7 staff members honored with RICE MILE Award

Rice staff members Nehemiah Ankoor, John Croft, Justin Schilke, James Buggs, Ann McAdam Griffin, Sarah Linda Gonzales and Diane Yee have been honored with the RICE MILE Award in August.

Ankoor, a junior research analyst at Rice’s Houston Education Research Consortium (HERC), was honored for tireless work and candor, especially when working with students from disadvantaged families and circumstances.

“As a graduate of Rice, Nehemiah remains very enthusiastic about communicating the mission of Rice and HERC,” his nominator wrote. “He puts department and university goals before his personal goals and is very dedicated in his role as a researcher because he values the impact that sound research can have on the community in decision-making.”

Croft, an information technology support specialist in campus services, was nominated for his “professionalism, insights and support.”

“No matter how busy he is with other tickets and clients, John always makes me feel that my needs are his top priority,” his nominator wrote. “There’s a camaraderie and respect that I truly appreciate, and his attention to our needs is just unparalleled.”

Schilke, senior associate registrar, was nominated for the significant impact he has made on the daily operations of the Office of the Registrar (OTR).

“Justin’s integrity and desire for excellence is displayed on a daily basis when working with student data and protecting the FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) rights of Rice students,” his nominator wrote. “He understands the role of the OTR within the scope of the university and the responsibility the office has in maintaining accurate information.”

Buggs, a payroll specialist, was nominated for being a strong resource and problem-solver within the department.

“He doesn’t give up until he finds the answers we need, steps forward to take on the difficult tasks and is the best at explaining what appears to us as ‘unexplainable,’” his nominator wrote. “He does all of this with professionalism, patience and strong knowledge. We consider James to be a wonderful example of what the RICE MILE is all about.”

Griffin, associate director of the Center for Career Development, was nominated for exhibiting the qualities that exemplify the RICE MILE: responsibility, integrity, community, excellence, mission-driven, impact, leadership and entrepreneurial.

“During her time as the associate director of employer relations, she has revitalized our team to help grow Rice’s brand and grow our team, pushing us to be the best that we can be,” her nominator wrote.

Gonzales, manager of campus services, and Yee, assistant director of IT customer service, were honored for their willingness to take on responsibility and showing great leadership.

“They enjoy assisting others in their career growth and skill sets,” their nominator wrote. “They both offer good conflict-resolution skills as well. Additionally, they believe in sharing their experience — both good and bad.”

All levels of staff are eligible for consideration for the RICE MILE Award and can be nominated by peers, colleagues, co-workers or supervisors as long as they have at least one year of service and are in good standing. Nominations must be submitted through the RICE MILE Award online nomination form and require approval from senior leadership in the nominee’s school or division.

For more information or to nominate a staff member for the award, visit http://people.rice.edu/careersrice/awards-and-recognition/the-rice-mile-award/.