Two Luther College employees recognized

Jerry Johnson and Judy Craft

Luther College staff members Judy Craft and Jerry Johnson have received the Luther Staff Excellence Award for 2010.  Craft is lead custodian in Franklin W. Olin Building and Johnson is director of public information.

The Staff Excellence Award recognizes "exemplary performance by staff members who consistently excel in their positions and demonstrate integrity and a strong commitment to the mission and values of Luther.  Staff Excellence Award candidates are nominated by their staff and faculty colleagues.  Recipients are selected by the college administrative and support staff committees.

Craft joined Luther in 1990 working as a part-time custodian. Upon the completion of the F.W. Olin Building, she accepted the full-time lead custodial position in August of 1995.  Co-workers in Olin comment that Craft works tirelessly to keep a 15-year-old building looking brand new. She is a joy to have in the building, always cheerful, and has a can-do spirit.

Johnson joined Luther in 1987 as director of public information. During his Luther career he has served as director of alumni records and research, director of sports information and director of donor communications/research.  In 1993 he returned to the director of public information position.  As director, he oversees the college's news bureau, photo bureau, video bureau, and serves as a member of the marketing team.  Supervisors comment that Johnson consistently demonstrates leadership, problem solving skills and the ability to get things done under a heavy workload.

As part of the award, each recipient will be granted an individualized educational opportunity, funded by the college.  Past winners have participated in January-term study-abroad programs, spring break service-learning trips, summer courses off campus, Luther music ensemble tours, unique professional development opportunities, or semester-long courses on campus.