ATHENS, Ohio -- Marilyn Blair was honored at the Classified Senate June meeting as Ohio University's Classified Employee of the Month for June 2002. Her supervisor, Ken Armstrong, director, Independent and Distance Learning Programs; her parents; her husband Steve; and her daughter Michelle joined her as she received the award.

Armstrong, who nominated Blair, says of her, "Ms. Blair's enviable ability to work so successfully with and answer the queries of the wide variety of distance learners has only increased over the nine years she has been associated with CPI. Those distance learners include the External Student Programs and those in the College Program for the Incarcerated. She is a terrific problem solver, and her contacts with government agencies, outside vendors, and university personnel have been extremely beneficial for the program."

When asked "What makes you most proud of your job at Ohio University?," Blair said, "when a student or his or her family expresses heartfelt gratitude for our College Program for the Incarcerated and what we do for our students." When asked what her dream job might be, Marilyn said the one she has is as close to a dream job as she can get, "a position in a program that makes a positive difference in many people's lives, and working among a group of hard working co-workers who are also fun."

Marilyn Blair's photo and award information is posted on the Classified Senate Web site at www.ohiou.edu/csen/eothm.htm and will be sent to her planning unit's head for prominent display.

This monthly award is made based on nominations submitted by members of the university community for any classified employee who is setting standards for excellence and innovation by promoting unity, community, continuity and visibility. Award winners show outstanding individual achievement, contribution, innovation and performance of their jobs. The nomination form is available online at www.ohiou.edu/csen/eotmform.htm or can be obtained by contacting Sharon Porter at the Lancaster campus, 823-211 from the Athens campus (others may call 740-654-6711, ext. 211) or porter@ohio.edu.