Romina Samson Named January Employee of the Month

February 02, 2015

Romina Samson and President John R. Broderick

Romina Samson, office manager for the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, is Old Dominion University's January Employee of the Month.

Samson has worked at ODU since 2007. According to her nomination letter, she leads by example in the College of Engineering where many employees contact her for information and advice due to her skills and extensive knowledge. Samson always provides help effectively and graciously, wrote professor of electrical and computer engineering Sylvain Marsillac.

Samson "is the heart of our Department... she always goes beyond her job to help people, support students, staff and faculty and globally makes ODU a better place to be and to work...," Marsillac stated.

Due to her consistent dedication in helping people and providing support to members of the university, Samson was selected as an ODU Service Ambassador. She has engaged with the University community by volunteering during the "Week of Welcome," coordinating "Engineers Week" and planning the "First Friday" event. Outside of work, Samson volunteers for the ALS Association and at the Marian Manor Assisted Living Facility.

Last year, she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business. As a student Samson earned several accolades, including: Outstanding Management Student (2013), Alumni Outstanding College of Business Scholar (2013) and Alumni Outstanding University Scholar (2013). Samson is currently pursuing a master's degree in Business Administration.

DETAILS ABOUT THE EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH PROCESS

The University Employee of the Month Selection Committee encourages employees to nominate their outstanding, "go the extra mile" colleagues and employees. This program is designed to acknowledge and reward employees whose accomplishments and/or demeanor exemplify excellence, quality service and commitment to ODU. Classified and AP faculty employees receive a framed certificate from the president, $175 and one day of leave. Hourly winners get $250, since they are not eligible to receive recognition leave.

Note: The selection committee needs specific examples that relate to each applicable criterion in order to select a nominee for the award. Nominations remain active for six months from date of submission and nominators may submit additional documentation to support a nominee during the active six months.

The criteria used to nominate an employee include the following:

• An outstanding accomplishment that benefited the department/students.
• Extraordinary service to internal and/or external customers.
• Inspiring initiative/leadership.
• Enthusiasm/energy given to assigned work.
• Teamwork.
• Exemplary efforts to nurture a climate of care, concern and civility.
• Creative innovations to service, process or work tools.

For more information contact Tony Belk at jbelk@odu.edu or 683-3046, or visit ODU's Employee of the Month website.