Staff Members Honored at Annual Picnic

Marie Testerman

Marie Testerman

Two Radford University staff members were honored at the annual Staff Picnic, hosted by the Staff Senate on May 12 at the riverside by the Dedmon Center.

Marie Testerman, an accounts payable technician in the Office of Accounting Services, was presented the Bea Covington Award by President Penelope W. Kyle.

Established in 2005 to honor the late wife of former President Douglas Covington, the award is given to a person who exemplifies the character and spirit of Mrs. Covington. Individuals are nominated by their colleagues and, according to award guidelines, “consistently demonstrate a positive attitude, are fun to be around and treat others with dignity, respect and kindness.”

One nomination letter for Testerman cited her ability to “keep her smile and heart open to anyone who had a problem and needed her listening ear.” Testerman received a trophy and gift bag, and her name was engraved on the award’s plaque.

Jo Ann Alger

Jo Ann Alger

The Staff Senate also gave its first “Keep'n It Green” Award, established to recognize a university staff member who makes a noteworthy contribution to the campus “greening” campaign.

The inaugural award went to Jo Ann Alger, a senior systems engineer in the Department of Facilities Management. Alger, who was recently licensed as a “Certified Energy Manager ™,” was nominated by colleagues who described her as someone who “spends countless hours in research to ensure RU is doing its best in energy and water conservation.”

Alger received a ceramic trophy of recycled clay made by RU senior Jordan Blevins and a certificate of honor framed in recycled wood. 

May 25, 2011
Bonnie Erickson
831-5804
broberts@radford.edu