for me the very next day. As if that wasn't already enough, she also made arrangements with Mark, for storage of the equipment, and Gus, for installation of the desk to ensure that I received everything timely and with little to no disruption. Diane is an exceptional team player and goes above and beyond for everyone around her. I cannot express enough how appreciative I am of her for everything that she has done. Thank you for making my transition back to campus as seamless and as comfortable as possible.
Nominee's Name: Sandra Guiton
Nominee's Unit: Payroll
Criteria: Team Player
Customer Service Example:
This nomination is long overdue. I needed to prepare a large number of complicated PETs and couldn't remember how to indicate the various details. Sam spent quite a bit of time correcting and guiding me to make sure the requests were for what was actually needed. I'm especially grateful because I know she's explained all this to me before.
Thanks Sam!
Nominee's Name: Charlotte M. Jones
Nominee's Unit: ERSO
Criteria: Above & Beyond
Customer Service Example:
Yesterday Charlotte had an E3S event for which a vendor was to supply snack food for ~100. She called them earlier in the day to ensure they had the details needed for arriving only to be told the vendor was out of the country & would not be coming. Charlotte quickly contacted another local vendor to step in with less than an hours notice. Kudos for Charlotte for thinking on her feet & doing her best to make sure the event turned out smoothly!
Nominee's Name: Anthony Stamos
Nominee's Unit: ERSO RA
Criteria: Above & Beyond
Customer Service Example:
Anthony demonstrates and embodies many of these selection criteria - problem solver, above & beyond, demonstrates commitment. In leading the File Retention working group, he has been very geared toward continuous improvement of ERSO processes. He has been keeping the work on track, coming up with innovate and simplified processes for ease of work, and bringing the recommendations to management quickly. He truly demonstrates a commitment to ERSO in his drive to improve. We are lucky to have him on our team! Thanks, Anthony!
Nominee's Name: Damon Hinson
Nominee's Unit: ERSO
Criteria: Team Player
Customer Service Example:
Damon has been an extremely helpful in training me on various award processes since I have started back at ERSO. When I had my first NSF proposal, Damon sat with me on various occasions and trained me on every step of the process. Damon has a large portfolio to support, and took time out of his schedule to ensure I had the resources I needed to be successful in not only my first proposal but also various other questions I've had. Damon is an excellent trainer, colleague and is a true example of a team player. I am so grateful and fortunate to work with Damon and would like to thank him for all of his support.
Nominee's Name: Steven Quach
Nominee's Unit: ERSO - T&E
Criteria: Demonstrates Commitment
Customer Service Example:
Steven has processed many complicated travel reimbursements for one of the centers I support. The requests are submitted and typically are missing a lot of backup documentation and/or require additional clarification on expenses. When I've gone to approve reimbursements, I have seen the communications Steven has had with the center to clarify policies and documentation needed. Steven has had phone meetings with this center and has handled everything seamlessly so when the report is sent to me to approve I can be confident in knowing it is complete and compliant. Steven has gone above and beyond to provide excellent customer service and I appreciate all of his efforts in helping my center.
Nominee's Name: Natalie Chen
Nominee's Unit: Travel and Entertainment
Criteria: Demonstrates Commitment
Customer Service Example:
Natalie has recently received numerous reimbursements from one of my PI's group. All of these requests require additional explanations and revisions. Seeing her attentiveness to detail is a reflection on our commitment for excellence. Bravo Zulu
Nominee's Name: Michael Banderas
Nominee's Unit: Purchasing
Criteria: Above & Beyond
Customer Service Example:
I wanted to take a moment to recognize Michael Banderas for customer service that went above and beyond the call of duty.
I recently had an issue ordering frames I needed for an Executive Education Program. I was told a week before the graduation program they were on back order.
I called Michael, and he got right on the issue. He found appropriate frames (that were less expensive!) and made sure they got to me on time. He kept me informed along the way since he know I was a bit stressed about the possibility of disappointing the students. All this was very admirable, yet what struck me most was not the procedure he followed, but his upbeat, can do, a very professional attitude in which he went about his tasks. This, to me, was the invaluable part of the experience.
Thank you for the opportunity to share my comments on this team member's very positive efforts on my behalf and those of my students.
