History Department’s Konzem honored by trustees

Beverly Konzem, department administrator, received special recognition at the Dec. 12 Rice Board of Trustees meeting for outstanding service to Rice’s Department of History.

Beverly Konzem

Dean of Humanities Nicolas Shumway praised Konzem for always exceeding expectations, efficiently and quickly managing assigned tasks and her positive attitude.

In a letter nominating Konzem for the award, Shumway applauded Konzem’s “tireless commitment, always-reliable attentiveness and exceptional attention to detail.”

“She has the ability to make everyone comfortable, and all find working with her a pleasure,” Shumway wrote. “Bev has very much a ‘glass half-full’ outlook on life and it shows in her interactions with everyone she encounters.”

Konzem is entering her 30th year at Rice and has served as a mentor and adviser to many staff members in the School of Humanities. Students also know that she can be counted on for advice and guidance, Shumway wrote.

“Bev is a fervent Rice supporter and an excellent example of a superior staff employee,” he wrote. “She sets a high standard for others and deserves recognition at all levels.”