Rodney Oestreicher has served the University of Nebraska at Kearney/Kearney State College for 25 years. His devotion to his job goes well beyond the bounds of duty. He exhibits a genuine love for this institution and takes just pride in making UNK a better school through his work. UNK is his school. The Physics Department is his department. The department's physical appearance and even its daily functioning are a reflection of his job performance. He takes a personal interest in all department members, and will go well out of his way to help both faculty and students in everyday matters.
The Physics Department considers Rodney a member of their department. His duties are as vital and deserving of recognition as any other department member. During the first days of the semester, he is the unofficial guide for new students learning to navigate the labyrinth of Bruner Hall's first floor. When school groups visit the planetarium, he helps them find their destination and alerts the planetarium director of their arrival.
Rodney Oestreicher's work is of such high quality that it is easy to take him for granted. The Physics Department has come to take for granted that Bruner Hall's first floor will be a healthy and clean environment in which to work. He never misses a day. He does his daily chores without fanfare. He is always friendly, and ready to offer a warm greeting or observation. Floors and bathrooms are always spotless. Burnt out lights are promptly replaced. More significant than all these instances, however, is his quiet, hard-working example that eloquently demonstrates that his work is important and that he is making a difference in the lives he touches.
Rodney Oestreicher's devotion to his job, his pride in doing his job well, and his unfailing good humor are shining examples of the value and dignity of what we all do. By his example, he is an outstanding teacher. He reminds us that we are all public servants of our students and the citizens of Nebraska.
Because of his dedication to doing an excellent job for the University, Bruner Hall of Science, the Physics Department, his students and co-workers, Rodney Oestreicher has been selected the Employee of the Month for September 1998.