President Albrecht Meets with Classified Employee Association

Utah State University President Stan Albrecht met with members of the Classified Employee Association at the group's annual luncheon June 15. The event capped year-long activities and provided an opportunity to acknowledge the achievements of CEA and its members.

During his remarks, President Albrecht thanked members of the Classified Employee Association for their hard work and contributions to the university. He also shared challenges that Utah State University will face in the years to come.

Current CEA Vice President Jill Ballard welcomed members to the annual event. Two Classified Employee Scholarships, awarded annually to children of classified employees, were presented to Laura Barnes and Erin Lisa Allen. Barnes, an interior design major, is the daughter of Dorrie Barnes, a staff assistant in the Sociology, Social Work and Anthropology Department. Allen majors in agricultural communication/public relations, and is the daughter of Lisa Allen, a staff assistant and advisor in the College of Agriculture.

CEA honors outstanding members with its Employee of the Quarter award, and this year's recipients were recognized, including Ann Friedli, Barbara Hoyle, Clair Marler and Judy Nielson. The Classified Employee of the Year Award was presented to Judy Nielson. The award was presented by Ron Godfrey, vice president for business and finance.

Nielson has been a staff assistant for nearly 10 years at the Utah Agricultural Experiment Station. Prior to that assignment, she worked at the Center for Persons with Disabilities. She supports research faculty in all of USU’s colleges as she maintains and updates the database of UAES research publications and several mailing lists. Additionally, Nielson has provided valuable service to the university and especially the Classified Employees Association, where she served as vice president and president of the association, working closely with central administration to voice CEA concerns and work toward solutions. At a time of important changes in the university’s benefits program, Judy also served as a member of the health benefits committee, helping weigh decisions and policies that greatly impact the university family.

The association's officers for the next year were announced. Ballard will step in to the president's role and the new vice president is Karen Meacham. Shauna Jensen was elected secretary and Pat Anderson is treasurer.

In addition to the luncheon and awards, a number of prizes were awarded to those attending.