A startled smile crept across Larry Sierra’s face Tuesday as his family, friends and co-workers recognized him as an excellent supervisor.
Members of the Bosses’ Day Committee started at 9:30 a.m. to spend the day surprising seven MSU supervisors including Sierra, the executive director of Intramural Sports and Recreative Services, with the Supervisor Recognition Award.
The committee was created this year by Lori Strom, coordinator of MSU’s Child and Family Care Resources Program, which coordinates resources to assist students, faculty and staff who are balancing work or education with family responsibilities.
“In my office, we would get a lot of complaints about bosses not being sensitive to family needs,” Strom said.
“We thought that rather than being punitive and seeking those who were doing poorly, if we recognized those who are doing well, maybe they could set the example.”
In May, Strom sent a memo to all MSU departments asking them to nominate supervisors who have demonstrated sensitivity and support of their employees’ professional or personal needs.
Sierra said he wouldn’t be able to be such a great supervisor if it weren’t for his wife, Arlene, his son, Jeff, and his staff.
“I’m flabbergasted,” he said. “I had no clue this was happening.”
But Dennis Mayer, associate director of Intramural Sports and Recreative Services, said as soon as he received the memo, he knew Sierra would make an excellent candidate.
“One of the best things about working for him is that he understands the work and home life balance,” he said. “He has shown you can do a good job at work and not neglect your family.”
Kelly Benbraham, an office assistant in the Office of Financial Aid, said two people from the department were nominated - Assistant Director Linda Sigh and Cheryl Whitman, supervisor of aid programs.
“They are really supportive of their staff with work and personal lives,” she said.
Jodi Hancock, associate manager of the University Activities Board and committee member, said the day was incredibly touching.
“It has had an unbelievable reaction,” she said. “All the winners have been truly speechless.”