Nominee's Name: Gwen Lindsey
Nominee's Unit: RSO
Criteria: Team Player
Customer Service Example:
This is a much delayed nomination. I would still call it an untold true story, even though some of my office mates have heard about this. On an early Monday morning last March, I was anxious about a DARPA proposal due that day, as I had not received all the information needed to complete the budget. On my way to work, I had a car accident. When I got to the office, I was shaking and could barely thinking, but still having to get my mind to focus on the proposal. Gwen came to my rescue and asked:”what can I do for you, Nicole?” She then spent most of her day checking my budget column by column and row by row, making suggestions and adjustments. When the budget was finally finished, I knew Gwen had saved my day. Gwen, Thank you for sharing your wisdom, your experience and most importantly, your time. I know you, too, have a heavy workload, but time and time again, you show me what a selfless team player you are.
Nominee's Name: Anthony Stamos
Nominee's Unit: RA
Criteria: Above & Beyond
Customer Service Example:
Anthony has had a dialog with his admin. officer at DARPA for a couple of years when she told him she would be coming to visit Berkeley campus. He asked her if she would be willing to make a presentation to RA's about how DARPA worked. She agreed. She came today and presented to a group of ERSO RA's and SPO & IAO personnel covering some questions submitted in advance. Anthony set up the room & invited everyone; got a laptop for the presentation & even got some refreshments. This was a wonderful way to further educate our RA's. This only happened because Anthony had the idea and followed it. He should be commended for carrying out such a successful, beneficial endeavor!
Nominee's Name: Damon Hinson
Nominee's Unit: RSO
Criteria: Above & Beyond
Customer Service Example:
Damon helped me in understanding few nitty-gritty details with one of my collaborative proposal which involves my PI as the lead and 2 other Berkeley faculty from various department. His guidance immensely helped me with proposal submission and meeting the deadline of the lead institution.
Nominee's Name: April Alford
Nominee's Unit: ERSO/Purchasing
Criteria: Demonstrates Commitment
Customer Service Example:
On Wednesday, April 11th , 2018, there was an unexpected/unplanned, Fire Alarm at 4th Street, where all personnel were evacuated and to gather at their Teams designated sites. Alice was offsite at a Conference, and I was at a meeting on Campus. April took it upon herself to account for all ERSO Staff, acknowledging my absence as well, & informed me via text, of the situation. She additionally followed up with an "All Clear" text, once everyone was back safe & sound. Her instant "take charge" action, was greatly appreciated!
Nominee's Name: Mark Bell
Nominee's Unit: Shipping & Receiving
Criteria: Problem Solver
Customer Service Example:
I was very impressed with the mechanism Mark created for ERSO's entry in the RAC poster contest highlighting ERSO's fabulous integrated Intranet. Volunteering his own time, Mark created a platform to enable all the moving parts of ERSO's 3-D poster to function properly: creative and incredible.
A shout out also goes to the entire team on the RAC poster committee, especially T.K Chen, Leslie Goldstein, Vonis Moore and Diane Howe.
Nominee's Name: Derek Johnson
Nominee's Unit: ERSO
Criteria: Team Player
Customer Service Example:
Derek was awesome while I was out the other week. I was scheduled to be out Wed-Fri, and (of course) a PI lets me know at 2PM on Tues that he needs to submit a proposal by Friday. Derek graciously dealt with the tight deadline turn around, working on a proposal for another RA's PI, last minute changes in the budget, and pulling all the pieces together. He showed such great team spirit , solved all the problems, and went above and beyond in helping me out even when we are all super busy. I can't thank him enough. He deserves all the recognition.
Thanks, Derek - you rock!
Nominee's Name: Rebecca Foster
Nominee's Unit: Payroll Operations
Criteria: Demonstrates Commitment
Customer Service Example:
Rebecca is most deserving of this nomination for her effort and support of the BEARS Singapore operation.
They often have very complex and intricate needs and Rebecca is always willing to assist and accommodate.
In this particular instance they needed payroll data organized in a certain manner that required custom reports and pivots. Of course they needed this urgently. Rebecca worked her reporting and excel magic and provided the information to the team in 24 hours.
Rebecca is committed to service and this is just one example that exemplifies it! Thank you Rebecca.
