By Julie Kane

Spectrum Volume 17 Issue 27 - April 6, 1995

Cindy Baker's contributions and exceptional performance of her duties have earned the President's Award for Excellence.

Baker joined the university in 1989 and has spent the last three years as a housekeeping worker in the College of Veterinary Medicine. She graduated from Blacksburg High School and worked at the Radford Arsenal for four years before coming to Virginia Tech.

According to her supervisor, Barbara Stimpson, "Cindy is a great team player who exemplifies the university's mission: Ut Prosim ." Always a step ahead, Baker rarely has to be asked to do anything. Extremely neat and orderly, she takes pride in her work area, the Phase II building in the college, as if it were her own home. When she finishes her work, she offers to help others with their assignments or volunteers for extra duties.

"We get many complements and letters praising Cindy's performance and attitude," Stimpson said. "For example, when faced with a problem or challenge, her outlook is one of `we can work it out,' rather than getting upset or complaining."

A caring, dedicated individual, Baker is liked and works well with everyone. During an employee shortage, she assumed added responsibilities cheerfully, and when a new person was hired, she shared information and helped the new person learn the job. She often shows concern and consideration for others. When she knows she is going to be off the next day, Baker makes sure everything is done before she leaves in the afternoon so it doesn't become work left behind for someone else to do.

Baker's positive attitude and high standards of excellence provide an outstanding motivating source for her entire work team.