Vicky Kobes, who recently retired as head secretary for the Department of Animal Science, has been named a 2014 recipient of the Omtvedt Innovation Servant Leader Award. The award is fitting, her nominator said, because she served under six department heads, including Irv Omtvedt, for whom the awards are named.
Dedication, loyalty, dependability, collegiality, organization and personal responsibility are among Kobe’s hallmarks during 46 years of service. She was a friendly face to anyone who walked in the door. Her personal concern for people made them feel they could visit about whatever was on their minds, knowing it would be held in great confidence.
Kobes’ institutional memory enabled her to put her hands on almost any procedural or personal question she encountered. In addition to her dependability, Kobes often anticipated various outcomes and had contingencies if things did not turn out as planned.
“When I asked her to take charge of a task, I knew it would get done in a timely fashion and with excellence,” her nominator wrote.
Kobes continues working part time with alumni relations, award nominations and student scholarships. She will receive a plaque and cash award during an April 30, 2014, reception.