Rich Domonkos, Kathy Heath, and Jenny Ricksy were recognized as finalists for the 2016 College of Engineering Staff Awards of Excellence at the annual staff awards banquet held at the Shively Club on December 2nd. Jenny Ricksy was named the recipient of the Professional Achievement Award.

Richard Domonkos is the Training Manager at the Indiana Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) in the Lyles School of Civil Engineering, which provides assistance with transportation infrastructure needs for nearly 700 local agencies. In charge of the extensive training program, Rich leads workshops, seminars, conferences, and is involved in developing online training. He is responsible for designing, delivering and marketing each activity, which in 2015 reached over 5,000 people.

This is in addition to Road School, attended by 2,500, where Rich delivers a “Road Scholar” training course tailored to local needs and issues. He understands the big picture of adult education as well as sweats the small details to ensure success. Through his knowledge, professionalism and energy, he has made Indiana a safer place to work and live.

For his development, implementation and management of Local Technical Assistance Program training models that heavily influence transportation infrastructure safety standards for the State of Indiana and create an informed and educated workforce, Richard J. Domonkos is being recognized for the Professional Achievement Award.

Kathy Heath is the Program Administrator for External Relations in the Lyles School of Civil Engineering. Her responsibilities include planning and orchestrating events on and off campus, and serving as the contact for students and employers as the staff Co-op Coordinator; she has been instrumental in marketing, alumni, recruiting and fundraising efforts as well.

Showing genuine care for students, she also has developed a rapport with alumni, faculty and employers. Kathy takes initiative and comes up with creative solutions against tight deadlines, displays savvy and finesse in communicating effectively before a wide range of audiences, and continually demonstrates her leadership and integrity.

For her inventiveness, creativity and instrumental support of the Lyles School of Civil Engineering that has led to increased recognition of faculty University-wide, boosted overall student placement rates and strengthened alumni engagement, Kathy M. Heath is being recognized for the Leadership Award.

In her role as Graduate Administrator for the Lyles School of Civil Engineering, Jenny Ricksy interacts with prospective and current graduate students, alumni, faculty and staff from all across campus. Her knowledge and deep understanding of policy and practice make her a go-to resource for students and administrators, and her levelheaded approach to viewing and solving problems helps in anticipating complex situations, such as leading the school and faculty through new processes and computer programs for graduate student application review, course registration, scheduling of exams and other graduate student-related issues.

Jenny's exceptional performance is due in part to her outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, her open mindedness and high standards of personal integrity. She is revered by current students as well as CE graduate alumni, and regarded as a role model for other staff in the school.

For her pursuit of excellence in activities related to the Lyles School of Civil Engineering Graduate Program which are reflected in improved administrative processes, such as faculty workshops and the successful integration of new software, to bolster student recruitment, retention and experience, Jennifer R. Ricksy is being recognized as the recipient of the Professional Achievement Award.