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Sue Ward: Staff Employee of the Year

The 2003 Outstanding Staff Employee of the Year is Sue Ward, administrative support assistant to University Housing and Food Service. Ward has been a member of the campus community for more than 16 years and has played a key role in the mission of the university.

Acknowledged as the “glue that holds the housing office together,” co-workers described Ward as “the nicest, most positive person on the planet,” “one of those special people you meet once in a lifetime and never forget.” Others said, “She treats everyone with respect. She is reliable and kind,” “Students, faculty, staff, and the community love her because of her positive attitude and willingness to help others,” “It’s one thing to have a great attitude; it is quite another to be able to encourage that trait in those around you.” Co-workers enjoy working with Ward because, they said, she “represents the university in the best light possible and makes the work day more pleasant,” “is tireless in her effort to create a work environment that is productive and humane,” “made me feel at home and a member of the university community from day one,” and “made me a better employee, as well as a better person.” And she does it all, one co-worker said, with a “cheery disposition and a calming, helpful voice.”

In addition to the support she provides for the assistant director of housing, Ward provides clerical assistance for seven professional staff and 51 resident advisors. As historian, collective memory, and in-house “expert,” Ward organizes the resident advisor selection process, the annual staff development retreat, the annual Scholastic Excellence Dinner, and the housing reunion every five years. She is the logician for staff training, creates calendars and marketing materials, arranges travel for prospective professional staff, and edits the in-hall newsletter, The Hall Street Journal. She is also involved in President’s Scholarship Day, Fall Preview Day, and Welcome Week.

For students, Ward is the surrogate mom of the housing office, remembering everyone’s birthday with a homemade cake and celebrating holidays with seasonal gifts.

Ward’s service outside the housing community includes involvement with Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, University Needy Children’s Program, Student Affairs Professional Development Committee, Friends of Animals, and a past Staff Council member.

One of Ward’s supporters stated, “Sue embodies those qualities that make Chico State special: friendliness and community.” Another was reminded of what Henry Ward Beecher said: “There are persons so thoughtful, so considerate, so kind that you instinctively feel that they do you good.” Sue is that person. The campus is a better place because of her.