2009 UNO Employee of the Year

Helen Burton

Long before many faculty, staff and students set foot on campus each morning, Helen Burton, custodian with Custodial Services, has been busy making the Eppley Administration Building a clean, welcoming place for students, staff and visitors.  Her desire and action to help keep UNO in tip-top form led to her receipt of the October 2009 Employee of the Month Award.

On April 27, she was further recognized for her dedication to UNO by being named the 2009 Employee of the Year.  Burton received a plaque at the Faculty Senate/Staff Advisory Council Banquet and also earned a cash prize.

“I was very surprised to hear my name and had no idea,” she remarked about the recognition.

For the past eight years, Burton was a familiar face in the College of Business Administration.  She and her fellow co-workers helped keep the classrooms and offices in optimum condition for students, faculty and staff.

2009 UNO Employee of the Year Helen Burton with UNO Chancellor John Christensen (far left), Mollie Anderson, director of human resources, and Kent Lavene, president of the Staff Advisory Council.

Earlier this spring, Burton’s job duties were transferred to the Eppley Administration Building.  She enjoys the challenges the new environment offers.

“Helen worked meticulously to provide all CBA faculty and staff with a clean and comfortable environment,” one nominator wrote.  “She is very pleasant and willing to go over and above her normal duties to help someone out.  Helen goes the extra step in methodically cleaning areas that could easily go unnoticed.”

Being a morning person is one key to her job success.  “The hours suit me very well,” she said.

While cleaning, Burton said she strives to be conscious of the areas that staff, faculty and students work and learn in.  With that in mind, she aims to keep everything as safe as possible to protect the well-being of all.  Colleagues say they really appreciate her attentiveness.

“Helen has been so helpful when I have extra cleaning or moving tasks,” another individual wrote.  “She often gets interrupted with special requests but never makes you feel like it’s an interruption to her day.”

When she’s not on duty at UNO, Burton is an avid hockey fan and can be found cheering on the Mavericks at all their home games.  She also enjoys sewing, camping and spending time with her family and friends.