Spectrum - Volume 19 Issue 12 November 14, 1996 - Chandler named CALS employee of the year, 1996

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Chandler named CALS employee of the year, 1996

By Stewart MacInnis

Spectrum Volume 19 Issue 12 - November 14, 1996

John Chandler, a lab mechanic and a 20-year employee of the Department of Food Science and Technology, received the fourth annual 1996 College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Dean's Award.

The award is part of CALS's ongoing program to recognize the contributions of classified staff employees to the college's success. It is presented to a college staff member who has made exceptional contributions to his/her department and to the college. Andy Swiger, dean of CALS, presented the award during the college's annual staff picnic in August.

Chandler's responsibilities include preparing materials and equipment for the laboratory-instruction portion of selected classes, maintaining equipment and instructing students in equipment operation, and supervising and assisting students in their research activities. Not only has he performed tasks willingly and punctually, but Chandler also strives to find the most cost-effective solution to departmental problems.

As examples of his cost-saving abilities, Chandler has searched to obtain used equipment at savings of more than 50 percent of the new equipment cost. He has also saved his department hundreds of dollars by driving a Tech bus for class field trips, and applying for and purchasing (at his own expense) the special driver's license required for this activity.

Although not a requirement of his job, Chandler also monitors his lab building during non-work hours, often detecting maintenance problems and alleviating them before they become major financial burdens.

Chandler is highly respected for his willingness to cooperate whenever requested and his ability to make things happen. According to Chandler's supervisor, "his dedication to service is without limits...and (he) is what every Tech employee should reflect, an individual dedicated to perfection and duty."