MEMS’ Contreras recognized with Distinguished Employee Award

BY ARIE WILSON PASSWATERS
Rice News staff

Thanks to her positive attitude and extraordinary dedication to Rice’s mission, Alicia Contreras is one of the newest recipients of the Distinguished Employee Award.

Contreras, department coordinator in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science (MEMS), came to Rice in 2000 as a temporary staff member working with Human Resources and Athletics. In 2004, she became a staff assistant in MEMS, where she excelled, earning a promotion to her current position two years later.

	ALICIA CONTRERAS

In her nomination letter, Sallie Keller, the William and Stephanie Sick Dean of Engineering, said Contreras “quietly does her job with excellence.”

“It is easy to identify employees who are performing their jobs with excellence in the high profile jobs on campus, and less easy for positions such as Alicia’s,” Keller wrote. “A successful department is made up of hardworking employees in all staff ranks, and no one exemplifies this more than Alicia.”

MEMS Chair Enrique Barrera agreed.

“Alicia does her job with great confidence and makes the entire office staff feel at ease,” Barrera said. “She has won the hearts of many at Rice and especially this chair. We are very thankful for the work she does and the kindness that she brings to the department.”

MEMS Senior Administrator Leah Benard-Boggs applauded Contreras’ attention to detail and positive attitude.

“Alicia’s knowledge and experience proves that she is of great benefit to MEMS and Rice, not only being very accomplished and capable but using that experience to the best of her ability, Benard-Boggs said. “(These traits) bring her to the top of the list of employees I have ever had the pleasure to work with.”

The Distinguished Employee Award is given by Human Resources on behalf of the university to recognize employees who perform above and beyond their job descriptions for the benefit of the Rice community. Staff may be nominated for the award by their supervisor, peers or co-workers. The award is designed to honor and recognize those who are most deserving and who serve as a positive role model for Rice University staff, faculty and students.

Contreras received a certificate, a silver key chain, a gift from the university and recognition on the Human Resources Web page.

To nominate an employee for the Distinguished Employee Award, contact Colleen Dutton at 713-348-4755 or cdutton@rice.edu.