Long-time VCAPP employee, Rebecca (Becky) Morton was named as a recipient of the Washington State University Employee Excellence Award for 2009.  The award, which will be presented at the annual WSU Showcase Event on March 27, is given to civil service and administrative professional staff members to recognize outstanding contributions in "productivity of the unit, innovative problem solving, positive working relations, and community service."  Becky has always been a leader in each of these areas, and receiving this honor is verification of the great job she does for the department and the university.

In the numerous nominations the award's selection committee received for Becky, she was described as the genuine "go-to" person in VCAPP.  She was also commended by faculty, technicians and fellow staff members as one who can anticipate needs and solve problems even before they arise.  Whenever there is a problem in any area of the department, Becky is the one who is first in line to help.

Becky's coordination of people and projects and her ability to bring her team on board for any given assignment all testify to her exceptional working relationships.  Becky is also generous with her abilities far beyond her job expectations.  Her knowledge and skills in working with international students and assisting them with visas is rare experience other departments have often sought.  Becky willingly shares her expertise and knowledge whenever she is asked.  Becky has also been a gracious hostess of many VCAPP events.  She will donate her time, her home and often does so at her own expense.  She put together last year's (Dec. 2008) departmental Christmas open house, and she also invited a group of foreign students to her home for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner (Nov. 2008).  Students were told not to bring anything but just come and enjoy the food, experience and the company.  It was her hope to give international students not only a place to go for the holiday, but a new appreciation for this truly American cultural event and an appreciation of our traditional holiday food.  She also gave international students a chance to mingle, get to know one another and feel more at home with others in the department.

Although much more could be written about Becky's experience, talents, skills and  personal attributes, The Department of VCAPP is proud to have this wonderful young woman in command of so many important areas to know that we have one of the best!