1992: Peter Tuttle

Computer systems specialist Peter Tuttle of the Data Center has been named the 1992 recipient of the Amy J. Blue Award for staff excellence.

The award was presented by President Donald Kennedy on Friday, May 22, at Hoover House.

The award honors the memory of Assistant Vice President for Administrative Services Amy J. Blue, who died in 1988. It is accompanied by a $1,000 stipend, which the recipient may use to support expenses related to professional development activities of his or her choice.

In addition, the committee this year will present six “Amy” awards to “six wonderful people who make a difference” at Stanford, said Susan Schofield of the Office of the Vice President for Planning and Management, who served as c hair of the selection committee.

The “Amy” winners are:

Louise Addis, senior librarian at the Stanford Linear Accelerator Center. Addis, who has been at SLAC for 30 years, was named for “her major contributions to the life of the institution.” She was responsible for setting up SLAC’s library, considered the model for high-energy physics laboratories worldwide. She also was central to the development of SLAC’s computerized information retrieval system. Her willingness to help “throughout the day, late at night and on weekends” also was cited, “whether to assist a physicist searching for research data, an engineer seeking to understand new computer technology, a visiting scientist trying to make sense of a new environment or non-technical personnel in need of information.”

Nick Brunot, police sergeant in Stanford’s Department of Public Safety. Brunot has worked for Stanford for 26 years and has had particular charge of coordinating security for special events. He was named for “his commitment to Stanford and to people, and for exemplifying the concept of service to the community.” As an example of his dedication, “he goes back on the night-shift beat for the Stanford Police Department after giving untold hours in logistical planning and support, seven days a week, to each and every person who plans any kind of public event at Stanford.” In addition, Brunot has been instrumental in implementing important changes in record keeping, in the development of guidelines and policies within his areas of responsibility, and in the security training of students.

Mona Duggan, the administrator for programs and development in the Art Department. Duggan, who is termed “a beacon” by one faculty member and “our resident angel” by another, has been with the department for two decades. She was recognized for her extraordinary efforts in “fund raising and stewardship that have helped both the Art Department and the Stanford Museum move into new times when all faculty members are expected to be not only scholars and teachers but fund-raisers and grant-writers.” In addition, she supervises all graduate admission procedures, fellowship awards and academic record keeping, and is “the Mom, hand-holder, correspondent and provider for about 50 graduate students in any given year.”

Annie Edmonds, computer systems aide and secretary in the Psychology Department. Edmonds, who has worked for the department for more than 20 years, has been called “the heart and soul of the psychology department” and “the single greatest asset the department has on its secretarial staff.” She was cited for the organization and care she brings to everything, as well as for her willingness to take on extra responsibilities, her resourcefulness and her problem-solving skills. In addition, she was acknowledged for “maintaining staff morale in difficult times, helping new faculty learn the ropes, teaching students how to use the department’s computer system, and for her personal qualities of compassion, patience and the ability to laugh easily.”

Joyce Marsh, budget analyst in the Controller’s Office, which has among its responsibilities general accounting and budget control for all of the university. Marsh has a campuswide reputation for doing the difficult job of reconciling the budgets of many units – both academic and administrative – not only competently but cheerfully. She was honored for “her dedication, energy and resourcefulness, her willingness to go out of her way to help others, her ability to solve the difficult problems that surface within her unit, her skill in dealing with the odd or especially challenging issues that are referred to her by her colleagues, her understanding of university and research needs and priorities, and her excellent ideas on budget organization.”

Kristin Miscavage, trainer and consultant for the Network for Student Information. Miscavage has herself trained more than 600 Stanford staff members in how to use the NSI Prism files and “seems to remember everyone’s name.” She was cited for “her calm demeanor, her clear instructions (both written and oral), her unending patience, her wonderful disposition and her dedication to making NSI work.” In addition, “she always returns phone calls, always responds to e-mail, always goes the extra mile, and is unfailingly cheerful and knowledgeable. If, however rarely, she is stumped, she actually says she doesn’t know the answer, but makes it her business to find one. And she will actually visit your office and work through an issue with you.”

The 1992 selection committee for the Amy Blue awards included Robert C. Gregg, dean of the chapel; Lowell W. Price, Cabinet secretary, Planning and Management; Sally Mahoney, senior associate provost; Schofield; Margarita Tellez, transportation demand management coordinator, Transportation Programs; and Carol D. Vonder Linden, assistant dean, Provost’s Office/Research. The criteria for selection comprised dedication to accomplishment, commitment to people and enthusiasm.