Congratulations to the June Employee of the Month – Paul Chumbley, Horticulturist with Department of Horticulture
Paul’s nominator praised his work ethic and attitude “He makes hard work fun. With a positive attitude and a smile, Paul comes everyday to work at the Hahn Horticulture Garden with a willingness to help his co-workers, to guide and instruct student interns and volunteers, and to work diligently to make the Hahn Garden the most beautiful place on the Virginia Tech campus.
In addition to his prescribed work, Paul has over the years mentored numerous students, not just those pursuing a horticulture degree, but many from diverse backgrounds and disciplines. He instructs students in Public Garden Maintenance and Landscape Construction classes as they work in the Hahn Garden on specific maintenance and expansion projects. He guides student interns and workers showing by example how best to accomplish tasks, giving them invaluable real-world experience.
… He makes annual events – such as the spring Plant Sale in partnership with The Horticulture Club, our Garden Gala, our Art in the Garden exhibit, and our Christmas Open House – happen with ease and enthusiasm. He is inventive when problem solving, respectful of his co-workers, and proud of his work here at Virginia Tech. He stays current in his job by attending seminars and classes outside the University, traveling to industry trade shows, and visiting industry leaders in our state. “
As the June Employee of the Month, Paul received a plaque, gifts from the college, has his photo displayed in the case in Hutcheson Hall, and will be eligible to be considered for the 2016-17 Employee of the Year award.
(This write-up and photo is from Stephanie Stockholm’s email to the CALS listserv)