Three Marquette faculty and staff members received the 2004 Marquette University Excellence in Service Award Thursday for their willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty.
Rose Richard, College of Communication assistant dean, Barb Alioto, College of Nursing office assistant and special projects director and Athel Griffin, custodian, were honored for their exceptional work serving the university.
After University President the Rev. Robert A. Wild gave an opening speech, University Provost Madeline Wake presented the first award to Alioto for her work and help on special projects like grant proposals. Alioto clearly remembered when she was notified of her acceptance.
Wake, former dean of the College of Nursing, applauded Alioto's willingness to help with problems and meeting deadlines for grant proposals.
In her speech's conclusion, Wake called Alitoto the "College of Nursing's guardian angel."
Alioto could barely form the words to say how happy and grateful she was for the award.
"It's thrilling, it really is," Alioto said. "Sometimes you think the work you do and the extra work you put in aren't recognized, but the faculty and administrators are appreciative."
Griffin was recognized for her hard work and cheery attitude. Greg Kleibhan, university senior vice president, read some of the comments from various people on campus said about her, including one that said, "when she walks into the office, the place starts to smell better."
Griffin did not make a speech. Instead she walked on stage and said, "God bless you. Thank you." As she walked back to her seat, she gave two thumbs up to everyone.
Her son, Travis Griffin, was her escort at the ceremony and said he was not surprised his mother did not make a speech.
"She works so hard and she doesn't want a lot of attention," he said. "A lot of people recognize her as a good worker, a quality worker, and they appreciate her."
Rose Richard, assistant dean of the College of Communication, was the final award recipient this year.
She was recognized for her work as an adviser — even going so far as to take a student into her home — and for working for four deans in the college.
"It's so special because you're being recognized by your peers," Richard said. "They really know your work.
"They know your mistakes and your successes. And knowing all of that they still think you're worthy."
Richard said she was especially grateful to her students and College of Communication Dean Elliott for challenging and encouraging her.
According to Brigid O'Brien, director of University Communication, the award is given yearly to two support staff members and one administrator.
Faculty and staff may nominate their peers and a selection committee makes the final decision.