Sue Martin-Zernicke, a university services program associate in the Department of Chemistry, is one of five members of the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s classified staff to receive a 2014 Classified Employee Recognition Award.
In his nomination, Lloyd Smith, professor of chemistry and director of the Genome Center of Wisconsin, says that Martin-Zernicke’s job responsibilities include coordinating faculty recruiting visits, teaching assistant assignments, graduate recruiting events and organizing the diversity action plan meeting. But, Smith adds, Martin-Zernicke goes well beyond her core job responsibilities.
“Sue deliberately works to ensure that the department is not just running smoothly, but that many facets of the chemistry department, both large and small, and the faculty, staff and students are successful in their careers and personal lives,” Smith says.
Dennis Reece, Martin-Zernicke’s supervisor, says she takes on additional responsibilities “with enthusiasm and works well under pressure. Sue goes beyond the pale when it comes to reliability, dedication, professionalism, and knowledge to get the job done.”
Martin-Zernicke says she was honored when she read the nomination by her colleagues, faculty and graduate students.
“Their kind words mean I am doing my job well … a goal I’ve always set for myself,” she says. “My position affords me the opportunity to work with amazing graduate students, brilliant and dedicated faculty and supportive peers and supervisors. I consider them friends as well as co-workers and I can truthfully say that I love my job.”
Martin-Zernicke and the rest of the recipients will be honored by Chancellor Rebecca Blank at a reception on Thursday, May 15 at Olin House. Read more about the rest of the winners in this story by University Communications.