3 ‘Outstanding Employees’ recognized

Purdue University Calumet recently recognized three staff members as Outstanding Employees of 2007-08. Colleen Robison of Crown Point was named Outstanding Administrator; Deborah Johnson of Crete, Ill., Outstanding Service Staff Employee; and Debra Grant of Hobart, Outstanding Clerical Staff Employee.

Colleen Robison w/ Chancellor Cohen

Robison, as associate director of staff training within the Office of Human Resources, has used technological savvy to solve problems creatively, capture data and streamline work processes, according to her supervisor, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Human Resources Mary Beth Rincon. Robison also has played a critical liaison role with Purdue’s West Lafayette campus in a Purdue-wide initiative of implementing a new computerized records and data system, OnePurdue. Additionally, she has developed content and delivered training for Purdue Calumet’s award-winning, supervisor training program, Supervise for Success.

“She has worked to develop a culture where supervisors understand what is expected, and they are measured by those expectations,” Rincon said about the 13-yearemployee. “She has worked to make others successful through her training facilitation, committee work and customer interactions. I wish we had at least 10 more Colleens on campus.”

Robison called the award “one of the highlights of my career… I love my job, I love the department I work in, I have an awesome boss, and I am surrounded by wonderful people. Working in that kind of environment makes it easy to be successful!”

Deborah Johnson w/ Chancellor Cohen

Johnson, as demonstration assistant within the Department of Biological Sciences, has been called “clearly, the ‘go-to person’ in our department with respect to getting good science done on a limited budget,” Department Head Michael Henson said, adding that students and faculty can rely on (her) because of “her ability to produce quality results while using the resources at hand.”

A Purdue Calumet employee since 1996, Johnson has been praised by nominators for her professionalism, efficiency, dedication, outstanding judgment and as a role model for students.

“I am proud to work for an organization that takes the time and effort to recognize employees who are striving to achieve excellence,” she said. “It makes my job more enjoyable to be rewarded for my efforts.”

Debra Grant w/ Chancellor Cohen

Grant serves as secretary for the Department of Biological Sciences. Her nominators cited her customer service skills; resourcefulness; attention to detail; ability to interact effectively with students; and her exhaustive knowledge of university policies, procedures and regulations.

“Debbie is very much the face of our department,” Henson said. “Her outstanding interpersonal skills and cheerful demeanor project the departmental image for which we strive.”

The nearly 13-year employee said she is “thrilled and honored to receive the Outstanding Clerical Employee Award. Such honors acknowledge employees’ efforts and encourage us to strive for excellence.”

News Release Date: June 13, 2008