Kool named September Employee of the Month at The U
Kool, who is responsible for cleaning and maintaining four buildings at USD, made an early impression on coworkers and staff as she has only been employed at The U since May 2008.
"I just like to make sure everything looks up to par," she said with a smile during a reception in her honor at the Andrew E. Lee Memorial Medicine and Science Building atrium on Friday, Sept. 11. "Especially the (National Music) Museum; with so many visitors it needs to look nice."
Nominated for the award by Vicky Kuklentz, Arian Sheets, Sarah Richardson and Deborah Check Reeves of the National Music Museum, Kool was cited for working selflessly and her caring demeanor.
"Dot always does a beautiful job making the National Music Museum shine and sparkle for our visitors," Sheets stated in her nomination. "For many who come as tourists, the Museum represents their first experience of USD, and she makes sure we make the best impression possible."
Additionally, Kool, a Hartington, Neb., native, is responsible for keeping the Native American Culture Center, Danforth Chapel and Farber House in top shape. She enjoys the responsibility, she said, as those buildings are popular campus attractions. Her job at USD is different than operating a daycare, which she did previously while in Gayville, where she resides with her husband of 35 years, Bob.
"I guess I needed to find something different," she said of the career change. "I'll still see the kids (from daycare) at school functions or at a football game and they'll see me and give me a hug. But I like what I’m doing now. Everyone’s friendly and everybody’s welcoming on campus."
A photo of Dot is available for download at www.usd.edu/urelations/images/Dot_Kool.jpg.