A few weeks ago, Landscape Services Coordinator Roger Thelen brought Grounds Equipment Mechanic II Tom Reeves inside the Landscape Services conference room, where Reeves’ wife and son were waiting for Reeves to hear some good news.

Reeves had been awarded the MSU Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award. He is one of six MSU employees to receive the honor this year, which comes with a $2,000 prize and identifies Reeves as one MSU’s top employees in terms of “overall excellence in job performance, supportive attitude, valuable service to the University and contributions to the (Physical Plant) or University that lead to improved efficiency or effectiveness,” according to the MSU Human Resources website.

Reeves could not have been more stunned.

“Most people hear the buzz before they might receive this award,” he said. “I was very surprised.”

Reeves supports the equipment needs of MSU Forest Akers Golf Course, including the diagnosis, research and ordering of parts and machines; repairing equipment and training new employees. He used to work primarily at the Landscape Services building, but Reeves was transferred full time to the golf course approximately a month ago.

When dealing with hundreds of pieces of equipment, Reeves said, there are always problems to solve.

“I try to do the best I can do every day,” he said. “I try to put the obstacles out of the way and stay focused.”

Reeves attributed former Grounds Maintenance Manager Gary Parrott, the late Landscape Services Coordinator Lenny Govoni and Landscape Services Manager Gerry Dobbs in helping him earn the award.

“These three gentleman provided me with the environment to succeed,” he said. “They looked for opportunities for me to succeed, provided open communication and removed barriers to make sure I was most effective in resolving issues.”

He also said that they made him actively involved in the decision-making process, because “they knew how important equipment was to the (Landscape Services) operation.”

Dobbs, who wrote a letter endorsing Reeves for the award, complimented Reeves on his solid, consistent work ethic. “He wants to make sure the work is done right,” said Dobbs, adding that often Landscapes Services receives job referrals from other departments due to the quality of work employees like Reeves perform.

Reeves will receive the official award on May 19 at the Breslin Student Events Center, where Vice President for Finance & Operations Fred Poston and MSU President Lou Anna K. Simon will present him with a plaque and a $2,000 check.

April 30, 2009