Though many students interact with Tamara King, J.D., director of judicial programs, during less-than-ideal circumstances, King’s fair-minded approach and interest in education has helped guide countless WUSTL students to learn from their mistakes and make wise decisions.
King was recognized with the Gloria W. White Distinguished Service Award in a May 18 ceremony in Edison Theatre. The award provides recognition to a nonacademic staff member for exceptional effort and contributions that have resulted in the betterment of the University
As the director of judicial programs since 1999, King works through difficult situations involving students, parents and other members of the WUSTL community on a daily basis, helping to make decisions that greatly impact students and the University.
“Students meet with her because something bad has happened, but they leave as better people because of the time they have spent with her,” one colleague said of King.
In addition to her efforts to help students, King also mentors fellow staff members at WUSTL and associates outside the University.
“I can think of many colleagues, both at Washington University and in the field of student affairs, who would say that she has helped them to achieve their current leadership role,” a nominator wrote of King.
King, a national leader in the field of college and university judicial affairs, recently began a term as president of the Association for Student Conduct Administrators, the national association for college and university judicial officers.
The Gloria W. White Distinguished Service Award was established 12 years ago and is presented annually. It comes with a $1,000 prize.
After the awards presentation, which included recognition of employees for 10, 15, 20, 26, 30, 35 and 40 years of service, employees enjoyed Ted Drewes frozen custard in Bowles Plaza.
Other employees won door prizes at the service awards ceremony.
Patricia Gregory, Vicki Mueller and Cindy Zelenovich each won two tickets to an upcoming St. Louis Cardinals game, and Carole Angle and Jennifer Ochoa each won two tickets to the MLB All-Star FanFest.
Lucy Morlan received a $25 gift certificate and a case of root beer from Fitz’s American Grill & Bottling Works. Sandra Cooper won $50 in restaurant gift certificates.
Leslie Heusted won two tickets to three 2009-10 OVATIONS Series performances. Cris Baldwin won six AMC movie tickets, and Chris Bayless won four Wehrenberg movie tickets.
Mary Danner received two round-trip tickets from American Airlines. Sherry Holmes won one night and breakfast for two at the Sheraton Clayton Plaza Hotel St. Louis. Tomea M. Mersmann won a night’s stay at the Moonrise Hotel in the Loop. Phil Gallimore won a Sunday brunch for two at the Ritz-Carlton.
WUSTL employees donated 385 pounds of food to the St. Louis Area Food Bank May 18 — more than twice the 170 pounds donated at the event last year by staff members.
The 385 pounds of food will provide 308 meals for St. Louis-area needy.