June 2005 -
League of Their Own

Distinguished Staff Award
Recognizes Outstanding Service to the University by Its Staff

Sterling LukeSterling Luke

Department: Physical Plant

On the Job: Mason/Plasterer, 15 years at UW

Achievements: Noted for his positive drive to "get the job done, and done right," Luke has amazed members of the pollution prevention group at UW Environmental Health and Safety with his environmental stewardship. He regularly collects used pressure water, cooking grease and garbage that might otherwise drain into Lake Washington and Portage Bay, bringing the recovered substances to environmental health and safety for treatment and disposal. "As far as I can tell, this is not official policy or even encouraged practice at Facilities Services," writes Pollution Prevention Supervisor Megan Kogut. "This is Sterling." Luke does the dirty work of maintaining buildings and public facilities on campus, removing graffiti and even cleaning under cafeteria and medical research building trash bins.

Quote: "Sterling always gets it right. This happens because of his drive and desire to do his job in the best and safest way. His high standards not only impact each of his individual projects, but everyone around him."-Pollution Prevention staffer John Wallace