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East Bank B&G Worker Chris Clark To Receive President's Award

Chris Clark

Folwell Hall B&G Worker Chris Clark will be recognized by U of M President Robert Bruininks on Monday, June 8, at Eastcliff with the President's Award for Outstanding Service. Established in 1997 to acknowledge faculty and staff who have provided exceptional service to the University, the award is presented each Spring. It honors active or retired faculty or staff members who have gone well beyond their regular duties and demonstrated an unusual commitment to the University community.

"FM is proud that Chris's accomplishments have been recognized by President Bruininks," commented Associate Vice President Mike Berthelsen. "His work ethic embodies one of FM's core values -- customer-focused service -- which helped him earn this award. Vice President O'Brien and I appreciate the hard work Chris does every day."

An employee of the university since 2002, Clark was nominated by a group of customers in Folwell Hall led by Spanish Professor and Assistant Vice President for International Scholarship Carol A. Klee. The nomination stated that, "Folwell has truly become a much more pleasant place to work since Chris began to work here." (Read Klee's nomination letter)

Clark makes customer service a priority and believes in connecting with customers to better learn their needs.

"I work for FM, but I work with everybody here in the Spanish and Portuguese department," said Clark. "So, I learned early on that it’s probably better to let them know who I am and make myself visible. I try to say hello to everybody and notice the expression on their face. If somebody looks lost I'll ask if I can help them. It’s about going out of your way and being willing to help.”

Folwell Hall received the 2008 Beautiful Building Award under Clark's watch.

Clark's customer focus and friendliness obviously had a big impact on the Portuguese and Spanish Studies Department. Here are some comments they made when nominating him:

"Since Chris's arrival on the job, the entire atmosphere in which we work has improved tremendously."
- Joanna O'Connell, Associate Professor

"Chris is like a warm light in Folwell, bright and early in the morning, always with a smile to help us start the day."
- Meritxell Mondejar-Pont, Teaching Specialist

"It's surprising what a difference this attention to the building's appearance has on morale."
- Carol A. Klee, Professor

"I have seen him making sure the floor is clear and dry around the time a blind student is entering the building for class and also ensuring the snow is cleared from the ramp two individuals use for wheel chair access to our building."
- Nan Nelson, Graduate Program Assistant

"I have worked here in Folwell Hall for 18 years and it has never been cleaner and more taken care of."
- Monica Kenton, Senior Teaching Specialist

Clark is a great example of the value of Customer Service in FM. Customers spend a lot of money each year for B&G services and appreciate when they can count on efficiency, quality and a positive attitude.

We congratulate Chris on a job well done!