Math staff jointly rewarded for the office’s smooth operation

Math staff jointly rewarded for the office’s smooth operation

BY DANA BENSON
Rice News Staff

Marie Magee and Maxine Turner get along
really well, and it’s a good thing, because they work
closely with one another in Rice’s Department of Mathematics.
And now, they’ve earned the Distinguished Employee
Award together.

Magee, math department administrator, and
Turner, department coordinator, received the award this
summer. The Distinguished Employee Award is presented by
the human resources department to staff who perform above
and beyond their job descriptions to the benefit of the
Rice community.

“The teamwork shown by Marie and Maxine
is simply marvelous,” said Frank Jones, the Noah Harding
Professor of Mathematics and outgoing chair of the department.
“I challenge anyone to find a better couple than these
two. The office runs efficiently and cheerfully, faculty
and graduate and undergraduate students all feel welcome,
there is a minimum of input needed from the chair and they
help one another whenever needed.”

Turner, who has worked in the math department
for 12 years, nominated Magee for the award, praising her
administrative and personal skills alike.

“She has a thorough knowledge of her
duties, yet always is willing to build on this strong foundation,”
Turner said. “Her extensive managerial skills have
brought about a higher level of cohesiveness among the faculty,
staff and students. This is due to her willingness to always
hear everyone’s thoughts and viewpoints on any variety
of concerns.”

Magee, who joined the math department in
1998, spoke highly of her colleague as well, noting Turner’s
efficiency and reliability. “When things need to be
done, I ask her, and then when I turn around, it’s
done,” she said.

Jones said of Turner, “The volume
of quality production from her desk is amazing, as she juggles
the critical pressures in the multifaceted tasks she faces
day by day.”

Both women enjoy working for the math department.
Turner pointed to her longevity in the office as proof that
she loves working there. She also emphasized that “everyone
gets along so well. That’s what makes it a really great
place to work.”

Magee also described the office as “harmonious.” She explained that the chairman and other professors in
the department show a great deal of respect for her and
Turner and the work they do.

“They have no qualms about expressing
their thanks and appreciation for what we do,” she
said.

To nominate an employee for the Distinguished
Employee Award, contact Colleen Dutton at (713) 348-4755.