Sacramento State will initiate a new Staff Recognition Program this month to honor the exceptional service and commitment its staff members offer to the university.

According to a letter published by Sac State President Alexander Gonzalez's office, the program will give students, staff, faculty and other Sac State community members the opportunity to nominate a staff member they feel grants superior service to the university.

David Wagner, the vice president of human resources who will assist in heading the program, said it came as a result of Gonzalez's desire for a concrete program that publicly credits staff members for their hard work and dedication.

"Most sub-units in the university already have their own staff recognition programs ... but we've never had anything university wide to recognize exceptional contributions made by staff," Wagner said.

He said until now the university has held more generalized appreciation events including an annual luncheon and staff barbeque.

Ann Reed, associate vice president of public affairs, said the program is long overdue. "President Gonzalez really wants to show his commitment to the staff and the university," Reed said.

She said the university is looking for staff members who have demonstrated outstanding service in assisting the promotion of new or better programs to create more resourceful operations as well as those who contribute to public service.

According to the letter, the winner will receive reserved parking for the quarter, a picture published on the university news Web site, as well as an opportunity to join Gonzalez at an annual luncheon or dinner.

"I think it's important for staff to understand that the university values the extraordinary service they give and in some small way it allows the university to recognize a few individuals," Wagner said.

Eva Perez Jimenez, who has served as the reserve book room supervisor in the library for more than 25 years, said she believes formal recognition by the university will improve the morale of staff members in many departments on campus.

"It's important for staff to keep themselves feeling great about the job they're doing and know that they're helping somebody," Jimenez said.

Wagner said it is becoming more common in higher education to have some sort of university-wide recognition for employees who exceed the average expectations.

Eric Braga, a junior majoring in Spanish who plans to nominate a staff member this quarter, said he believes it's important that staff members who "go above and beyond their call of duty" be acknowledged for their contributions.

Reed said Gonzalez will make the final decision for the quarter this December.

Those who are interested in nominating a staff member for the quarter can fill out forms electronically on the president's university Web site no later than Nov. 15.

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