Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, April 2, 1993 TAG: 9304020421
SECTION: FOUNDERS DAY PAGE: FD-6 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
TURPIN SELECTED FOR HONOR
After faithfully serving Virginia Tech for more than 17 years, Elizabeth Ann "Annie" Turpin has been awarded the 1993 President's Award for Excellence.Turpin, an employee with the university's housekeeping services branch, has worked at Tech since September 1974. Currently she works in Whittemore Hall.
"She always does more than is required in any task and has great and unflagging concern for this building and our laboratories and offices," said Joseph Blum, electrical engineering assistant department head.
Turpin maintains an excellent performance record and often goes beyond the call of duty while working. While taking great pride in her work, she cares for Whittemore as if it were her own building; as if maybe the building were a reflection of herself, according to F. W. Stephenson, professor and head of the Bradley Department of Electrical Engineering.
Hilda Montgomery, Turpin's supervisor, said Turpin's work is outstanding. "She is an excellent worker and an excellent person all the way around," Montgomery said. "You just have to be around her to believe what a fine person she is. When you give her a task, it'll be perfect."
According to Stephenson, when a problem arises, Turpin extends herself and corrects the situation. If there is a special event scheduled, she will immediately approach the faculty and ask if she can be of any assistance.
"She constantly looks for things that need to be done and does them without being asked. She is quick to help people who have to deal with spills and other accidents," said Charles Bostian, professor of electrical engineering.
"Turpin doesn't just clean the room," Blum said. "She finds out what is important about the event and makes sure that everything is ready. She is there during the event, even for graduation on Saturday, and afterward, she is there helping us straighten up."
She often shares her knowledge with others in the community. She was involved in the Custodial Council's 1989 food drive for the Montgomery Council Emergency Assistance Program.
Not only is Turpin's outstanding quality found in Whittemore, but it is also seen in her disposition. Faculty in Whittemore says she can always be found in good spirits and greets almost everyone by name. She often smiles as she performs her duties, according to Stephenson.