Two staff members have been honored for their contributions to the success of the NDSU College of Engineering.
Rob Sailer was named the Outstanding Staff Award winner for the professional level.
Sailer joined the Department of Mechanical Engineering in 2014 and serves as a senior test engineer. His responsibilities include oversight of all departmental laboratories and experimental facilities, supporting laboratory and manufacturing activities of undergraduate and graduate students, providing experimental support and expertise for faculty research activities, providing engineering and testing services for industrial and academic partners, mentoring undergraduate capstone design projects, and serving as the department’s safety supervisor and hazardous waste coordinator.
“Rob’s expertise, strong work ethic and dedication to our educational and research programs make him an invaluable part of our department,” said Alan Kallmeyer, professor and chair of mechanical engineering. “Since joining the department, Rob has made significant improvements to our educational and research programs. His background, knowledge, dedication, and professional attitude have allowed our department to grow and achieve our mission of excellence in research and education.”
The College of Engineering’s other Outstanding Staff Award, for a staff member at the paraprofessional or office support level, went to Ruth Wirtz.
Wirtz has served as the office manager in the Department of Military Science for nearly a decade. In her role she has single-handedly supported an office with more than 600 Cadets and regularly rotating administrative military personnel.
“She takes it upon herself to ensure that each military recruit is properly informed, tracked, and processed as part of their program. She is regularly communicating with these students to set them up for success, and she goes the extra mile to ensure they are meeting the necessary objectives,” said Tiffany Neuharth, administrative assistant in the Department of Mechanical Engineering.
Wirtz also has provided outstanding service to the college during the past year, taking on extra duties and working late nights to assist other departments facing staffing issues.
Sailer and Wirtz are set to be honored at the College of Engineering’s Scholarship and Awards Reception scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 13.
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