Kansas University has announced Gail Trottier, of the theatre department in the costume shop, and Kim Nixon, of the Impromptu Cafe, as staff employees of the year. The university’s applied behavioral science team, consisting of Andrea Noltner, Anne Hamilton and Kelly Spavin, was given the 2014-2015 Team Award. In addition, the collective group of KU Student Housing, KU Parking and Transit, KU Public Safety and the Vice Provost of Student Affairs office all earned a 2014-2015 team honorable mention.

Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center has hired Ryann Waller as director of human resources. Previously, Waller worked for nine years in the city of Lawrence’s division of human resources. She holds a bachelors of arts degree from Kansas University and a master’s degree in human resources management and a master’s degree in business administration from Webster University.

Kansas Roads Scholars Carol Fittell, Bill Koerner and Steve Unfred, are joined by David Cronin, Lawrence city engineer, and Lisa Harris from Kansas LTAP.

Three Lawrence Public Works employees, Carol Fittell, Bill Koerner and Steve Unfed, completed the Technical Skills level of the Kansas Roads Scholar Program on May 19. The program teaches participants about drainage, risk and liability, road maintenance, job site safety and city government.

Sunflower School fifth-grade teacher Lisa Melton and Langston Hughes School first-grade teacher Kristina Szelewycz were given Hy-Vee staff member of the year awards. Award winners are selected based on one-page essays submitted by parents, students and staff. Melton and Szelewycz were selected for their exemplary core ethical values, particularly honesty, respect, responsibility and caring, Hy-Vee said. Each woman received a plaque and a $200 gift card to Hy-Vee.

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