Spring 2019 Gorlok Greats Recipients Announced

 

The Gorlok Greats Award recognizes staff members whose achievements, whether an individual act or sustained effort of exemplary service, relate to Webster University strategies and support the University's values and mission.

This spring the Webster Staff Alliance received nearly 40 nominations for this distinguished award and a dedicated committee selected six exceptional employees from across the Webster Network.

Check out the Gorlok Greats website to find out more about the program and next nomination period.

Join us in congratulating this fall’s Gorlok Greats award winners:

Michele Boesch

Coordinator, Academic Affairs, Webster Groves

Nominated in recognition of: Consistently providing high quality, reliable and critical work that, if undone, would halt highly visible operations.

Michele’s work with coordinating the Graduate Council and personally reviewing the majority of graduate petitions received by students at Webster are pivotal to graduate student operations. “Michele is a long-term employee who continues to be highly engaged in her work. She has two critical responsibilities, that without her attention, would bring our systems to a halt,” described one of Michele’s nominators. Another nominator commented, “She is my go to person when I have a question and I have nothing but extreme appreciation for all she does.”

Tyann Cherry

Manager Operations and Faculty Support for the Online Learning Center

Nominated in recognition of: Positively influencing others in working towards departmental or organizational objectives

“I am consistently amazed and pleased with the cheerful assistance, information, and training that Tyann provides. She goes out of her way to do an excellent job, and does all of it with a great attitude. She makes a huge difference to all she comes in contact with and as a result, we perform better at our jobs here and that impacts not just employees, but spreads to all our students,” explained one of Tyann’s nominator. Another shared, “Tyann is simply phenomenal. She is an expert at her field, a Webster treasure, and a great example of a truly committed university citizens.”

Benjamin Fasching-Gray

Librarian, Vienna

Nominated in recognition of: valuable contribution to the university’s mission, values, and goals

There are multiple people who appreciate Benjamin’s contributions to Webster. One nominator stated, “His research and problem-solving skills make Webster University Libraries run smoother.” Another shared, “[he] keeps the library open and running, keeps on top of an ever-growing workload; answers colleagues' request and calls for help immediately and all the while never forgets about the library's main raison d'etre: providing for the information needs of our students and faculty.”

An additional nominator remarked, “The time and energy he puts towards the common goal helps me accomplish my portion of the team work without the extra effort one might expect working with a library based so far away.”

Bethany Keller

Assistant Director, Multicultural Center & Intl Student Affairs, Webster Groves

Nominated in recognition of: Consistently providing high quality, reliable and critical work that, if undone, would halt highly visible operations

Multiple nominators can tell you of Bethany’s impact on Webster. One shared, “Her dedication to international students' success is remarkable and her leadership provided as adviser of an active International Student Organization in unparalleled… Students see her as reliable, helpful, and keenly attentive to their needs.

These are vital attributes for someone working with student far away from home in a possibly uncomfortable new environment. Few realize the impact on those students should those traits disappear.” Another described, “I will call her Mum. She's made every international student I know feel at home.”

Deborah Straubinger

Community Relations Coordinator, Orlando Metropolitan

Nominated in recognition of: valuable contribution to the university’s mission, values, and goals

Deborah’s nominator noted, “Her connections with the city have allowed us to…create meaningful partnerships with local organizations like SHRM, Central Florida Urban League and One Heart for Women & Children. She works with our local alumni to present workshops and share their Webster story to inspire and mentor our students as they start their careers… She is a champion for our students with a tireless commitment to our students’ success. Through many changes in leadership, Deborah has made a difference at Webster, exemplified the mission of the university, and has positively impacted the faculty, staff and students.”

Kristinn Wise

Assistant Director, Andrews Air Force Base

Nominated in recognition of: Positively influencing others in working towards departmental or organizational objectives

“Kristinn routinely volunteers to take on any tasks to fulfill a need within our region or within the OLC/Military to better assist Webster overall. Her enthusiasm and can do attitude is contagious with others and they enjoy working on her team.” Her nominator went on to share that Kristinn has taken on additional responsibilities over the last year, including: working with the MD state approval agency to ensure that Webster is following state guidelines, scheduling WebNet+ courses in the region, and training department associates who mirror her positivity for Webster.

Spring 2019 Gorlok Greats Nominees

While there are only six Gorlok Greats Award winners each semester, Webster would like to recognize all of the extraordinary nominees. It's clear that Webster University has an abundance of incredible employees!

• Teresa Barnes
• Petra Bocus-Thurn
• Lucy Bodet
• Karen Burch
• Amy Carroll
• Gerald Crutchfield
• Thao Dang-Williams
• Jay Davis
• Alexandra Deubner
• Deidree Dino
• Gundi Esslinger
• Olivia Haupt
• David Heil
• Joel Hornes
• Verena Karlsson
• Dorothy Kishbaugh
• Allison Labaali
• Joe LaMonica
• Elissa Marsh
• Julie McHugh
• Mouhanad Mourad
• Sharon Murchison
• Kate Pitman
• Joshua Ray
• Samantha Simmons
• Ethan Smith
• Deanna Snowden
• David Stephens
• Betsye Stinson
• Maja Tepeh
• Adam Troldahl
• Keirsten Tully
• Jordan Wienke