Rogers named May’s Civil Service Employee of the Month

Matthew Rogers, an equipment mechanic for South Dakota State University Facilities and Services, has been named SDSU Civil Service Employee of the Month for May. 

He will be honored at a reception held from 10-11 a.m. Friday, May 10, in the Facilities and Services commons, room 100. 

Rogers has worked at SDSU for more than three years, starting as a facility worker before transitioning to equipment repair. 

Jessica Albee, a Custodial Services supervisor, said Rogers is an easy-going guy who always has a smile on his face and a joke to tell. 

“He is willing to learn anything and always jumps in to help when he can,” Albee said. She also called Rogers a hard worker who always keeps busy and has maintained a building that would normally take an additional person to keep clean for students and staff. 

Eric Nelson, assistant department head and distinguished professor in the Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, praised Rogers’ collaboration and for working effectively with other staff to take care of the building that houses the department and its Animal Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory. The work was complex due to biosafety standards in its research labs plus dissection and clinical skills areas. 

“Matthew takes great pride in his work and was meticulous in his efforts to keep the facility looking immaculate. We received many comments from staff, students and visitors about how clean and well-maintained our facilities were,” Nelson said. “He went well beyond expectations to ensure our facilities were always in top condition.” 

Nelson added that Rogers is people-centered and provides any assistance when possible, creating an open, helpful and friendly environment. 

Program assistant Shawna Asmus agreed, saying Rogers takes his work seriously and is devoted to what he does. “There was never a task that Matt wouldn’t take on or help with. He goes above and beyond to help those around him, including getting rid of spiders. There were several times that he would take time out of what he was doing to give a helping hand.” 

Samantha Stoel, program coordinator for the professional program in veterinary medicine, called Rogers friendly and dependable. 

“He is someone you can always count on to get the job done, even if it isn’t the most glamorous. Not only was he friendly and took pride in his work, but he also took the time to get to know everyone in our building. … I really miss seeing him in the building, but I’m so happy he is advancing and making himself better doing what he likes,” Stoel said. 

Rogers said he was honored to be recognized. 

He has been married for 18 years, has three children and enjoys family dinners. He likes working on cars and drag racing and is a member of Brookings Vintage Auto and Motorcycle Enthusiasts. 

All SDSU Employee of the Month selections are determined through a nomination process by the Civil Service Advisory Council. Each civil service employee of the month receives an appreciation monetary gift from the F.O. Butler Foundation. The trustees of the foundation recognize the importance of civil service employees and take this opportunity to thank them for their exemplary service.