Student service workers honored

Service “beyond the call of duty” to students has earned five UW–Madison staffers and a special team awards from the university’s Student Personnel Association.

These winners were honored at a luncheon April 28.

Richard Daluge, assistant dean, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, Chancellor’s Award. As an assistant dean in CALS’ academic affairs office since 1972, Daluge has provided countless students with valuable advice and help.

However, his commitment to them doesn’t end when they graduate; since arriving as assistant dean, has served as the secretary-treasurer of the college’s alumni association. He also oversees the 115-year-old CALS Farm and Industry Short Course program for young farmers. This year he implemented an honors program for short course students. In addition, he is a member of the campuswide Commission on Fraternities and Sororities, and the committees on scholarships and loans, scholastic policies and actions, and retirement issues.

Darlene Haugen, program assistant, Cross-College Advising Service, Frontline Award. During Haugen’s 25 years in the UW system, 13 of them at UW–Madison, she has developed a consummate ability to interpret the university and its functioning to students, often those in urgent need of help.

Haugen’s knowledge of on- and off-campus resources have been invaluable as she offers advice or directs students to the people or programs that can be of service to them. Often, she becomes a mentor to students working in the CCAS office, dispensing a regular supply of feedback and encouragement.

Gregory Iaccarino, advisor, Department of Bacteriology, Campus Impact Award. When Iaccarino arrived at his advising post three years ago, he immediately set about creating a comprehensive career services center specifically for microbiologists. Among its resources are job bulletins, an email system for majors and alumni, and a network with alumni for students seeking career guidance.

In addition, Iaccarino has collected such materials as sample resumes, cover letters and has developed workshops for majors and non-majors. He also coordinates the department’s course offerings and serves as an advisor to prospective students.

Anthony Jacob, associate director of the Chemistry Learning Center, Norman Bassett Award. Jacob was instrumental in establishing a peer mentor program in which honors students work with others enrolled in general chemistry courses. Since 1985 he also has been an integral part of the Summer Enrichment Program, which provides minority middle school students in Madison, Milwaukee, Chicago or Menominee Indian school districts with actual laboratory experience. In addition, he has been active with the campus’ Creating a Learning Environment group and has helped with faculty development initiatives on gender and diversity issues in the classroom.

Susan VandeHei Dibbell, director, Morgridge Center for Public Service, Norman Bassett Award. Herself a veteran of service learning, Dibbell began her official duties on campus in 1982 as a student volunteer with the Wisconsin Union Directorate. When the Morgridge Center was endowed in 1994 she became its acting director and was named director last year. In that capacity she directs and implements the center’s resources, which include coordinating service learning opportunities, providing training materials, offering peer mentoring and more.

She also engages in outreach with offices on campus and in the community including University Housing, the Dean of Students office, the United Way, the Madison School District and others. Her bridge-building leadership style recently found expression in the establishment of the Reebok Grants and the Wisconsin Idea Fellowship programs.

The Exploration Center staff, Cross-College Advising Service, Team Award. Whether seeking to choose a major, change a major or investigate possible careers, many an undergraduate has benefited from the integrated teamwork found at the EC. The center opened in the spring of 1996; since then it has grown to offer one-on-one counseling, books, videos, vocational biographies, computer programs and more. Five Career Peers are on deck to assist walk-in clients.

The center also provides workshops, many in collaboration with other campus offices. Services are available either in the CCAS headquarters in Ingraham Hall or on the road at residence halls and other locations.

Founded in 1956, the Student Personnel Association promotes interaction between colleagues and professional development among those working with college students. Librarians, health care providers, housing staff, academic and personal advisors, instructional technology specialists and other student service professionals comprise its membership.

The SPA is open to any student service professional. For more information, contact Becky Ryan at (608) 265-5460.