This year’s theme for Opening Institute centered on 6S principles, awards and fun! The week is set aside each year for employees to participate in teambuilding, community service, training, and recognition events. Team members were Sylvia Claybaugh and Allison Norris, co-chairs, and team members Marta Jones, Elaine Larsen, Russ Slade, Krista Turnage, Leon Varble, Peggy Wilson and Anita Ruiz.
Monday’s kick-off was a presentation by Fred Frazier and Art Lopez, campus security officers, on “Developing a Survival Mindset.” Employees were encouraged to make it part of their everyday awareness. The information was extremely valuable and useful in any situation.
The awards program that afternoon recognized employees at the college. Special recognition was given to the following teams – Assessment, Faculty Leadership/Kaizen, YouthBuild, and Financial Aid Process Update. Individual recognition for “making a difference every day” was given to the following – Jody Cevering, Staff Accountant, Lee Holt, Real Estate Instructor, Megan Kimber, Receptionist, Mac McCullogh, Diversity and Outreach Coord., Shelly Melton and Lisa Harris, Roy Campus Receptionists, Krista Turnage, Data Coord., and Rory Wallwork, Graphic Designer/Web Master. 2012 Presidents’ Award recipients are Don Schmidt, Grounds/Mechanical Coord., Cathy Bolin, Student Services Director, Lana Olsen, cosmetology instructor, and Rex Thornock, drafting instructor (pictured below, respectively):
Tuesday began with community service projects in an effort to give back to the community. Projects included sorting and cleaning at St. Anne’s, cleaning along the Ogden River Parkway, upgrading the walking path to the community garden at the tech college, and helping out at the Weber County Animal Shelter.
Jody Cevering participated in the Ogden Animal Shelter project because of her love for animals. The main areas of service were in cleaning cat kennels, dog kennels, washing windows, yard clean-up and cleaning the new animal trailer.
“The dog kennels were large with ample room for any size dog and what amazed me was the cleanliness of the facility and the kennels even before I started cleaning,” said Jody. “Although I did not get the opportunity to walk the dogs (that requires an orientation and a background check) I found the experience very rewarding. I was able to help the facility, love a dog or two and have the opportunity to get to know other employees on our campus. “
Randy Hodges chose to help clean-up the nature trails along the Ogden Canyon. He said, “Although I’ve lived in Ogden for about 10 years, I’ve never explored the natural beauty that Ogden has to offer. I was astonished how well these trails were maintained and pleasantly surprised that there was only a small amount of litter to pick up. This is a testament that the local community cares about their natural resources. As for me, I definitely got more from this experience than I put into it and I am going to visit the trails as much as I can.”
Fred Frazier participated in laying down bark for the exercise trail around the Main Campus. “There was a great turnout of employees that worked together very well with cheerful attitudes the whole time, he said. “It was interesting to see how friendships were made working side by side, getting our hands dirty and wiping the sweat from our brows. There is just something special about hard work, done together that strengthens relationships in ways that can’t be done in a regular day to day office setting. It’s been said that, “Service is the rent we pay for our time on Earth.” I think the Ogden-Weber Tech College’s rent is paid in full—at least until next year!”
“Sorting clothing at St. Anne’s Center opened my mind and warmed my heart,” said Glora Kartchner. “Before doing the service project, I just saw the building off Wall Avenue. Now I see the grateful people who are provided with a place to stay, meals, clothing, and a sense of security. As we sorted shoes, a little boy came over and asked if we could save him that “cool pair” for Friday, the day the clothing is distributed. It made me proud to learn that Ogden’s dedicated people and community contributions will make it possible for St. Anne’s to serve more people and move to a new larger facility, the Lantern House, to continue ‘lighting the way for those in need’.”
Wednesday was set aside for 6Sing office areas and getting rid of items no longer in use. Bins were filled several times as employees cleared work areas and organized without the usual distractions and interruptions.
Thursday was set aside for department and employer advisory committee meetings to plan for the coming fiscal year.
Friday was a day for team building as everyone joined in for “Sixty Seconds to Success” topped off with a delicious barbeque provided by the bookstore and Chefs Jim Taggart and Tyler Call.
It was a wonderful week that got everyone geared up for another amazing year at the tech college.
And finally, be sure to watch this video of the fun “Sixty Seconds to Success” games on Friday!!
