Mahboobzadeh, Stout honored for service

Patty Maboobzadeh, an office assistant in the Department of Music, and Karen Stout, Bowman Professor of Communication, are the latest to be recognized in the Western Way program for their excellent commitment to Western Washington University. 

"It doesn't matter how many concert programs she has to do, and it doesn't matter how many tasks I ask her to help me with during her shift, she always gets the work done," said Heather Dalberg, administrative services manager in the Music Department, of Mahboobzadeh. "I call her the hardest working person I know. She engages people who come to the office and I learn more about the people through her one conversation then in my (sometimes years) of knowing them. She is very supportive of faculty, staff, students, me...especially when we strive to push ahead, make a radical and positive change, she cheers us on. Patty's warm character is both courteous and maternal, sparking positive interactions throughout the office with everyone who comes by. Her whimsical and curious nature lends itself to making those around her feel important and heard. Patty goes out of her way to consistently push herself to learn to improve efficiency outside of her job description. I love her."

Of Stout, submitter Matthew Anderson, new media coordinator in the Office of Communications and Marketing, had this to say: "It would be hard to name a person in the last decade who's had a greater influence on Western than Dr. Stout. Not only did she serve two terms as Faculty Senate president, she also leads the Karen W. Morse Institute for Leadership and carefully guides and encourages countless Western students every day, always with an unflagging commitment to their success. She is kind and thoughtful and a tremendous asset to Western."

Do you work with an outstanding colleague at Western Washington University? The Western Way program provides the opportunity for faculty and staff to recognize the great efforts of others on campus.

Any time throughout the year, folks in the WWU community can visit the Western Way website to recognize a Western employee who demonstrates excellence in serving students, visitors or colleagues, based on the characteristics that make them uniquely Western: inviting, engaging, distinctive, collaborative and adventurous.

Western Way honorees are recognized online on the Western Way Wall of Acknowledgment, in Western Today and in a slideshow at the Employee Recognition Ceremony in April.

To view more information on the awardees to date, visit the Western Way website at www.wwu.edu/westernway/.