May 17, 2010

Professional Excellence Award Winners Named at DWU for third quarter

Jeanne Krome and Mark Halling pose with DWU President Bob Duffett after they accept their certificates. Krome won the third quarter Professional Excellence Award for staff and Halling received the honor for faculty.

MITCHELL — Mark Halling and Jeanne Krome are the winners of the Professional Excellence Awards for the third quarter at Dakota Wesleyan University.

Halling, assistant professor and department chairman of education, is said to have made “heroic efforts in the education department this year.” This is his first year at DWU.

“Mark has created a more cohesive and unified education department,” quoted one nomination. “He gives sound direction to the faculty in his department, and he promotes teamwork by making himself available for the other members of his college and the university as a whole, such as by serving as secretary for the College of Leadership and Public Service.”

It was also said, “Moreover, his love for education springs from his Christian faith, which goes before him like a light. His presence has become welcome to all those around him, and while constantly getting the job done, he personalizes the institution with his welcoming humility and engaging personality.”

Krome, an administrative assistant to the nursing department, was nominated because of her ability to take on multiple tasks and communicate proficiently throughout her department.

“Jeanne has a caring, kind nature and is willing to help our students in any way that she can,” one recommendation stated.

Krome also volunteers in her community by reading to students, serving at the Love Feast and delivering Meals on Wheels.

“She does this very demanding work in a very thorough and competent manner. She always has a smile on her face, and you can depend on her to help you with anything even though she may be very busy.”

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.