The UNK Staff Senate Employee Recognition Committee announces Paula Gaasch as the UNK Employee of the Month for October 2003.
Paula Gaasch is a Secretary III in the Department of Communication Disorders. Paula's most important job responsibility is that of secretary for the Speech, Language and Hearing Clinic. As clinic secretary, Paula oversees a massive clinical database that documents and tracks the students and faculty through the public outreach clinical activities sponsored by the department, both on campus and in the Kearney community. She archives the vast store of confidential clinical records in a professional manner in accordance with strict accreditation policies.
In fulfilling that role, she is described as "friendly, organized, intelligent, kind, generous and culturally sensitive," while serving as a positive-minded professional colleague. Paula remains positive and flexible as she manages her duties. Further, she is always willing to answer students' questions and looks out for what is in the best interest of the students.
Paula, who consistently demonstrates a commitment to UNK at the departmental and university levels, does a marvelous job of greeting and receiving the many clients who come to the clinic for services. She knows the clients by name and treats them with respect while providing them with information and assistance. Paula is able to form a bond with the clients, even those who have extremely limited communication skills.
No matter how hectic the day, Paula always greets people warmly, putting a friendly and welcoming face on the University. As one parent said: "Her many acts of genuine compassion towards everyone who enters the door are gifts that cannot be taught and ones she freely gives away. The speech and language clinic has a 'gem' in Paula Gaasch!"
Paula comes highly recommended, and Staff Senate congratulates her for being recognized as the Employee of the Month for October 2003.