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The backbone of the university.

That’s how one person described ÿ�մ���’s Facilities Management team when nominating them for a Chancellor’s Staff Recognition Award.

One look at their workload­—overseeing the workings of 23 buildings totaling 1,028,402 gross square feet—and it’s easy to see why they earn that backbone distinction.

“Without this department’s daily routines and extra efforts, this university cannot function, literally,” the nominator said.

Last month, Facilities Management earned the Chancellor’s Staff Recognition – Exceptional Team Award. The team includes Marlene Anderson, James Ashley, Russ Bell, John Berger, Paul Beteag, David Blacker, Darcel Brown, Winston Cannon, Tammy Casey, Kathy Dew, Joseph Dudek, Ron Ernst, Rhod Foney, Ross Gryzwacz, Jim Hague, Jim Hilsabeck, Rory Hoffman, Shannon Hopkins, Mark Hostetter, Steve Hunter, Harry Johnson, Vanessa Maxwell, Ken Mitchell, Dave Munck, Chau An Nguyen-Ho, Larry Papin, Gary Pastiva, Jody Pear, Jim Pesco, Rob Sharkus, John Shepler, Ron Smith, Bob St. Clair, Russ Strawsine, Chip Switalski, Elwinn Walker, Jeanette Whiting, Howard Williams and Liz Woodson.

Three individuals, Debalina Bandyopadhyay, Lori Petrick and Kathleen Herr also earned awards during the annual Chancellor’s Staff Recognition Awards buffet breakfast and program.

Debalina Bandyopadhyay, director of Pre-Health Advising and Science Learning Center, received the Exceptional Performance Award for promoting the scholastic and career success of pre-health students and engaging students in learning through the Science Learning Service.

“I believe she has made significant contributions to the success of the institution through her extraordinary effort, dedication innovation, and she takes special pride in performing her functions,” wrote one nominator.

Kathleen Herr, director of Student Union, earned the Long-Term Achievement Award. Herr will soon retire from the university after 40 years of service and leadership.

“She’s truly one who has helped shape the campus through her commitment and dedication of projects, making this campus the jewel that it is today,” a nominator wrote. “Her valuable input, critical thinking skills and expertise on projects such as the renovation of the University Mall to what is now called the University Center has been a major asset to UM-Dearborn."

Lori Petrick, administrative specialist for the Department of Language, Culture, and Communication, received the Exceptional Service Award. Her colleagues describe her as instrumental in launching LCC and in developing a positive, enthusiastic atmosphere.

“The wonderful gift that the best of staff members give to those with whom they work is a combined one: to be exceptionally good at their job and to be a wonderfully fine person, colleague, friend, confidante and adviser,” one nominator wrote. “Lori Petrick performs in exemplary fashion in both these areas for us who are privileged to be her co-workers in the Department of Language, Culture, and Communications.”

Winners were nominated by students, faculty and staff members and then selected by the staff recognition committee.