This year marks the 20th consecutive year in which university officers will have the opportunity to single out one staff employee from their area for recognition as the recipient of the Meritorious Service Award.

"The Meritorious Service Award is a great way to recognize excellence in job performance," said Thomas Kinghorn, vice president for business affairs and treasurer. "Choosing an individual to receive it from among the many deserving employees in business affairs is always a challenge, but one that gives me great pleasure."

The award recipient should be an employee who consistently demonstrates excellence above and beyond the requirements of his or her responsibilities to the university. Criteria include that the eligible staff employee:

1. Be a regular full-time non-exempt or exempt employee who has been working at the university for at least five years.
2. Show evidence of superior job performance, dedication to the job and loyalty to the university as provided by the employee's supervisor.
3. Show evidence of continued personal growth through education/training or public/professional involvement as provided by the employee's supervisor or outside sources.

"Each of the past 100 recipients has exemplified the very best among our staff and brought distinction to their individual departments as well as to Ball State," said Judith Burke, director of human resource services. Burke created the award in 1986.  

Winners of the award will be recognized at the Staff Recognition and Retirement Award Program April 20 in L.A. Pittenger Student Center, Cardinal Hall.

University employees are encouraged to submit letters to their administrative heads in support of coworkers. For more information about the recognition award program, a list of previous recipients and nomination details, visit www.bsu.edu/hrs/worklife/recognition or contact Marta Stephens at 285-1187 or mstephen@bsu.edu.