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The University of New Mexico

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Media Contact: Sari Krosinsky, 277-1593, michal@unm.edu

November 26, 2007

Three UNM staff honored for exceptional service

Three will receive the University of New Mexico’s top honor for staff, the Gerald W. May Award, during a ceremony on Thursday, Dec. 6, at 4 p.m. in the Student Union Building, ballroom C.

The UNM Staff Council Rewards and Recognition Committee organizes the annual awards. President David Schmidly made the final award selections and will honor the individuals, followed by a reception for recipients, family and friends.

The 2007 honorees:

Jennifer George, department administrator, Department of Anthropology
“Jennifer is a model of courtesy, willingness to help and a fine ambassador for UNM,” said nominator Jane Slaughter, professor of history. In addition to her regular administrative duties, George has provided support for five faculty searches in the three years she has worked at the department. Soon after joining anthropology, she took the initiative to give its physical space a friendlier atmosphere, adding seating to public spaces to encourage informal faculty and student interaction. When the basement of the Anthropology building flooded in August, “Jennifer stood up to the plate and organized the rescue effort,” said nominator Jane Lancaster, professor of anthropology.

Mark Manzutto, remodeling manager, Physical Plant Department
“Mark is a fearless project administrator who never loses his passion for satisfying the customer,” said nominator Andrew Cullen, associate vice president for budget, planning and analysis. Several nominators praised Manzutto for working collaboratively with departments to meet their remodeling needs on budget and on time, and for his diligence in enforcing strict performance standards. As a supervisor, he stresses teamwork and efficiency. “We have a very unique group, always working together,” said nominator Cathie Behrens Smith, operations specialist.

Theresa Nevada, assistant to dean, University College
“Theresa Nevada is the voice, the face, the counselor, the advisor and the spokesperson for University College,” said nominator Peter White, dean of University College. When students come to her with problems, he said, “she calms them down, she nurtures them, because she has had three children attend UNM, and she understands how frustrated young people can get with impersonal systems.” He added, “Any student success we have had through University College has as much to do with Theresa Nevada as it does with all the rest of the people working here combined, myself, of course, included.”


The University of New Mexico is the state's largest university, serving more than 32,000 students. UNM is home to the state's only schools of law, medicine, pharmacy and architecture and operates New Mexico's only academic health center. UNM is noted for comprehensive undergraduate programs and research that benefits the state and the nation.

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