Category: Professional Notes

Zach Whalen, assistant professor in the Department of English, Linguistics and Communication, presented a paper at the recent Society for Literature, Science, and the Arts conference, held this year in Milwaukee, Wis. The presentation, “A Counterfactual Historiography of Three Game Platforms,” challenged the received metanarrative of game console generations. By way of a close reading of three less well-known consoles — Channel F, Vectrex and Virtual Boy — the paper explores the implications of an alternate history for video game devices.

Congratulations to D.J. Garcia, textbook manager of the bookstore, who has been selected as the Excellent Eagle Employee for the month of October. A parking spot of his choosing has been reserved for him until the end of the month.

Here is what one of his co-workers said about him:

“Most impressive is the quality of customer service that D.J. delivers, and the demeanor with which he delivers it during even the most demanding – and sometimes trying – of times.  Keep Calm…Carry On is taped to his desk overhead.  He lives that motto and more:  Keep Kind and Carry On.  Keep Consistent and Carry On.  Keep Patient and Carry On.  Keep Helpful and Carry On.

From August 22 –29, (following two 65-hour work weeks), there is a line at D.J.’s counter from store open until store close. Each person receives D.J.’s full attention; each person has their question answered, problem solved.  Phone is ringing, emails are pinging in, textbook orders are changing, four people are calling his name at once; shipments are delivered to the wrong schools… Keep Calm, Carry On…  Amidst it all, D.J. sets the bar for customer service at its highest level.  He is smiling.  He is making students smile.  One has to see him in action to understand; in is an amazing sight.  I will strive to bring my own customer service skills in line with D.J.’s!”

To nominate someone who you believe is an Excellent Eagle Employee, send an email to Priscilla Sullivan (psulliva@umw.edu) with Excellent Eagle Employee in the subject line.  In your email, be sure to list the person’s name, department, work location (with the most convenient parking lot), and of course, the reason why you believe they should be recognized.  Please spread the word to other employees about this wonderful opportunity to recognize a co-worker(s).

The Division of Student Affairs is pleased to announce that Golda Eldridge has joined the team as Director of Leadership within the Center for Honor, Leadership and Service.  Eldridge has extensive leadership and administrative experience within the United States Air Force and served for four years as department chair and professor of aerospace studies at Texas Christian University.  He earned his bachelor’s in literature and history at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, his master’s in educational leadership from Troy State University and his Ed.D. in educational leadership from Texas Christian University.

Surupa Gupta, assistant professor of political science and international affairs, presented “The Politics of Organized Retail in the Food Sector: Observations from the Indian Experience” at an international seminar on Organized Retailing and the Farm Economy in India. The seminar was held on Sept. 21 to 22 in Hyderabad, India.