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Diane Jepsen, Accountant, Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology, Stephen Mahoney, Greenhouse Manager, Department of Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology, and Kelly Yohnke, Administrative Specialist, Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, have each received a 2015 Professional & Scientific Excellence award.
They will be recognized at the Liberal Arts and Sciences Fall Convocation and Awards Ceremony on Thursday, September 10, at 3:30 p.m. in the Sun Room of the Memorial Union.
Professional & Scientific Excellence Recognizes and honors professional and scientific employees who have achieved excellence in their respective fields:
• Diane Jepsen, Accountant, Department of Genetics, Development and Cell Biology. Jepsen joined the GDCB Department at a time of reduced budget and staff size but increased service needs. Although originally hired as an accountant for department purchasing, she has assumed additional duties ranging from sponsored research project budgeting to satellite office management. Jepsen flawlessly executes all her duties for the department and never ceases to improve her own skills to better serve the department. She is always helpful and cheerful. True heroes like Jepsen work behind the scene, but it is time we invite her to the spotlight and recognize her contributions.
• Stephen Mahoney, Greenhouse Manager, Department of Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology. Mahoney has been the Greenhouse Manager for the Bessey Greenhouse/Richard W. Pohl Conservatory since 1980. He is responsible for one of the most diverse greenhouses in the Midwest. He approaches his work with passion and excellence, being sure that the plant materials for research and teaching are kept in excellent condition. But beyond this necessary role, he also makes the Greenhouse a showplace for visitors, provides tours for students and the public, and informally teaches others and answers questions about managing a large, diverse greenhouse.
• Kelly Yohnke, Administrative Specialist, Roy J. Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology. Yohnke is an outstanding employee in whom reliability and responsibility are intrinsic character traits. She has managed fiscal/HR issues of the department through budget cuts and has exemplified what it means to step up to the plate to get the job done even when it isn’t her responsibility. As one faculty member noted, “If she were to suddenly disappear, every person in the department would face months, and perhaps years of hardship…… Her hard work may or may not be recognized by the institution, but it is appreciated by the professors who rely on her steadfast services and attention to detail.”See all 2015 faculty and staff awards.