Four honored as Auburn University Employees of the Year

Approximately 500 Auburn University employees were recently recognized at the Employee Recognition Program held at The Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center.
Auburn University President Jay Gogue thanked the employees for their service and commitment to the university during the program. He also emphasized that their contributions help others realize their respective dreams—from students and faculty to rural communities, small businesses and even large corporations.

"The real purpose of Auburn is to help people achieve their hopes and dreams, whatever they are," Gogue said. "We want to say thank you to each one of you for everything that you have done to help make Auburn University what it is."

Four employees were recognized as Employee of the Year recipients for their consistent hard work and dedication to the university. They were selected from 40 Spirit of Excellence recipients between April 2015 and March 2016 and received a monetary award from Tigers Unlimited and the Auburn University Foundation. The four Employees of the Year, along with comments from their respective nominations, are:

• Martha Taylor (Sponsored Programs, Administrative/Professional): Taylor was recognized as an employee with "knowledge and a skill set that is critical to the University."
  
  "When given a task, [she] sees it to completion regardless of the amount of time or extra work it requires. The quality of the outcome is significantly made better because [she is] involved in it."
  
  
• Trixie Langley (Psychology, Office Administration): Langley is described as an "invaluable" and "irreplaceable" resource for more than 700 students along with faculty members. 
  
  "[She possesses] an admirable work ethic. [She is] genuinely optimistic and conscientious and always has a lovely smile [and offers] assistance to individuals whether it is a student or faculty member." 
  
  
• Susie Brown (Custodial Services, Service/Maintenance): A 22-year employee of Auburn University, Brown was recognized for her "dependability, dedication and willingness to help others."
  
  "Her caring nature is visible by simply driving by her house. She has an array of beautiful garden plants, and she takes pride in them. Taking pride in one’s work is a personal commitment that she demonstrates daily, whether at work or at home."
  
  
• Jerri Hammonds (Entomology and Plant Pathology, Technical/Paraprofessional): Hammonds was lauded for her "consistent and determined efforts" and her integrity.
  
  "[Her] artistic ability is invaluable, and [she is] always willing to not only take a lead role, but to also train others. … In addition to being a valued employee, [she is] said to be a friend, a very knowledgeable source of information, highly organized and professional in every sense of the word."

Other employee groups including service milestone honorees—5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 years—and employees who recently graduated from the university, also were recognized during the program.