Nominations are now being accepted for the "Outstanding Office Personnel Award," an award to acknowledge the efforts of office employees who University faculty have grown not only to depend on, but also to appreciate.

The "Outstanding Office Personnel Award" is granted to University office personnel who do an exceptional job of providing information while working toward Penn State goals, said Linda Houtz, secretary in the Department of Poultry Science and chairwoman for this year's nominations.

The award is usually given to "people who give a little bit extra," she said.

Norma Bayer, president of the Penn State Chapter of Educational Office Personnel, said it seemed that every segment of the University -- except office workers received recognition. Therefore, a chapter committee was formed to develop a plan for recognizing office personnel.

"There was a feeling that the office worker was not being noticed," she said, adding, "(We felt) our organization could bring notice to the office worker."

The organization has received 40 to 60 nominations per year since 1985, when the award was developed, said Houtz, a recipient, explaining that anyone at the University can nominate someone for the award by completing a standardized form distributed by the chapter.

Office workers at Commonwealth campuses are also eligible, she said.

"It's an honor to be nominated even if you don't win," she said.

After reviewing the nominations and interviewing the candidates, the winner of the Outstanding Office Personnel Award is chosen based on certain criteria which include initiative, quality of work, attitude toward the University and the general public, cooperation, professionalism, and at least five years of full-time service for the University.

Houtz said the winner and two finalists are recognized at the chapter's awards banquet. The recipient is presented with a certificate, a U.S. savings bond, and a year membership to the Penn State Chapter of Educational Office Personnel.

Shirly Rhoades, secretary in the Department of Continuing Education Public Information and Publications, won the award in 1987. Rhoades said her interest and skill in dealing with people was perhaps the key to receiving the award. La Verne Maginnis, supervisor of the same department, said she nominated Rhoades because of her cooperation with work associates and the public.

"She is just very willing to give up her time to help people," Maginnis said.

The award's popularity is increasing, Bayer said, adding that the award has received a lot of favorable reactions from the winners' co-workers -- generally the same people who do the nominating. "People are calling us before notices even go out," she said.

Rhoades said she did not know she had been nominated and was very surprised when she was called for an interview. She said receiving such an honor was very exciting.

"Not everyone can win the award," she said. "(But) I'm sure hard work is recognized by supervisors and co-workers."