President Richard H. Brodhead presents Percell "Percy" Kelley with a Presidential Award Tuesday. Photo credit: Megan Morr

Durham, NC - One Presidential Award winner is responsible for ensuring that hundreds of concerts go off every year sounding as professional as the performer and audience deserve. Another is a key figure in keeping Eye Center functions working at a high level of quality. All award winners, said President Richard H. Brodhead, make Duke a better university.

"When you're dealing with the care of patients at the Eye Center or with getting music facilities ready for a public performance, sometimes perfection is the only option," Brodhead said. "It's good to know there are employees who work at that level."

During Tuesday's luncheon at the Washington Duke Inn & Golf Club on April 22, Brodhead honored five Duke faculty and staff members with a Presidential Medallion and a check for $1,000. Brodhead also presented awards and $100 check to 25 Meritorious Service Award winners.

Presidential Award winners are:

Eleanor Carter -- Clinical/Professional Category

Manager CRNA, POSU, Schedule

Duke Eye Center  

Carter has worked at Duke since 1980, and is known as the "go-to" person for the Eye Center Operating Room. She is the chief nurse and manager for the Operating Room and Preoperative Screening.

"It constantly amazes me how Ms. Carter attends to the needs of so many people in the operating room," a co-worker wrote. "Yet, each time I accost her with a special request, she makes me feel as though I am the only person she must deal at that time!"

James Good -- executive leadership category

Associate Operating Officer for Facilities

Duke University Hospital

Good has served the last 10 years in his current position, but has been worked at Duke Hospital since 1973. He has been involved in nearly every area of hospital operations and he is at the forefront of major construction projects.

"Jim is the impressive combination of someone who knows the right process to make improvements, the right people to talk to in order to have the best ideas implemented, the right timing to manage projects efficiently, the right politics to ensure everyone is happy along the way, and the right attitude such that he always appears humble and selfless as his agenda is accomplished," said one nominator.

Lester Matte -- service/maintenance category

General Maintenance Mechanic

Facilities Management

Matte has worked at Duke for four years and has completed more than 1,400 service orders and more than 100 building inspections. He is also chair of the Facilities Management Department Employee Safety Committee.

"In the rare case when he is unable to immediately resolve a problem he will get in touch with me and let me know why and what the next steps should be," a co-worker said.

Percell "Percy" Kelley -- managerial category

Coordinator of Performing Facilities & Events

Department of Music

Kelley has worked in his current position for 11 years. He manages more than 100 concerts, of various sizes, during the fall and spring semesters. He ensures that the concert hall is comfortable and optimal for musicians, conductors and audience members.

"As people from the Duke community and beyond attend our performances, it is supremely important that we display the highest level of professionalism and genuine warmth that is a part of our very fabric. Percy Kelley is a person who exemplifies these characteristics; it is simply who he is," a music department colleague said.

Robin Goodwin -- clerical/office support category

Staff Assistant, Ophthalmology

Duke Eye Center

Goodwin has worked as staff assistant for more than 20 years, and during that time she has supported the department as it increased in size from two to 12 faculty members. She has assisted in moving the department twice, and she is at the forefront of ensuring prompt and patient-friendly service.

"When patients interact with Robin, they feel like they are not just talking to another employee, but to a compassionate human being that is genuinely concerned about their welfare," one colleague said.

The Meritorious Service Award Winners are:

Bobby Browning, Facilities Management

Cassandra Harris, Women's Studies

Cathleen Walker, Public Policy Studies

Christina Christopoulos, Center for Child and Family Policy

David Chulla, Facilities Management

Deborah Morgan, Pastoral Services

Debra Hernandez, Durham Regional Hospital

Diane Smithey, Duke Computer Repair

Dorothy Dunkins, Facilities Management

Geoffrey Mock, News & Communications

Herbert Williams, Facilities Management

Jane Schroeder, Pediatric Blood & Marrow Transplant Program

Jeffrey Harward, Facilities Management

Jeffrey Moe, Fuqua School of Business

Jerry Brooke, Duke Clinical Research Institute

John Kramer, Engineering & Operations

Joseph Heitman, Molecular Genetics & Microbiology

Joseph Shepheard, Respiratory Care

Julie McKeel, Duke Clinical Research Institute

Linda Sellers, Durham Regional Hospital

Matthew Nash, Fuqua School of Business

Maurice Parker, Duke University Libraries

Tammy Kincy, Duke Eye Center Operating Room

Tara Bowens, Fuqua School of Business

Terry Mears, Durham Regional Hospital