May 9, 2003

Coadjutor Optimus Award recognizes superior staff

by Vanessa Dennis, A'03, Intern in the Offices of Public Affairs and Publications

Coadjutor Optimus recipients Michelle Andrews, A'88 (left), and Randy Naumann, A'92 (right), with University President Bernard P. Knoth, S.J.

University President Bernard P. Knoth, S.J., joined with vice presidents to take the opportunity April 15 at the annual staff luncheon to demonstrate the university's gratitude and appreciation to dedicated men and women whose service exemplifies the ideal: going beyond what is expected, a living manifestation of Jesuit values.

During the lunch, Knoth presented the coveted Coadjutor Optimus Award to Michelle Andrews, M.Ed., A'88, the associate director for residential services, and Randy Laumann, A'92, central reproduction manager. The honor reserved for an exceptional member of both the administrative and university staff who has exhibited superior performance, effectiveness in promoting the values of the university, desire to improve within one's job, and supportiveness toward fellow employees was given.

For 14 years Andrews has worked closely with students in residential life. She says she tries to make their nine months in the residential halls a pleasant experience by offering wellness-based programs and services designed to unburden the overwhelmed student. As associate director, Andrews is not only on-call 24 hours a day, but she is also responsible for the facilities management of all four halls, including coordinating day-to-day repairs, housekeeping, vandalism, front desk operations, mail distribution, summer conference programs, and student staff selection, training, and supervision.

With her assistance, the department has developed into a thriving community. One nomination letter began by describing Andrews' "extra-mile attitude" and stated, "To me, this is the essence of Jesuit values. To leave no one behind, to see individuals without judgment ­ this is what Michelle does so instinctively and genuinely." Another letter referenced her character: "Her reputation in the student affairs division is one of honesty, high concern for the welfare of our students, and a strong recognition of the Ignatian principles and how they impact student lives."

Aside from her duties as a mentor and aid for students, Andrews chairs divisional and university committees and serves as an elected senator for the Division of Student Affairs on the Administrative Senate.

"I love working with residential life because of all the leadership opportunities we provide to resident students," Andrews says. "Being able to see the growth of staff and residents as leaders and as a whole person is an awesome privilege."

It becomes apparent from the letters nominating Laumann that the university would be at a loss without his efficient office that often helps teachers in need of printed materials for the classroom, proposals, and theses, often times at the very last minute. One letter states, "I have seen the door of the Central Reproduction and hear the hum of the copy machines much earlier than 9 a.m. and much later than 5 p.m. on many days. I have often wondered if Randy even goes home..."

Laumann, who has worked in the department for 11 years, is responsible for all the university's high-volume xerographic printing and document-related services, which includes bookbinding, booklet-making, folding, and laminating.

"I take personal responsibility for everything that leaves my office," Laumann states. "Understanding the importance of printed materials in the education process, there just isn't any other way."

Other letters described his warm smile and his inability to say, "I can't," even when his office is littered with requests. "I believe Randy truly sees his role at Loyola as a mission which makes everyone else's job easier," another letter states. "He supports every segment of the university, without favoritism and with a great deal of kindness, understanding, and enthusiasm."

When Laumann isn't spending his weekends in the office meeting deadlines, he is most likely renovating a 150-year-old Creole cottage in Bywater.

Andrews and Laumann were not the only honored guests present at the luncheon. The university applauded Sara Attaya, College of Business Administration; Herman Beasley, Central Receiving; Arthur Bouchon, Central Plant; and Edna Lewis, Upward Bound for 30 years of service. Other staff received awards for five, 10, 15, 20, and 25 years of dedicated service to the Loyola community.