Mercier Wins 2008 People's Choice Award
October 16, 2008 - Michael Mercier, Maintenance Machinist 2 in Facilities Operations and Development (FOD), was honored this morning as the recipient of the 17th Annual Staff Arts and Crafts Exhibit People's Choice Award. On hand to make the surprise presentation was FOD Associate Vice President Melissa Bellini, the Office of Human Resources Program Manager for Special Events Michele Bondurant, and University Staff Advisory Committee Member and FOD coworker Jon Clark. Here Michael is pictured with team coworkers.
"Treasure Chest" also received a Vice Presidents Award, being the personal favorite of Dr. David O. Frantz, Secretary of the Board of Trustees.
"I see art everywhere, and one day, while staring at some cable spools destined for the dumpster [pictured above], I thought I could do something with them," said Mercier. The resultant pine chest with mahogany stain, measuring approximately 32", has been elevated, with this award, to a family heirloom.
Michael works at McCracken Power Plant and has been with the university since June 1997. He repairs pumps, valves, and various boiler components, helping to keep the chilled water and steam heat flowing through many university buildings. He is retired from the Navy and, with woodworking as his hobby, has built most of his home furnishings.
Co-sponsored by the Office of Human Resources and the University Staff Advisory Committee (USAC), the exhibit showcases the creative, artistic talents of many of Ohio State's staff members. The People's Choice Award is presented to the entry that received the most popular votes of those attending the exhibit, which ran from August 21 to September 19.