Barbara Torres, financial assistant for the Program for Mastery in Engineering Studies (PROMES), received the Dean's Meritorious Staff Service Award at the Cullen College of Engineering's 2nd Annual Staff Appreciation Day on March 1, 2001. She received the award from peer nominations and recommendations. "I feel very honored to have received this award," said Torres.
Those who nominated her said that she is "extremely dependable, loyal, hardworking, and dedicated." Torres, who joined UH in 1994, attends work-related staff development seminars and other training opportunities hosted by the college and UH. "She is always willing to listen and offer constructive suggestions and many times goes out of her way to attend off-campus student activities and projects on her own time," said staff member Merion Luckett.
"The students are the true winners," said Torres. "It is because of them that my job is so rewarding! Also, I couldn't have asked for a better group of people to work with than the PROMES director and staff."
Outside of work, she volunteers for many UH-related events that involve students like Cougar First Impressions, Cajun Crawfish Boil, and college convocations. In spite of her heavy workload and volunteer services, Barbara still finds time to attend classes in the evening at Houston Community College where she is working on a degree in finance and marketing and is looking forward to transerring to UH.
Raymond Flumerfelt, dean of the Cullen College of Engineering, also recognized the following engineering staff for their years of service to UH:
5 Years
- Charlie Blake, Computing Center
- Alan Tansey, Department of Mechanical Engineering
- Robert Van Vickle, Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering
10 Years
- Ursula Ollivierre, Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering
15 Years
- Staria J. Anderson, Dean's Office
- Merion Luckett, PROMES
20 Years
- Patricia Cooks, Department of Chemical Engineering
25 Years
- Joe Thomas, Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering