Distinguished Staff Awards. Recognizes outstanding service to the University by its staff.

Betty Jo Kane & Paula Walker

Distinguished Staff Awards, Betty Jo Kane & Paula Walker.

Department: University Libraries

On the Job: Kane is the manager of the libraries facilities operation; 20 years at UW. Walker is the assistant director of libraries; 27 years at UW.

Achievements: The two-year, $47 million seismic renovation of Suzzallo Library wouldn't have been possible without the help of Kane and Walker, '75, who served as liaisons between the construction team and the UW library community. It was their job to coordinate the project and ensure sufficient library services were provided to faculty and students without interruption. They were also responsible for relocating more than 70 staff members to temporary off-site offices, as well as moving and re-moving more than 1 million books. Kane and Walker pulled it all off without a hitch, and even managed to save the UW several millions of dollars by compressing the construction schedule by four months.

Quote: "Without their superior and sustained efforts, exceptional level of energy, positive outlook and dedication to public service, it would have been impossible to keep the construction project from negatively affecting library services to the students, staff, and faculty of the University."
Eleanor Chase, head of government publications, UW Libraries


Home / Current Issue / Archives / Talk Back / Advertising / Columns FAQ / Alumni Website / Search