(From MU Newsletter)

Diane Williams, Coordinator of College H.E.L.P. program, has been named the 2009 Marshall University Employee of the Year. Her selection was announced at the Service Awards Luncheon on June 2 where she was presented a plaque and a cash award by President Stephen J. Kopp.

An employee for nearly 20 years, Williams was originally nominated by Lynne Weston, Director of H.E.L.P., Renna Moore, Administrative Assistant, and Diana Porter, H.E.L.P. Business Manager.

Williams received high accolades from the nominators for her versatility, dedication to her duties and to the students, and her willingness to tackle any job, no matter how small.  In her nomination Weston wrote, “Her job entails supervising at least 35 graduate assistants as well as 200 college students and various other personnel…but she involves herself in all aspects of H.E.L.P…. She is willing to do the menial jobs such as trips for supplies, fixing anything that doesn’t work and even printing the H.E.L.P. newsletter. She not only helps but does an excellent job in all that she endeavors. The H.E.L.P. program has received many blessings through the years and Diane Williams is certainly one of them. She has contributed to our vision and mission in many different ways.”

Moore noted that Williams is often found in the office well before and after normal working hours. “Among her peers, Diane is recognized as the consummate professional. She not only does her job to the best of her ability but goes above and beyond what is expected of her….She is the well-qualified mediator that most students would want to speak on their behalf…Diane is extraordinarily gifted with talent and intelligence. She is very knowledgeable and blessed with a compassionate spirit.”

Porter characterizes Williams as a self-starter who willingly adds duties and takes on more responsibilities each year. Porter says she regularly manages a myriad of duties with efficiency, patience and good humor. “Diane is virtually indispensable to the H.E.L.P. program. Even unasked she thinks of what needs to be done and the next thing you know it is a fait accompli.” And no task is too small for her to tackle, she says. “Diane repairs whatever is broken in the building—copiers, computers, staplers, paper cutters-- even the water cooler! She gets functions organized and makes sure that they go according to plan…What would we do without Diane Williams? I do not know and hope we do not have to find out.”