Sue Sheppard, development and outreach coordinator for Northwest Public Broadcasting in The Edward R. Murrow College of Communication, received a 2019 Crimson Spirit Award.

Ms. Sheppard cares deeply about her work. As her nominator explains, “She understand public broadcasting and she understands customer service. Donors who work with her know that she cares about them. She strives to make every interaction outstanding. When a client or donor has an issue with the organization, Sue will go to great lengths to make certain the issue is resolved to their satisfaction…. Constituents can always count on her.”

Ms. Sheppard is now in charge of outreach events and growing the monthly giving program. “Each event she handles is organized and effective,” comments her nominator. “Every issue that comes up she is able to handle by perseverance and ‘out-of-the-box’ thinking. She doesn’t stop until the issue is resolved and things are working. She is seen as one of the best employees in NWPB and the college.”

Ms. Sheppard has been a mentor to more than 15 student employees. She teaches them customer service, trains them in everything that public broadcasting does and provides to the community, and shows them how to be a good employee. She stays in contact with most of them and supports them in their new professions. At least one of them now works full-time in public broadcasting and has been promoted several times.

Ms. Sheppard contributes significantly to the WSU Community outside of her University position. She and her dog, Pepper, are a registered therapy team. They have been called in to help WSU students and local high school students during stressful situations, including finals week. Almost every Saturday, they can be found at Pullman Memorial Hospital and other care facilities. Ms. Sheppard and Pepper are also part of HOPE, a crisis response team. They are trained to offer help during any crisis—local, national, or world-wide.

Ms. Sheppard’s work is always done at the highest level. Her nominee says “She is the epitome of an excellent employee and glows with the crimson spirit.”

Ms. Sheppard is honored for providing superior customer service, expressing genuine interest, and providing outstanding contributions to the WSU community.