2005 President's QSA Winner: Catherine Rafter

Engineers, as much as anyone, can appreciate the essential nature of a strong foundation.

Thus explains the fondness for Catherine Rafter in UC’s College of Engineering.

Rafter, a veteran of 18 years service to the college administration and current Associate to the Dean, is being recognized as a 2005 winner of the President’s Quality Service Award for both the strength of her commitment to the college and her steadfastness in maintaining it, no matter how the people and circumstances around her have changed.

"Over all my years of alumni service in support of the college and the university, Catherine has been the one constant," praises Roger Zanitsch, a long-time member of the College of Engineering Advisory Council. "I have witnessed a parade of deans over this period and, as an advisor and contributor to the college, I can say with confidence that Catherine has played a pivotal role in every transition and major new program introduction."

Deans, past and present, agree with that assessment.

Roy Eckart, the current interim dean for the college, believes Rafter is "the very best support person on campus." Former dean and current Professor of Electrical Engineering Stephen Kowel highlights Rafter’s "dedication to our mission, her concern for our people, and her ability to see matters through to the right conclusion" in recommending her for the award.

Former dean Constantine Papadakis, now the president of Drexel University, says he unsuccessfully tried to persuade Rafter to join him at Drexel as assistant to the president. "Ms. Rafter exemplifies a model employee for any institution and she is a tremendous asset to the UC community," says Papadakis.

What stands out about Rafter is the breadth of skills attributed to her by those recommending her for recognition. She has filled the role of administrator, confidante and friend to people from every level who come in contact with the college – whether they beat student, alumni, staff or faculty.

"Whether drafting a vital document, helping to develop a policy, or finding innovative solutions to difficult problems, I am always impressed by her professional performance," testifies Thomas Mantei, professor and former department head in Electrical & Computer Engineering and Computer Science. "Ms. Rafter is, by any standard, exceptionally dependable, highly productive and very competent. She is always willing to go the extra step, or the extra mile, for students, faculty and staff."

Kristi Nelson, senior vice provost for academic planning and professor of art history, first encountered Rafter when Rafter was a graduate student in art history. Once Nelson joined the provost’s office, she saw her in another role.

"She continues to amaze me with her ability to help manage the myriad activities that need to be done in the dean’s office," Nelson says. "She does this most capably while maintaining a balanced view of the work. You can always count on her to complete a task in a timely fashion and with good humor. In my view, she has worked extremely hard on behalf of the College of Engineering, and she has dedicated many hours to making the office run effectively and efficiently."

Those who have been fortunate enough to work with Rafter always remember her. Former College of Engineering associate dean Robert Jenkins, who left in 1999 to become dean of the College of Engineering and Mathematics at the University of Vermont, considers her to be the "consummate support person."

Effuses Jenkins: "If I had the opportunity to hire her, I would do so immediately – period!"