Pamela Agoyo, Linda McCormick and Joel Straquadine will receive the university’s highest honor for staff, the Gerald W. May Staff Recognition Award, at a public ceremony Thursday, Dec. 15, from 3:30-5 p.m. in the Student Union, ballroom C.
Agoyo, director of American Indian Student Services, provides a nurturing environment for Native American students while fostering the university’s relationship with tribal leaders. She contributed to the success of this year’s Tribal Summit and is credited for starting the first Alpha Pi Omega Native American Sorority on the UNM campus.
Agoyo plays a key role in the Miss Indian World pageantry and also established a trust fund for the American Indian Summer Bridge Program. She is an active member of the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators. “She challenges and empowers each student to push themselves,” a nominator wrote.
Under the leadership of McCormick, resource conservation manager for the Risk, Safety and Environmental Affairs Department, UNM has been recognized by the city and state for recycling efforts. Respected by colleagues and employees, she came to UNM as the first pollution prevention specialist and is the first to hold her current title. Among her innovations is a cost savings through funding alternative disposal sources for gas cylinders.
McCormick attended UNM’s Management Academy while completing a master’s in occupational safety management. She fosters diversity and is mastering Spanish in order to communicate safety information to non-English speakers.
Straquadine, facility maintenance manager for the Physical Plant Department, during the 2004 winter break, served as first-responder, disaster recovery director and claims settlement coordinator for one of the most costly disasters to befall the university. He expertly and humanely resolved a water pipe rupture affecting five buildings, including Centennial Library.
He also serves as “ambassador extraordinaire” in the UNM community, a nominator wrote, coaching 18 Little League teams during a 10-year span. He helped install computer networks in disadvantaged schools and is principle organizer of the PPD’s United Way barbeques. He also led the recent Hurricane Relief Lunch.
“Joel embodies what the May awards signify,” a nominator wrote.
Recipients will receive an inscribed plaque and $500. The three were selected by President Louis Caldera following a screening process conducted by the Staff Council Rewards and Recognition Committee. 73 nominations were received. Peers, supervisors, students, faculty and others nominated the employees for outstanding service and effective and positive representation of UNM, among other criteria.
Contact: Laurie Mellas, (505) 277-5915; e-mail: lmellas@unm.edu