Outstanding Staff Awards
Eight Baylor staff members are recipients of the 2015 Outstanding Staff Awards, nominated by Baylor faculty and staff for their exceptional service to the University. Nominees are selected in three categories and must have been employed at Baylor for at least one year.
The awards recognize staff members who have accomplished exceptional achievement in their respective job assignments, support the fulfillment of the University's mission and contribute through service at Baylor, the community and the church. Outstanding Staff Award winners receive recognition at the Spring Staff Forum, a plaque commemorating the honor and a monetary gift, and they are invited to participate in the Homecoming Parade.
At the Spring Staff Forum, each award winner was introduced with a description of his or her exceptional service to Baylor and its students. BaylorNews asked the recipients to share their thoughts about Baylor.
EXECUTIVE / ADMINISTRATIVE / MANAGEMENT
Andrea Baker
Assistant to the Dean
Robbins College of Health and Human Sciences
6 years at Baylor
Andrea Baker has been an invaluable resource this past year in both the School of Education and the College of Health and Human Sciences, continuing her role as graduate coordinator for the former while coordinating the Implementation Team Committee for the latter.
Finish the sentence: Baylor is ________.
The best place to work. I always look forward to coming to work, seeing the students and my co-workers.
What do you find most rewarding in your work at Baylor?
I find helping all the departments in Robbins College the most rewarding thing I do. I work with so many great people.
What scriptures or words of wisdom would you share with campus colleagues?
Philippians 4:13 — I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.
Christi Klempnauer
Administrative Coordinator
Armstrong Browning Library
13 years at Baylor
Many words are used to describe Christi Klempnauer, including thoughtful, caring, considerate, dedicated, generous, witty and energetic. Credited with keeping Armstrong Browning Library running smoothly, she is skilled at planning, organizing and keeping meticulous records.
What is your fondest memory of your time as a Baylor employee?
I have many fond memories as a Baylor employee; it would be impossible to choose just one. These memories include Pigskin, Sing, athletic events, Diadeloso, activities at the library, meeting new students and visitors, the graduation of my two children and then graduating myself.
If you could go back in time to attend any academic or athletic Baylor event, which would you choose?
The last football game at Floyd Casey Stadium. It was a wonderful experience to watch the Bears win the Big 12 championship and the lights go out one final time. Even though we were absolutely freezing, the warm feeling of the crowd and the event was amazing.
PROFESSIONAL
Randy Hall
Physics Lab Manager
College of Arts and Sciences
6 years at Baylor
Described as a true goodwill ambassador, Randy Hall is one of the physics department's most popular instructors and previously was honored as an Outstanding Professor by the University's student-athletes. He is working with the School of Education to develop a physics concentration, and he works with CASPER on software development projects during the summer.
Finish the sentence: Baylor is ________.
Home. It's where I met my wife of 44 years, who marched next to me in the Golden Wave Band. It's where I learned to think outside the box in the physics department, where I learned to think logically in the mathematics department, and where — again in the physics department — I was introduced to the elements of computer programming, on which I based my efforts for the bulk of my career.
What is your fondest memory of your time as a Baylor employee?
When I was inadvertently able to help a student who had been in one of my AP calculus classes when I taught high school. I heard from another source that the student was struggling in one of our physics courses. Upon contacting the student, I was able to work on some problems with the student and essentially restore the student's confidence. The student made an A in the course.
Viola Osborn
Director for Information Analysis and Planning
College of Arts and Sciences
14 years at Baylor
Called a hidden gem by colleagues, Viola Osborn works mostly behind the scenes and affects the ability of Baylor's faculty and staff to work in a setting conducive to learning in a Christian environment. She has volunteered at Compassion Ministries since 2004 and faithfully serves every Thursday night.
What do you find most rewarding in your work at Baylor?
Most of my work is behind the scenes in the dean's office, but I remember being in the right place at the right time when I have been involved in helping a student find the right people with whom to talk to resolve a scheduling issue so the student could graduate on time or handle a traumatic experience in the student's life.
If you could go back in time to attend any academic or athletic Baylor event, which would you choose?
I would go back to my undergraduate classes at Baylor — Dr. Wallace Daniel's Western Civilization class, Professor Rachel Moore's English literature class, and Dr. Robert Baird's introduction to philosophy class. I remember discussions in these classes; but more than this, I remember the effect that these people had on me as a young person.
