Contact: Mary Margaret Colliver

The award includes a $600 cash prize, a plaque and inclusion of the winner on a plaque permanently mounted in the UK Student Center.

LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 9, 2005) -- Nominations are being sought for this year’s A. Paul Nestor Award for Employee Creativity, which recognizes a University of Kentucky staff member who has supported the university's mission through improved productivity and cost savings, implemented measures that resulted in more effective operations and/or a safer work environment, and demonstrated exemplary attitudes, initiative or creativity.

“Award criteria cite employee suggestions that improve productivity and show cost savings, result in greater efficiency, and create a better work environment. Employees who show exemplary attitudes, creativity or initiative also qualify,” said Marti Sale, chair of the 2004 award selection committee.

The award is named for retired UK employee A. Paul Nestor, who was known for implementing many cost efficient programs within his departments. Prior to his retirement and with the help of Jack Blanton, former UK senior vice president for administration, Nestor set-up a $10,000 endowment fund to be used to honor staff members who came up with new ideas that make a difference in their departments at UK.

The award includes a $600 cash prize, a plaque and inclusion of the winner on a plaque permanently mounted in the UK Student Center.

Nomination materials are available online. Nominations should be submitted by 4:30 p.m. Monday, March 14, to Marti Sale, chair, A. Paul Nester Award Committee, Department of Psychiatry, UK, 3470 Blazer Parkway, 3rd Floor, Lexington, KY 40509, by fax at ( 859) 323-1194, or e-mail mssale00@email.uky.edu.