Business briefcase May 19
• Orley “Chip” Taylor, a Kansas University professor of ecology and evolutionary biology, has been named a 2014 Growing Green Award winner. Taylor was one of four individuals recognized for advancing sustainable food and agriculture by the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Berkeley Food Institute, which administer the awards. Taylor founded the Monarch Watch in 1992, which enlists of citizens to protect the monarch butterfly from extinction.
• Andrew Hause, Jim Hartzell and the staff of the Ekdahl Dining Commons were honored as employees of the year by Kansas University on May 13. Hause received the Unclassified Professional Staff Employee of the Year award, reserved for someone with a “can do” attitude. Hause, an employee since 1996, is the associate technical director at the Lied Center.
Hartzell took home the University Support Staff Employee of the Year award, which goes to someone gifted at explaining complex concepts. An employee of more than 25 years, he is the maintenance coordinator for KU’s Student Housing.
Staff members of the Ekdahl Dining Commons also received the 2013-14 Team Award. Team members include: Nona Golledge, director of campus dining; Sheryl Kidwell, assistant director for residential dining; Mark Maranell, general manager of the commons; and Sergio Banos, assistant manager of the commons.
• Steve LaRue, a Realtor with McGrew Real Estate, graduated from the 2014 National Association of Realtors Leadership Academy. The academy serves to identify, inspire and mentor emerging leaders for the organization.