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Three Frostburg State University Employees Given Staff Awards for Excellence

November 18th, 2021 by WCBC Radio

Frostburg State University recently honored Patrick O’Brien, Crystal Miller and William Patterson with Staff Awards for Excellence. The annual Staff Awards for Excellence recognize exceptional service to the institution. Recipients are nominated and chosen by their colleagues. 

O’Brien, director of the Office of Civic Engagement, was honored in the Exempt (salaried) Employee category. He has worked at FSU since 2008. A 2007 graduate, he has grown in his position to become a regional and national leader in volunteerism, national service, service learning, civic learning and democratic engagement. His “footprint” over the years has included millions of dollars of grant funding and relationships with dozens of nonprofits, governmental and educational institutions in connection with the ASTAR in Western Maryland AmeriCorps program, along with playing a key role in events like Beautify the Burg, Relay For Life and the Maryland Special Olympic Games. 

Miller, an administrative assistant for Student Affairs, won the award in the Nonexempt Employee category. After serving in Athletics and the Office of the President, she was hired in Student Affairs and immediately began making an impact on the physical, technological and communications environment in the office. She greets everyone with a smile while managing multiple projects and responding to students in need. She also co-chairs FSU’s Maryland Charities Campaign and volunteers to support the Washington Children’s Hospital. 

Patterson was recognized in the Nonexempt Employee/Facilities/Maintenance category. A temperature control technician in the University’s HVAC shop for Facilities and Maintenance, he has worked for the University since 1980. Over his tenure, his role has changed because of his willingness to take on new tasks and learn new systems, such as the new HVAC mechanical systems and the energy management system. His historical knowledge of FSU’s HVAC systems and his natural leadership qualities have proved very valuable to the campus. 

This year marks the 24th year the Staff Awards for Excellence have been presented. 

Award recipients are given a plaque, a certificate commemorating their dedication and a monetary award. Staff Awards for Excellence are funded by the FSU Foundation’s Annual Fund Campaign. 

For more information, contact the FSU Office of Human Resources at 301-687-4105.