Before most of campus was awake, employees from MSU's Office of University Development stood in quiet darkness, anxiously waiting to surprise two of their bosses during the 3rd annual Supervisor Recognition Awards.
The MSU Fight Song blared from boom box speakers, on Thursday as Charles Webb, vice president of University Development, and Marti Heil, associate vice president of University Development, walked in the door of the second floor conference room at the Eyde Building, 4660 S. Hagadorn Road.
About 75 people put down their cups of coffee and joined together in hand clapping, honoring Webb and Heil for understanding the importance of their employees' social lives.
"The two of you understand all these people have a life outside of campus," event coordinator Lori Strom said to the group.
"Because you have been sensitive to their needs, they think you're the best bosses on campus."
Heil and Webb were nominated and chosen based on the high number of employee testimonials they received.
But Heil and Webb weren't the only MSU employees recognized Thursday.
There were special events occurring the entire day, honoring experience at various departments and levels.
Other winners include: Pamela Bellamy, director of pre-college programs, James Cotter, associate director of admissions and scholarships, Joan Predko, director of virtual university design and technology and Timothy Zeko, executive producer of broadcasting services.
Strom said the family atmosphere Webb and Heil created resulted in a large amount of productivity, high-quality work and decreased absenteeism.
Webb said he was surprised by the early morning homage, and thinks just as much of his employers as they think of him.
"This gift means the world to me," he said.
"There is probably nothing more that a supervisor would cherish."
MSU Provost Lou Anna Simon said Heil and Webb's work together has improved productivity in the Office of Development.
"Dr. Webb and Marti Heil have done a super job in leading the development effort," she said.
"This award, organized by their staff, really reflects how development is a team effort."
Employees for the Office of Development coordinate MSU's fund-raising efforts.
The office is currently in the middle of a five-year, 1.2 billion initiative, the Capital Campaign.
Holding back tears, Heil said her seven-year partnership with Webb created a family atmosphere that spread throughout the office.
"We made a commitment to each other that we would be the best team we could be," Heil said.
"But we can only be as good as the rest of you."