Beverly Warlick
Office Manager
Campus Recreation
20 years at Baylor
Beverly Warlick sadly passed away in December 2014. She was beloved by students, her colleagues, the entire division of Student Life and countless others across campus. Warlick was diagnosed with cervical cancer in April 2014. Yet, her posture was simple and resolute. "I can go home and be there during this, or I can go to the Student Life Center, do my work and impact students' lives," she said.
With grateful thanks, Warlick whole-heartedly embraced the latter choice. She endured eight rounds of chemotherapy, wore wigs and cute caps with lots of "bling" and remained as joyful and warm to others as ever before. Her courage through this physical affliction was a testament to her deep Christian faith, which served to inspire countless individuals.
"She was always willing to offer guidance and go the extra mile to get students approved and eligible for work," one colleague said. "Without her kindness and willingness to network with the departments, our jobs could be a great deal more difficult."
CLERICAL / TECHNICAL / PARAPROFESSIONAL / MAINTENANCE
Courtney DePalma
Program Coordinator
Honors Residential College
4 years at Baylor
Courtney DePalma manages the application process for incoming students seeking to live within the Honors Residential College as well as current students who want to return for additional years. She is described as the glue that holds everything together in the Honors Residential College.
DePalma was unable to answer our questions due to maternity leave. Here is what students said about her:
"I have been blessed by her kind heart and spirit for the past four years while living in the Honors Residential College. She was the face of Baylor for me as an incoming freshman."
"She is organized and diligent, and most importantly to me, she is real and authentic. She tangibly carries out the mission of the HRC, providing us opportunities to learn, discuss and grow spiritually together."
"Courtney is always graceful and incredibly kind, even in the most stressful situations. She goes above and beyond in every way possible and makes the HRC a wonderful community in which to live and work."
Ann Garner
Administrative Assistant
Brooks Village
7 years at Baylor
Ann Garner is a model example of what it means to educate for worldwide leadership and service through the integration of academic excellence and Christian commitment within a caring community. Students describe her as understanding, humble, passionate and friendly.
Finish the sentence: Baylor is ________.
More fun this time. I graduated from Baylor in 1971. I received a good education and had some good times. But working with students at Brooks College has been so much more authentic — honestly spoken, more laughter, more hugs and more life wisdom received than any previous experiences at Baylor.
If you could go back in time to attend any academic or athletic Baylor event, which would you choose?
I would love to have heard Samuel Palmer Brooks speak. His legacy fascinates and inspires me.
Katy Wiswall
Financial and Grants Manager
School of Education
15 years at Baylor
Katy Wiswall continually goes above and beyond what is expected or required for her position. She has done several staff training sessions, creating training documents on policies and procedures. Colleagues describe her as the main resource regarding financial matters for department and School of Education leadership.
What do you find most rewarding in your work at Baylor?
That I am helping make a difference in people's lives, both now and in the future. I have the joy and privilege of working with several of our graduate and undergraduate candidates when training help is needed on Baylor financial policies and procedures. I am blessed to visit with and learn more of their stories, encourage them to stay resolved and find joy and humor in the little things.
What words of wisdom would you share with campus colleagues?
Do not be discouraged by the trials or calamities that befall you. Remember that God is good, and he does not change. Circumstances in life go up and down, but the love of God is never failing.
BaylorPLUS Award
Jon Capron
Track and Field Assistant Head Coach
Jon Capron received the 2014 BaylorPLUS Award during the Spring Staff Forum. In his 12th season as Baylor Track and Field assistant head coach, Capron was honored as an example of service to the Baylor family.
Affectionately known as "Coach Cap," he handles Baylor's men's cross country team, of which he was a four-year member in the early 2000s. He also works with the track team's distance runners and intermediate hurdlers. However, his value reaches far beyond his coaching duties.
Last year, one student-athlete, the day after arriving at Baylor, learned that a close family relative suffered an unexpected and rapidly debilitating illness. When the student-athlete's father informed Capron that the family member would likely pass away within the hour, Capron immediately reached out to comfort the student-athlete. He also helped ensure the student-athlete was able to attend the funeral and return for school. When the student-athlete landed in Waco upon return, Capron and the entire team was there to greet him.
The BaylorPLUS Award recognizes individuals who provide "above and beyond" service at Baylor. These moments of exceptional service are submitted on the Human Resources website by faculty, staff, parents and students throughout the year.