Spotlight Staffers

IUPUI Staff Council Awareness Month

March 2007

 

In honor of Staff Council Awareness Month, we would like to honor six outstanding staff members, making a difference on campus and in their communities every day.  Each honoree will be featured on the Staff Council website and will receive a prize pack at the end of Awareness Month.  We encourage you to spread the word about these outstanding staffers among your colleagues and supervisors.  Please also think about sharing your own story of community involvement and inspiration for publication on the IUPUI Staff Council website.  Thank you and congratulations to our honorees!

 

 

 

Tenicia Nicole Manuel, UITS

For the past eight years Tenicia has been the coordinator for sponsoring a Christmas Family, which she looks forward to that each and every year. “There are so many people that need help during the holidays,” Tenicia says, “and over the years I meet a lot of different people.  With my help and the help of the staff here at UITS, we are able to put an unforgettable smile on their faces.” Tenicia now plans to volunteer throughout the year because, as she puts it, “people do need help on more then just the holidays!”

 

In addition to her annual Christmas commitments, Tenicia volunteers for the IUPUI Day of Caring.  Finally—and perhaps most remarkably—sponsors an annual New Year’s Eve “Parents’ Night Out” party for the children of her friends and family members, complete with games and prizes.  The IUPUI Staff Council salutes Tenicia Manuel for her continued commitment to the community and her creative approach to helping others.

 

 

Lillie Watkins, Nursing

Lillie believes that volunteering is a way of life.  Her community involvement is a testament to her philosophy.  Lillie:  

  • Volunteers as a receptionist at the Kingsway Community Care Center, a medical and dental clinic that her church founded. 
  • Is a frequent blood donor.
  • Volunteers for the 500 Festival Committee, distributing information and participating in the 500 Festival Parade. 
  • Volunteers at the Indiana State Museum every other month.
  • Volunteers with various church groups to staff concession stands at the RCA Dome.
  • Helps out during the Bands of America Regional Competition.

 

Lillie says she believes “it is wonderful to give time to help others.”  The IUPUI Staff Council agrees and applauds Lillie’s generosity and boundless energy. 

 

 

Brenda Meredith, Psychology

Brenda has been a full-time staff member in the psychology department for 10 years.  Her colleagues had this to say “She is selfless and gives to student, faculty, staff above and beyond.   She's been a continuous member of "IUPUI team" greeting and directing students on the first days of class.  She's been a member of the SOS staff council.  In the Community she supports the outreach for the Marion County Jail, Receiving Diagnostic Center, Women's Care Center, Plainfield Correction Center, Compassion Center, Soup Kitchen, Wheeler Mission, Lighthouse Mission.  Brenda volunteers as secretary to the Spirit of Lord Church, aids at the Children's Guardian Home;   helps in organizing the annual picnic for the homeless; assists shut-ins through St. Luke United Methodist.   When her 3 children were young she was soccer and cheer leading mom and Girl Scout leader for 8 years.   She currently participates in Race for the Cure, and is a member of the Moose Lodge and Indy Dancers.     This is the kind of people hired by IUPUI to be the support staff for the university.     Oh, and I forgot to mention Brenda tried to donate her kidney to her sister who has kidney disease, but wasn't a match and had to unwillingly withdraw.    Pleases highlight this very special person.”

 

The IUPUI Staff Council is pleased to honor Brenda’s selfless commitment to all those around her.

 

 

 

Carmen Buchanan, Engineering & Technology

Carmen is the Financial Assistant of Administration and Finance for the Purdue School of Engineering and Technology who took time out of her busy schedule last year in order to pursue training as a grief counselor.  Carmen, whose colleagues note has a “gift for helping people,” trained to become a volunteer hospice bereavement counselor, partaking in several sessions of observation and training.  Now, Carmen calls on people who have lost a loved one and helps share in their grief, offering encouragement and comfort during their hour of need.  The IUPUI Staff Council thanks Carmen for sharing her special gift with the community.

 

 

 

Dana T. Casey, Liberal Arts: World Languages & Cultures

Dana volunteers for:
- KLOVE radio, helping with administrative tasks and the annual pledge drive.
- The PourHouse, preparing fellow volunteers and distributing food, clothing, hygiene items, blankets, and books to the homeless during their annual Overflow event. 
- Shepherd Community Center, as a soccer coach.

- New Paradigm Christian church, as a vocalist on the Praise Team, a children’s ministry teacher, leader of the Missions Team, and  part of Colombia Mission Team 2007 going to serve at Mahanaim Mission in Baranquilla.

- All God’s Children’s Growth Group, making sandwiches for the homeless once a month.
- Urban Youth Workers Institute, serving on the host committee for the national RELOAD conference in Indy designed to refresh and educate urban youth workers.

And Dana does all of this, her impressed colleagues note, while raising three beautiful little girls and studying for her Master’s degree in Social Work.  The IUPUI Staff Council is pleased to acknowledge Dana’s outstanding contribution to the community, the campus, and her family.

Pam DeWeese, Medicine

Pam has a history of volunteer leadership in her community.  She is particularly devoted to children and pubic education.

  • She is a member of the Avon School Board.  Having served for 13 years, she has held all positions, including President of the Board. 
  • Pam recently founded the Avon Education Foundation, a not-for-profit organization devoted to expanding educational opportunity and financial support to the Avon public schools without tax dollars.  She currently serves as the Foundation’s first President.
  • Pam co-founded the Partners in Education Program, a group dedicated to providing parent volunteers within the middle school and high school during the school day.
  • Pam serves her church, the Avon United Methodist Church, as a member of the Finance committee. This is her 5th year on that committee.
  • Pam’s history of volunteer service to her community and its children includes having served as

             *   past president of the Avon Parent Teachers Organization

        *   a member of 2 Redistricting Committees for the Avon Schools and

             chairperson for one

        *   a member of Dollars for Scholars scholarship advisory committee

             *   a former Girl Scout leader.

In addition to service to her community, Mrs. DeWeese has a long history of service to IUPUI.  She has provided mentorship to numerous clinical research staff, spoken to large and small groups both locally and nationally regarding clinical research, and served on numerous campus-related committees.  The following are just a few examples: 

  • Clinical Research Strategic Planning Committee
  • Associate Dean Search Committee
  • Research Coordinators Education Program
  • HIPAA and Research Compliance Committee
  • Institutional Review Board (IRB) Task Forces

 

As a parent, Pam is a role-model for her daughters regarding the contributions women can make to their personal and professional communities.  So say those who know her: “Pam DeWeese is an example of someone who is ‘making a difference’ on many levels.”