A University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point technology support specialist will be honored by her colleagues with the Carolyn Rolfson Sargis Award on Tuesday, April 24.

Sandra Wanserski, 2450 Maplewood Drive, Plover, will be presented with the award by the Classified Staff Advisory Committee (CSAC) during the Classified Recognition Awards ceremony at 3 p.m. in the Alumni Room of the University Center. The ceremony also honors other UWSP employees with Classified Recognition Awards and 25 and 30-year service pins.

Named for the late Carolyn Rolfson Sargis, a UWSP business manager who worked under seven presidents, the award recognizes classified staff members who epitomize the standards of outstanding and dedicated service and special contributions to the university. The citation was given for the first time 16 years ago to Sargis and Sidone Anderson, a credit auditor in the Registration and Records Office for 38 years.

Wanserski, the technical support specialist for the College of Letters and Science (L&S), was nominated by Dianne Smith of UWSP Information Technology. She will receive a $650 award and her name will be added to a plaque of previous winners that hangs outside the Personnel Office in Old Main.

Wanserski began her career at UWSP 27 years ago as a program assistant in the sociology department. There she assisted with the Center for Small City annual conference and according to sociology Professor E. Sherwood Bishop, she went above and beyond her job requirements.

Transferring to the School of Education, she helped bring the school up to date with technology, said former co-worker Maggie Beeber. She also served as a volunteer for Odyssey of the Mind (now Destination ImagiNation), College Days for Kids, Youth in College and other programs.

While again working in the sociology department, Wanserski formed, coordinated and helped with training the Workstation Support Team, staff from all over campus who could provide efficient and reliable computer support to their own departments.

The success of this team ultimately led to the creation of the College Support Team, which now provides each college with a computer support person for troubleshooting and daily maintenance. Wanserski assumed this position for L & S in 1998.

"Sandy has been instrumental in changing the way technology support is done on campus," said Debbie Smith, manager of UWSP�s Information Technology Help Desk. "The positive benefits of her work are seen everyday and will continue to be seen for years to come."

The many others who supported her nomination added that Wanserski is "positive and enthusiastic" when it comes to helping people with their technical problems. She "takes the pain out of the most difficult human machine encounters" while using a sense of humor and understanding, said Associate Professor John Morser.

According to Dianne Smith, Wanserski has lent her computer expertise to community agencies such as the Boy Scouts of America and the Alzheimer�s Association as well as students, university employees and community members. A grant she wrote brought a noted speaker to UWSP to discuss "Year 2000" issues.

"She is a genuine asset and positive ambassador representing UWSP to the local community," Dianne Smith said.

Wanserski is one of five certified professional secretaries on campus. She is a two-year member of the University Technology Committee and has served as a member of the Technology Coordinating Council and CSAC Grant Writing subcommittee.

Besides "enjoying her job immensely," Wanserski says she is an avid quilter, giving away each quilt she makes. She also enjoys revamping old sewing machines, gardening and boating.

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