Nominee's Name: Diane Howe
Nominee's Unit: ERSO - CSS Research Support Org
Criteria: Problem Solver
Customer Service Example:
Jacobs Hall had an urgent request to pay via bluCard with less that 8 hours notice. We spent a lot of time negotiating a discount and forgot to add ERSO to the conversation.
Diane is a problem-solver who always goes above and beyond the call of duty. She is a team leader who encourages her unit to be team players.
Her continued demonstration to commitment contributes to Jacobs Hall success and the mission of UC Berkeley. Thank you!
Nominee's Name: Steven Quach
Nominee's Unit: ERSO - CSS Research Support Org
Criteria: Team Player
Customer Service Example:
Jacobs Hall had an urgent request for bluCard payment with less than 8 hours notice. We spent a lot of time negotiating a discount and forgot to include ERSO in the conversation.
Steven Quach was very instrumental in helping Jacobs Hall get the invoice paid before the deadline. Steven is also a problem-solver who utilized his team player skills in getting his entire team to help with this request.
Steven's ongoing demonstrated commitment to Jacobs Hall & UC Berkeley's mission in the past and present has been very valuable.
Thank you!
Nominee's Name: Alice Wong
Nominee's Unit: ERSO - CSS Research Support Org
Criteria: Demonstrates Commitment
Customer Service Example:
Jacobs Hall had an urgent request for bluCard payment with less than 8 hours notice. We spent a lot of time negotiating a discount and forgot to include ERSO in the conversation.
Alice Wong was very instrumental in helping Jacobs all get the invoice paid before the deadline.
Alice is also a problem-solver who utilized her team player skills in getting her entire team to help with this request.
Alice's ongoing demonstrated commitment to Jacobs Hall & UC Berkeley's mission in the past and present has been very valuable.
Thank you!
Nominee's Name: Michael Banderas
Nominee's Unit: ERSO - CSS Research Support Org
Criteria: Team Player
Customer Service Example:
Jacobs Hall had an urgent request for bluCard payment with less than 8 hours notice. We spent a lot of time negotiating a discount and forgot to include ERSO in the conversation.
Michael was very instrumental in helping Jacobs Hall get the invoice paid before the deadline. He is also a problem-solver who utilized his team player skills in getting his entire team to help with this request.
Michael's ongoing demonstrated commitment to Jacobs Hall & UC Berkeley's mission in the past and present has been very valuable.
Thank you!
Nominee's Name: Leslie Goldstein
Nominee's Unit: ERSO-RA
Criteria: Above & Beyond
Customer Service Example:
This salute is to recognize the above and beyond contribution of Leslie Goldstein. Recently I was asked to provide detailed data for a project the Dean of Engineering was working on.
The data needed was intricate and specific. I discussed the need with Leslie and she immediately went to work. Along the way she was patient while answering my many questions.
Her understanding of our systems and sense of urgency was a huge asset to me and the Dean.
Thank you Leslie!
Nominee's Name: Diane Howe
Nominee's Unit: B & FS
Criteria: Above & Beyond
Customer Service Example:
Diane has gone WAY above and beyond for her efforts in reviewing over 15 complex (international) travel reimbursements for one traveler whom had very unique circumstances over a one year period. I cannot stress enough how complicated these reimbursements are and to the degree Diane had to dive into the details to complete such a thorough review. If I had to estimate, she has devoted over 32 hours to this project, including on her weekends. Receipts in various foreign languages, currency conversions, and incompleteness are just a few of the barriers that Diane tackled with ease and enthusiasm. Finally, I really appreciate Diane’s patience to explain her finding to me. Great job, Diane!
Nominee's Name: Diane Howe
Nominee's Unit: Travel & Entertainment
Criteria: Anticipates Customer Needs
Customer Service Example:
With all the commotion at CSS-4th Street and the move to the 3rd floor, for the T & E unit, a huge thank you and sigh of relief goes to to Diane Howe for her foresight and generosity. I was amazed to learn she not only packed and moved her own cubicle, Diane also packed and moved 3 others: ERSO's hotel cube, Cynthia Weekley's and Jennifer Stone's CSS offices.
My task of packing the hotel cube vanished, as if by magic, saving me a lot of time. Really, it was Diane's magical self I'm grateful for.