Page 2 2007 Student Awards Every spring, the Mortensen Library Board of Visitors recognizes outstanding student employees from the University Libraries. This spring’s winners represent the Allen Library and departments in the Mortensen Library. They received their awards and gift certificates from the University Bookstore at the May 3rd meeting of the Board. Lucas Carvalho Fiho is a graduate student with a major in Piano Performance who works in the Allen Memorial Library. Lucas is very focused on the task at hand, eager to complete the job. When he has finished something, he’ll always ask what else he can do. Whenever there is a new project, Lucas is always happy to take part in it and offer as much assistance as possible. He exemplifies a strong and admirable work ethic. Lucas has contributed a great deal to his area of work with a great attitude (a rare and meritorious combination!). Stephen Giorgi is a junior in ITT and works in the Mortensen Technologies Department. Stephen knows he is part of a team and each day greets the Library staff and his projects with enthusiasm and determination. When not helping staff with computer issues, he automatically posts the circulating laptops and and over 75 public PCs with Windows and Virus updates. Stephen started a weekly one hour instruction time for staff to learn Microsoft applications. Justin H. Isaacs is a senior with a double major in Engineering and Mathematics who works in the Mortensen Reference Department. He is known for his MacGyver-like skills and has fixed the Hawkcash machine with a paper clip, researched error codes to fix the public printer, and calculated the exact weight of books he moved within the Library. He is more sensitive than most of our student workers to signs that library users need assistance. Justin is willing to work with a library user at considerable lengths to locate the information needed. He also volunteers more often than most to cover shifts when fellow students cannot work. Alyssa Itzkowitz is a sophomore in Physical Therapy and works in the Mortensen Circulation Department. Her supervisor claims she is one of the most reliable students we have ever hired. She comes to work bright and cheerful and more than willing to help with any task asked of her. She pays close attention to details, including taking care of   special projects. By the sheer strength of her smile, Alyssa comes to work ready and eager to help. Although, we would love to think that we have instilled in her interest in the work, that seems to have come from within her. Luis Rodriquez is a freshman in Electrical Engineering who works in the Mortensen Technologies Department. Luis was nominated because of his hard working nature and his willingness to learn. Luis took on the responsibility of recording each piece of technology equipment in the library. The database included serial numbers, staff name, and IP address, to list only a few. The project was long and tedious, however necessary for inventory control. Luis did not give up on the project until every piece of information was complete. Christian Thompson is a junior in Mechanical Engineering with an Acoustics Minor who works in the Mortensen Technologies Department. Chris was nominated because of his team spirit and his willingness to find a solution. He learns quickly and the staff can depend on him to know the latest news in both Mac and PC worlds. During a recent Library software upgrade, Chris stayed late to make sure all critical staff computers would be up and ready for the next day. He will be starting his internship over the summer with an acoustical company. Alisa Willis is a graduate student with a major in Flute Performance and works in the Allen Memorial Library. Alisa is energetic and sees things through to completion. She is always keen to pick up new ways of helping the users find what they need and is able to retain what she has been taught after one lesson. Alisa has frequently volunteered to cover shifts for her co-workers and in several instances with almost no advance notice. She is unflappable in the face of technological adversity. Alisa has a wry sense of humor (or humour as she would spell it) and a strong work ethic. Her ability to help the users has made her one of our most valuable student employees. ■