The 2013-2014 Karen L. Wensch Endowment Award for non-exempt staff has been presented to Ms. Jane Gethmann, Assistant to the Chair of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering.

The Karen L. Wensch Endowment Award for Outstanding Non-Exempt Staff honors non-exempt staff who make outstanding contributions in one or more of the following areas: engagement in the UMBC community, dedication to UMBC, performance above and beyond position requirements, personal commitment and persistence to his/her work, excellent problem solving skills, high professional standards, community involvement on campus, and advocacy for non-exempt staff. Awardees have worked at UMBC for at least five years as a member of the non-exempt staff.

Jane Gethmann first came to UMBC in 1971, and over the years has worked in Financial Aid, the Department of Biological Sciences, and the Graduate School. She joined the Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering in 1997, and is known as the glue that holds the department together, going above and beyond her responsibilities.

In addition to assisting the chair and handling administrative and financial duties, Gethmann also takes the lead when additional resources are needed or when she sees a way to increase efficiency in the department. She has served as facilities manager and scheduling coordinator, managed the Computer Science Help Center, coordinated part-time faculty hiring, and created a graduate admissions database. She also managed the installation of a new teaching laboratory, working with faculty and Facilities Management in order to get it up and running by the start of the semester.

A leader and trusted advisor, Gethmann’s vast knowledge of UMBC and departmental procedures as well as her excellent judgment make her invaluable to those she serves. She is a dedicated people person with a helpful and positive attitude. Whether working with faculty, staff, students, or visitors, her goal is to help people solve whatever problem they are facing, and ensure that they have what they need.