Geophysical Institute announces Employee Recognition Award recipients

Submitted by Amy Hartley
Phone: 474-5823
11/20/07

"Award winners were announced Nov. 14, 2007 for the fall 2007 installment of the Geophysical Institute’s Employee Recognition Awards. The winners are all affiliated with the Alaska Satellite Facility, a large unit of the Geophysical Institute at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

David Matz received the Outstanding Staff Performance Award. Matz is a senior engineer with the Alaska Satellite Facility and was nominated multiple times for the award. His peers cited his extensive knowledge of ASF, his prompt and helpful manner when problems arise with the facility’s 24-hour operations, and his enthusiasm to train others as a few of the reasons why his performance is outstanding. Matz has been with ASF for more than 10 years.

Patrick Denny received the Outstanding Community Service Award. Denny is the user tool development lead with the Alaska Satellite Facility. At work, Denny is known as a strong contributor to the overall success of ASF. Outside of the workplace, Denny is a leader in community service, striving to better the Fairbanks area, and beyond. In recent years, Denny has participated in a number of significant projects that supported Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Habitat for Humanity, the Yukon Quest International Sled Dog Race, Calypso Farms, and many others. In addition to Denny’s volunteerism in Fairbanks, he also has participated in programs that provide support to the victims of Hurricane Katrina, and an organization that supplies equipment to a charity dental office in Nicaragua. Patrick Denny is the current president of the Aurora Borealis Rotaract, a local community service organization.

Former Alaska Satellite Facility intern Gabor Varga nabbed the Outstanding Student Performance Award. During a five-month internship this summer, Varga impressed his colleagues by developing significant expertise in ASF’s utilized software products. After Varga completed the majority of his own project, he involved himself in a variety of other tasks that benefited the facility as a whole. During his internship, Varga’s colleagues appreciated his good sense of humor, positive attitude, and professional work ethic.

Employees at the Geophysical Institute nominate staff members for the three awards twice per year. Nominations for the next round of Employee Recognition Awards will be collected in the spring.

CONTACT: Amy Hartley, Information Officer: (907) 474-5823