Outstanding staff members in Materials Engineering recognized by College and University
Professor Mysore Dayananda, David Roberts, Donna Bystrom and Department Head and Professor of Materials Engineering, David Bahr
We are pleased to announce that Donna Bystrom has received the university-wide Eudoxia Girard Martin Memorial Staff Recognition Award.
This award is made annually to a woman staff member who, in the performance of her duties, has demonstrated those personal qualities of heart, mind and spirit that evince a love for and helpfulness to students , staff, and faculty.
Donna Bystrom, administrative assistant in the School of Materials Engineering, has won the 2016 Eudoxia Girard Martin Memorial Staff Recognition Award. Bystrom has been working for the School of Materials Engineering for almost 40 years, taking on many roles throughout her time at Purdue. She is best known for her empathetic human interactions with students, staff, faculty and alumni, according to her nominators. Bystrom received the award Thursday (Dec. 8) during the Clerical and Service Staff Recognition Luncheon.
Many professionals from the School of Materials Engineering wrote nomination letters on behalf of Bystrom and her excellent work throughout the years. David Bahr, head of the school, wrote about Bystrom’s vital role to the school.
Alexander King, former MSE head and now adjunct professor, wrote, “Donna has had a profound impact on three decades of Materials Engineering alumni, not by virtue of any technical matter they learned here, but through a shining example of what it means to serve others through your work.”
The Martin Award is intended for fifth-level secretaries or administrative assistants with five years of continuous service on Purdue’s West Lafayette campus. It is awarded to staff who accomplish their duties with a special caring and helpfulness to students, faculty and staff. It consists of a medallion, a framed description of the life of Martin and a $1,000 honorarium.