Marsha Cressman Named KU Employee of the Month for January 2019

Kutztown, PA (04/18/2019) — Congratulations to Marsha Cressman, custodial worker in facilities, on being named KU Employee of the Month for January 2019.

Cressman's nomination from Tyrone Hill, assistant director of Housing Custodial Services, reads:

"As the Assistant Director of Housing Custodial Services, I have the task of ensuring my team is equipped with all the tools and knowledge necessary to perform their work. We utilize a variety of resources to help train our employees including outside vendors, online trainings and shop meetings. As a manager, you want to be confident that your team is prepared to handle any situation and can excel independently when necessary. I am proud to say on this particular day in January, Marsha Cressman soared above all expectations and utilized training beyond what we typically provide for our custodians.

It was early morning January 24, 2019, in Johnson Hall. Marsha was attending to her daily assignment of hauling trash from the second floor when she saw a student running down the hall with his hands in the air. Marsha immediately stopped what she was doing to attend to the student. She noticed he could not speak, nor could he breathe through his mouth. Without hesitation Marsha walked behind the student and performed the Heimlich maneuver!

Teaching someone how to react in these types of situations is difficult because when you train, it is not a matter of life or death. Most people never know if they can rise to the challenge, because fortunately, they never face it with so much on the line. Marsha could've easily panicked and tried other means to get this student help, which likely would have wasted precious time. However, her quick action and ability to remain calm in such a critical moment likely saved this young man's life. Marsha's coworkers, peers and leadership team are very proud and humbled beyond words by her heroic actions; her passion for our most important customer should never be overlooked.

Marsha not only serves and helps our KU students, but actually saved one's life. We are extremely proud of her and we hope you will join in and recognize her as the Employee of the Month for January 2019."

Nominations are collected from students, faculty and staff, and the Employee of the Month is selected by the Human Resources Advisory Council. A winner will be selected each month, and out of the 12 monthly winners one will be selected as Employee of the Year. The Employee of the Month will receive a plaque, reserved parking and a $100 monetary gift sponsored by President Hawkinson.

For more information on the award or to nominate someone, please visit http://www.kutztown.edu/hr.

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