The first award ceremony for College of Science staff recognized 14 college employees yesterday in the Student Union Arizona Ballroom for their excellent service.

"Our success depends on close teaming," said College of Science Dean Eugene Levy. "It takes a lot of creativity and insight on the staff's part to run the college."

The program was organized and award recipients chosen by the 1-year-old College of Science Advisory Council, composed of one staff representative from each department, said Dianne Smith, chemistry department administrative assistant and councilmember.

The purpose of these awards was "to try to unite the college's 14 departments," Smith said, adding that the departments rarely interacted with one another.

This year, the council has researched sick time and cost of health insurance, and formed a staff mentor program for new employees, Smith said.

"The work of the council has exceeded my expectations," Levy said.

Award recipients received a framed certificate and gift bag for their work.

Bill Sellers, atmospheric sciences professor who accepted an award for aid Nancy Emptage, said, "She's a gem."

Emptage was serving jury duty yesterday.

In the atmospheric sciences department, Emptage helps undergraduate adviser Sellers handle paperwork for students and also helps him prepare brochures and pamphlets for his corespondence classes.

"She does the bulk of the work. Without her, I would be helpless," he said.

Michael Lee, who sculpts exhibits at the Flandrau Science Center, won his award because of his "outstanding contributions and work ethic," said Gilbert McLaughlin, the center's senior program coordinator.

Lee said among his favorite exhibits was the asteroid installation on display at the center now.

More than 120 people attended the ceremony.