Dec. 8, 2009

Professional Excellence Award Winners Named at DWU

Megan Mentzel

Dan Miller

MITCHELL — Dan Miller and Megan Mentzel are the winners of the Professional Excellence Awards for the first quarter at Dakota Wesleyan University.

Megan Mentzel, admissions counselor, is the staff winner. When an exchange student at DWU was rushed to hospitals in Mitchell and Sioux Falls after suffering a stroke, Mentzel contacted the agency in Ireland in order to inform his parents, went out of her way to assist the student and his family and spent countless hours with him at both hospitals. When his parents flew in, Mentzel had arranged funding for groceries, housing at the Ronald McDonald house and made trips to the airport and continued to check in on his progress.

One nomination letter stated: “In the admissions office, Megan is a consummate team player who supports efforts of other team members and is constantly aware of the ultimate goal – showing students we care and ensuring they have the best possible experience at DWU.”

Theatre director Dan Miller is the faculty winner. Miller’s creativity and leadership roles on and off the stage contributed toward his nomination. Miller is incredibly personable and accessible to the community. He was the instigator of the new Bachelor of Fine Arts program at DWU and worked hard to bring the idea to fruition. He also put in numerous man hours in the planning and execution of the Founders’ Convocation and Patrons’ Banquet during Blue & White Days and the DWU float in the Parade of Lights – and did it all with a can-do, positive attitude.

“Dan is a model of servant leadership,” states one nomination. “He puts service to the university ahead of his own personal aspirations and he is constantly willing to work with students, faculty and the administration to create exceptional theatrical experiences for the entire community.”

The Professional Excellence Award is given three times a year to a faculty and staff member. The quarterly winners are then considered for the year-end awards for faculty and staff.

Winners are given campus recognition and a gift certificate. The award recognizes employees for “outstanding service, for exemplary commitment to the university and for making a difference in the lives of students.”

The DWU Employee Recognition Committee selects the quarterly winners from nominations submitted by faculty, staff members and students.