Character Receives 2003 Staff Award for Excellence   Kate Character, certification official in student services, has received the College of Education’s 2003 Staff Award for Excellence. Character was presented a plaque and a $1,200 cash award in ceremonies May 2 at River’s Crossing. The first runner-up, Elizabeth Platt, office manager in mathematics education, was awarded $750 and second runner-up, Freida Thornton, partnership liaison in elementary education, received $300. The three finalists were selected from a list of 10 nominees that included  Betty Blum, Brenda Arnold, Donna Bodiford, Barbara Boggs, Rene' Hammond, Etta Roberts, Carolyn Taylor, Margaret Turner and Dave Wynne. Faculty and staff members describe Character as hard working, compassionate, organized, and professional. “Her diligent work assures that a student’s hard work is actually rewarded by graduation,” said one faculty member. “She maintains the DARS (degree audit  report) entries for the student, she helps students deal with transfer courses that do not automatically place in a core area, and she corrects mistakes whenever she can – she does everything in her power to help a student through the administrative web.”   Character was said to be indispensable during the transition from quarters to semesters a few years ago, often spending time researching mistakes in records and working with DARS programmers to get the students in the College back on track.   “If Kate doesn’t know the answer, she’ll find it for you,” said one staff member. Platt has kept the mathematics education department organized and informed for the past 28 years.  Since coming to UGA in 1974 Platt has become one of the most respected and knowledgeable staff members in the College.   Faculty, staff, and students search out Platt for answers to their questions and help solving problems. “Her attitude toward helping students and colleagues is contagious and motivates all of us to do our best,” said one faculty member. Thornton, who worked in the elementary education department since 1990 has become a trusted and loyal friend to all with whom she has worked. As a partnership liaison it is her job to coordinate communication between elementary education and other departments at UGA, as well as partnership schools all over the country and the world. Thornton is recognized for her abilities to mediate difficult situations with a high standard of ethics, caring, and concern.   “She serves as a model of professionalism and caring for all of us,” said one faculty member. Several staff members were also recognized for years of service to the College. They included: Martha Williams, 30 years; Shirley Anderson, 15 years; Jennifer Guyton and DeAnna Palmer, five years. Friday, May 2, 2003 WRITER: Angela Shih, 706/542-5889, angelai@arches.uga.edu CONTACT: Renee Hammond, 706/542-4682, rhammond@arches.uga.edu