Feel the Teal: Recognizing Excellence

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.” It is with enthusiasm and pride that I share our 2017 spring semester presidential thank-you recipients.

Each semester, I take the opportunity to recognize several outstanding employees for the service excellence they provide. These nominations are obtained during Feel the Teal® Module Two – Attitude of Service. I enjoy showing my appreciation for these employees, and I wanted to share their accomplishments with our Coastal community. I hope you will take time to read through the reasons why we recognized these five employees and thank them the next time you interact with them.

Darla Domke-Damonte: International Programs

• Darla was instrumental in creating and shepherding the University’s Strategic Plan process. She put countless effort and extra hours into the process and made numerous sacrifices in order to ensure the success of the process. She truly embodied the spirit of “feel the teal” as she served in this role.

Jennie Cassidy: Counseling Services

• During the fall semester, Jennie handled a weekend of on-call duty during which she assisted several students experiencing suicidal ideation and a tragic student death. Jennie ensured that everyone she encountered experienced the love and care of our CCU family. It was a difficult weekend, and she worked swiftly and with empathy throughout. It’s quality service in these crucial times that helps create a sense of loyalty to our CCU family.

Donna Huggins: CCU Food Crew, Starbucks

• Ms. Donna, as she is known to her customers, is a shining ray of positivity and genuine care. Feel the Teal trainers consistently hear her name mentioned as a “positive Polly” during Module Two – Attitude of Service. She takes time to ask about her customers and how their days are going. Every customer can clearly see the value Ms. Donna adds to CCU.

Erich Godshall: Facilities and Planning Management

• Here is an email sent to Feel the Teal from an employee whom Erich served:

o “On Wednesday, Feb. 15, I had to move several student events from Prince Lawn to the Student Union Rotunda due to the bad weather. I was feeling a bit nervous – would everything be set up on time? Would Facilities be grumpy with me because of the last-minute move? Mr. Godshall brought all the tables and chairs to the Rotunda, without complaint. He was kind and patient. His helpful attitude put me at ease and gave me the confidence that the day would run smoothly. I wanted him to know he was very much appreciated.”

David Betsch: University Housing

• David is another CCU employee who is consistently mentioned as a “positive Polly” during Feel the Teal® training. His “can-do” attitude and willingness to listen to all ideas make him a valuable asset to CCU. It’s his everyday genuine, thoughtful and intentional interactions with the CCU community that truly show his passion for service excellence. One specific instance occurred in Fall 2016 when he responded with care and speed during the tragic loss of a student. David helps to create community and culture of care at CCU, and that is greatly appreciated.

The reliability and responsiveness shown by these employees, along with their care and empathy, is what we all strive for every day. I hope you will join me in congratulating each of them for their exemplary service at CCU.

Sincerely,

David A. DeCenzo, Ph.D.
President