FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 20, 2009

LAS VEGAS — DRI’s stature as a globally recognized research institute 50 years after its establishment by the Nevada Legislature is testament to the “hard work and dedication” of its employees, President Dr. Stephen G. Wells said Feb. 19 in an employee-recognition ceremony.

“I think it speaks highly of the community that all of you have built in making this a special place,” Wells said. His comments came during a combined event to recognize the DRI 2008 Technical Employee of the Year and the institute’s long-serving employees.

In a simultaneous event, Dr. John Warwick, Interim Executive Vice President for Research, presented the employee awards at DRI’s Northern Nevada Science Center (NNSC) in Reno.

Donna Schlemmer, an administrative assistant III in the Division of Earth and Ecosystem Sciences in Las Vegas, was named DRI 2008 Technologist of the Year. She joined DRI’s staff in 2005.

“Donna is one of those important staff members who enable the institution and its scientists to function effectively and efficiently,” Wells said before presenting a plaque and $500 in cash to Schlemmer.

Schlemmer holds a Bachelor of Science degree in geology from Binghamton University in New York State. In nominating her for the annual award, one person wrote: “Donna simply handles situations with a ‘How may I help you’ attitude and a smile. She works extremely well as a team player.” This nominator also wrote that Donna has “also provided guidance and assistance to the many students who have been working in the SNSC microbiology labs. She could be considered the SNSC DEES glue, as she holds everything and everyone together.”

Technologist of the Year nominees were: Kelsey Carter, employment representative, NNSC; Marie DelGrego, program specialist 1, NNSC; Maria Garretson, program specialist III, NNSC; Mitch Goldfin, carpenter, NNSC; Michelle Lopez, financial assistant III, NNSC; Cynthia O’Kelly, financial assistant III, NNSC; Karl Schoen, senior electrician, NNSC; Carol Shimer, archaeological technologist 1, SNSC; and Glen Wilson, computer service specialist III, NNSC.

Cindy Sargent, a program specialist IV at SNSC, received a 2008 Graduate Award for earning an Associate of Arts degree in psychology at the College of Southern Nevada.

Service Awards went to: (30 years) Dr. William Albright, Dr. Alan Gertler, Alan McKay, Mary Miller and Rick Purcell; (25 years) Laurence Sheetz and Dr. Ken Taylor; (20 years) Jenny Chapman, Dave Mouat and Ron Nicholson; (15 years) Dave Decker, Paul Neeley and Kyle Ruf; (10 years) Kenneth Adams, Dr. Jay Arnone, Michelle Breckner, Jeff Dean, Chris Fritsen, Wendy Goliff, Dr. Joe McConnell, David McGraw, Chern Thomas, Ricky Tropp and Dr. Paul Verburg; (five years) Enrique Barragan, Theresa Bohannan, Li Chen, Marie DelGrego, Dave Dubois, Laura Edwards, Ross Edwards, Dave Huber, Mick Jones, Rafael Rivera, Chris Rosamond, David Simeral and Dr. Henry Sun.

#