What began as a “bold idea” in the 2017 Bold Ideas Challenge has now come to fruition in Fresno State’s newest employee recognition program — High Five. Click here to read about how the program began.

High Fives are easy to give — simply go to the High Five website on the Organizational Excellence webpage, click “Give a High Five” and fill out the form to send kudos to anyone on campus. Your message will be delivered straight to their inbox, and recipients will be acknowledged weekly in Campus News.

Read below how your colleagues are going above and beyond to help the campus community.

(Note: Campus News edited comments only for misspellings and missing or incomplete words. They appear mostly as written for each employee.)

Above & Beyond

Linda Ragus, Political Science
I emailed a test to Linda on Friday that I needed copied by Monday afternoon. I wasn't on campus Monday, but Linda emailed me to tell me that she got the job done so that I wasn't worried when I came to campus for my 8 a.m. class. Additionally, she included a few scantrons in my box so that I could create the answer key, and in case a student needed an assist. She also let me know that I could email future tests to the department student aid, as well as her, in case she was out of the office. In a variety of ways, she has made it easy to start teaching at Fresno State. Thanks, Linda!

Barbara Windmiller, Henry Madden Library
Barbara is an incredible partner. The Henry Madden Library is lucky to have her on the administrative team. She is able to cut through to the heart of the matter, provides insight and gets the job done.

Holly Baum, Technology Services
She has taken the time to understand our division and what our needs are. Whenever there is an issue with registration or the system, she communicates it very well and takes the time to make sure we understand all that is happening. I appreciate her so much. She makes technology much less intimidating.

Carlie Corrigan, Student Athlete Services
Carlie is always great about making sure she communicates with me with regard to students needing services through our office. She works above and beyond to make sure that I have information on their status, which helps me in my duties. I know she is doing the work of many. Great job Carlie!

Vicki Taylor, Cross Culture and Gender Center
Vicki has an incredible sense of collaboration and team work. She has worked closely with me on projects for the Jewish Studies Program. I truly enjoy her positive nature on achieving common goals and creating a learning environment. Working with Vicki has helped me grow my skills and knowledge base. Vicki goes above and beyond in making me feel like part of her team.

Valerie Barba, Facilities Management
Valerie not only provides incredible custodial services for our building but also goes out of her way to shine with her positive attitude and friendliness. It's a benefit for everyone that has contact with her throughout the day.

Rima Maldonado, Services for Students with Disabilities
Rima is an extraordinary colleague that always puts others before herself. Regardless if you are a staff member, faculty member or student (especially a student with a disability who our department serves), you are treated with respect and compassion, and always leaves the conversation feeling heard, validated, and that you are in good hands. Rima is the coordinator for alternate media and Services for Students with Disabilities, which means she oversees the production of all accessible instructional materials that are requested by students with a disability. At any given semester, Rima coordinates efforts to provide over 850 accessible textbooks (from the title page to the index), in-class handouts (including lecture slides), notes (handwritten notes from volunteers), and exams (often last minute due to faculty availability) to students with various disabilities needing accessibility. Rima also leads a team of nine student workers who she makes sure is trained on the latest production of accessible materials methods, sits on countless committees on campus, builds awareness of hidden disabilities through outreach and presenting at national conferences, is a facilitator for NCBI on campus and other campus events, all while making it look easy. This position requires the utmost level of organizational, collaboration, strategical, logistical and leadership skills with an extraordinary level of patience and fortitude.

On top of her day-to-day duties at Services for Students with Disabilities, she serves as an ally to high-risk communities such members of the LGBTQIA+ community, first generation in higher education, Dreamers and other individuals with various barriers. I honestly believe that Rima is under-recognized in her role in the DOSAEM community and deserves to be given this High Five as a symbol of gratitude and respect for all that she contributes to our community, Services for Students with Disabilities and Fresno State.

Excellent Customer Service

Linda Ragus, Political Science
I loved it that she included the scantrons because I knew I had extras in case a student forgot, and I could work on the key as the students took the test.

Mike Nourian, Plant Operations
Our office needed a new lock. Mike assessed the situation and provided a brand new lock on the same day. And he did it with a smile. We appreciate his excellent customer service and positive attitude.

Holly Baum, Technology Services
She is always available when I need her help. Holly explains procedures and the technology of it all and I don't feel talked down to. She includes everyone when sharing information to help make sure everyone understands. I love working with Holly. She is always so upbeat even in the stressful times.

Mike Dority, Facilities Management
It's great having Mike as part of the custodial service for our building. I appreciate his attention to detail, his efficiency and obvious pride in doing his job the right way.

Rima Maldonado, Services for Students with Disabilities
Rima provides excellent customer service to all students, faculty and staff. She treats every interaction with the notion of how she can best assist you in solving any issues, assisting in projects and outreach or reaching your goals academically, in your career, or even networking. Rima utilizes her extensive leadership background to inspire confidence, stimulate motivation, offer direction and gives valuable insights when you need it the most.

When working with students, Rima ensures that every aspect of the accommodation she provides is followed exactly how federal laws, state laws, executive orders and other campus policies require of Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) and our institution. No phone call, email or in-person inquiry will go without a response from her that is informative, clear and offers a sense of a solution. Rima builds relationships with her students to inform them of their responsibilities as an advocate for themselves, as a student at Fresno State and to SSD to ensure their accommodations are being met in a timely manner. She has the ability to read individuals easily and is able to direct them to other resources within our office or on campus to aid in their student success. Rima has a thankless job, however, knowing that the students she serves can complete their degrees while challenging stigmas and stereotypes they face every single day is well worth her time, energy and her dedication and passion towards student success. Rima deserves to be recognized for her outstanding customer service skills and abilities while working with individuals who face various barriers.

Saved My Bacon!

Eloisa Valdivia, Organizational Excellence
Eloisa is a hidden gem on the fourth floor of the library. She is always willing to help and provide her assistance especially when it comes to looking for space in the library.

Holly Baum, Technology Services
Holly is my go-to for help with all things PeopleSoft. When the system isn't working as it should or if there are mistakes made in setup, Holly can always figure out the issue. There have been many issues during registration periods that do not let students enroll. This is crucial because the availability is very limited during winter and summer. She resolves every issue expeditiously. I don't know what I would do without Holly.