COLLEGE STATION – The Department of Animal Science held its annual Christmas Luncheon and Awards Ceremony on Dec. 17 at the AgriLife Center.

Robbie Lukeman, business administrator, was presented the 2013 Outstanding Support Staff Award by Dr. Russell Cross, department head.

Faculty, staff, retirees, graduate students and student workers gathered for a beef and chicken meal, holiday gift basket giveaway, a presentation of 2013 departmental highlights and departmental awards.

The 2013 Outstanding Support Staff Award was presented to Robbie Lukeman, business administrator II. Since joining the department in 2002, Lukeman oversees and manages all departmental business activities, from general departmental operating expenses to assisting faculty with budgeting and managing grant expenditures to ensure compliance with both agency and university guidelines. She also prepares and maintains the departmental budget to use available resources in the most efficient way so as to assist the department head, associate and assistant heads in accomplishing goals for teaching, research and Extension.

“Robbie’s passion for her job and helping all of us effectively do our work is very much appreciated. She always has time to explain how something needs to be done – or more importantly, why something can’t be done,” commented one nominator.

In addition, four faculty members were recognized for their years of service to the department. Dr. Gordon Carstens and Dr. Rhonda Miller were recognized for 25 years and Dr. Stephen Smith and Dr. Tom Welsh for 30 years of service.

The Ronnie L. Edwards Graduate Teaching Award was presented to Raul Valdez, Natasha Bell and Lindsey Mehall.

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For more information regarding news from the Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Texas A&M University, please contact Courtney Coufal at cacoufal@tamu.edu or (979) 845-1542.