Two FAS Staff Members Recognized

Dingman, Miller go above, beyond the call of duty

FAS Honors Outstanding Staff Members

By Debra Bradley Ruder

Gazette Staff

Thomas A. Dingman and James S. Miller have several things in common. They are both fair, compassionate, and dedicated administrators. And they had similar reactions to winning this year's FAS Administrative and Professional Prize.

"It's all a little embarrassing," said Dingman, associate dean for the House system and human resources for Harvard College. "There are so many competent folks around here. I feel like the quarterback who is made to look reasonable by other players' diving catches and sticky fingers."

"I'm very honored, but I'm a little embarrassed," echoed Miller, director of financial aid in Harvard and Radcliffe colleges. "People work incredibly hard here, and it's difficult to feel that I'm distinguished in some way."

But the pair did stand out in the eyes of their nominators and of the committee that chose them from among 27 staff members nominated this year.

The prize, established in 1994 by an alumnus and his wife, recognizes outstanding performance within the Faculty of Arts and Science's administrative and professional staff. It was created in appreciation of the work of the Admissions Office, but it is open to any member of the exempt FAS staff with at least five years of service.

"Among the nominees there are many, many people worthy of recognition," Psychology Professor Brendan Maher, chair of the prize committee, explained during a reception at the Faculty Club on Monday.

"This is one of the happiest occasions of the year, when we honor some of our most talented and dedicated staff," said Dean of the Faculty Jeremy R. Knowles.

To the applause of their colleagues, Dingman and Miller each received a check for $5,000 that must be spent traveling, along with one month of extra paid leave.

As director of financial aid since 1983, Miller is responsible for distributing close to $70 million annually in undergraduate financial aid, and he oversees an operation that affects the experience of more than two-thirds of the College's students.

Miller, who graduated from Brown University in 1973, joined the Admissions Office in 1978, and has served over the years as an admissions officer, financial aid officer, and a proctor (adviser) for first-year students.

"We do not know anyone at Harvard more deserving of this award," said two of his nominators. "Jim stands out in his combination of intelligence, integrity, humanity -- and service to Harvard. . . . He is the kind of administrator who makes our students rethink the general misperception of Harvard as impersonal and cold."

They and others noted his talent for recruiting and motivating staff. "Jim fosters an atmosphere of respect, good humor, and a sense of common purpose," offered one colleague. "His manner is inclusive rather than exclusive, and his office is never off limits to anyone on the staff."

Dingman, who graduated from the College in 1967 and from the Graduate School of Education in 1973, has held various positions here for the past 26 years. As associate dean, he is responsible for the smooth functioning of the Houses and for handling the personnel matters of the College staff. He also is Allston Burr Senior Tutor (academic dean) in Dudley House, where he advises nonresident students, and serves as eligibility officer for intercollegiate athletes.

"Tom has been at the heart of Harvard College for many years and in many capacities, yet he brings a fresh face and an open mind to every day's work," said one of his nominators. "He is the perfect exemplar of someone who has devoted his life to Harvard, not just because of what it meant for him, nor because of what it is today, but because of what he knows it can become."

"We are amazed by this man's endless energy and dedication," wrote several colleagues. They said he works extremely long hours in a quiet and unassuming way while keeping his door open for staff. "His animated and caring nature also makes him a pleasure to be around."

As far as Dingman is concerned, working at Harvard is a privilege.

"It's an honor to work at Harvard, to have so many extraordinary colleagues, and to try to create the best conditions for teaching to flourish.

"I think it is wonderful this prize was established in appreciation of the work of the Admissions Office," he added. "The talent, energy, and variety they attract in a new class each year -- that's what makes working at Harvard so inspiring. I can't think of a nicer way to thank staff than through this prize."

Among the other nominees saluted Monday were: Ruby Aguirre, Department of Mathematics; Steve Baker, Department of Government; John Barrett, Department of Physics; Barbara Cerva, Biology Labs; Abby Collins, Center for European Studies; Jerome Connors, Facilities in Chemistry and Earth and Planetary Sciences;

Marcia Dambry, Committee on Degrees in History and Literature;

Joseph N. Demusz, Department of Applied Sciences; Betty Ann Farmer, Department of Comparative Literature; Maryellen Fitzgibbon, Department of English and American Literature and Language; Sandra L. Godfrey, Department of Applied Sciences; Nancy Hearst, Fairbank Center; Arthur Hock, Department of History; Mark Kagan, Department of Music; Joseph McCarthy, Academic Affairs; William Ouchark, FAS Computer Services; Mary Reynolds, Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology; Patricia Shanahan, Department of Economics; Marie Sheehan, Department of History of Science; David Sobel, FAS Computer Services; Nancy Sommers, Expository Writing;

Elizabeth Swain, Core Program; Jay Taft, Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology; Fran Toland, Department of Athletics; and Judith Vichniak, Committee on Degrees in Social Studies.