Nordbye named September’s Civil Service Employee of the Month

Alice Nordbye, a lead facility worker for Facilities and Services, has been named South Dakota State University’s Civil Service Employee of the Month for September.

She will be honored from 10-11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 27, in the Facilities and Services building, room 110, with a program starting at 10 a.m.

Nordbye has been employed with the state for the past 13 years, the last six of those with Facilities and Services.

Troy Syhre, director of Custodial Services, called Nordbye a true asset to the custodial team. She’s well-liked and has a good heart, often taking on more work than most people could handle in a day with top-notch results.

“Alice does outstanding work that is always done correctly the first time. She helps coordinate event work across campus. In doing so, our customers are always very pleased with the event help and turnarounds,” Syhre said.

Abby Whitelock, a Facilities and Services project coordinator and interior designer, praised Nordbye as a passionate and positive team player whose efforts make work easier for the whole team.

“I can recall several occurrences where Alice came to the rescue and literally saved the day with her work ethic and dedication to the university. Alice is goal-oriented and takes pride in her duties, which shows in the spaces she upkeeps,” Whitelock said.

Whitelock recalled learning with less than a day’s notice that a space in need of attention was about to be part of a campus tour. “Alice promptly showed up to the building and went to work with a smile on her face. Within an hour, the space was sparkling and ready for guests. The building occupants were extremely grateful for the quick response and positivity Alice brought to the situation.”

Building maintenance worker Jessica Albee said Nordbye has gone above and beyond in her position, learning a lot in a short amount of time. She has trained most of the custodial staff on campus and takes on extra work without complaint.

University Veterinarian Michele Mucciante said she and others in the Animal Resource Wing agree, adding that Nordbye notices details that others would miss and personally cares about the staff of the buildings she’s worked in.

“Although Alice is no longer our primary contact in Facilities and Services, she cares enough about the building and the people in it that she stops by occasionally to make sure standards are upheld. Alice is a pleasant, dedicated hard worker who exemplifies the university’s commitment to excellence,” Mucciante said.

Nordbye enjoys spending time with her grandkids and family. That includes going to the grandkids’ sporting events, enjoying the outdoors by camping, hiking and fishing, and watching HGTV for new remodeling ideas. She likes driving hot rods and Harley rides with her husband, Jon.

All SDSU Employee of the Month selections are determined through a nomination process by the Civil Service Advisory Council. Each civil service employee of the month receives an appreciation monetary gift from the F.O. Butler Foundation. The trustees of the foundation recognize the importance of civil service employees and take this opportunity to thank them for their exemplary service.