Marti Halm: Showing Respect

Denison recognizes that through giving and showing respect, we elevate our interactions with one another and create a work environment built on mutual civility.

Marti Halm began her career at Denison University in August of 2012 as a part time administrative assistant in the Athletic Department and was promoted in 2016 as the HESS academic administrative assistant. Reading through the nominations submitted on Marti’s behalf from past years, there were many shared commitments that Marti was nominated for, but one theme surfaced the most – Be Respectful.

In her nomination for this recognition, Halm’s colleagues noted:

“Marti is often the first person a student, parent, coach or professor comes in contact with as she sits at the front desk. She is always professional and respectful. She is a great ambassador of Denison University, our Athletics Department, and the HESS major.”

“Marti is the first person that anyone sees when they enter the office suite of Athletics & Recreation. There are so many people that pass through those doors considering that there are more than 70 faculty/staff in our division as well as nearly 600 athletes. We also experience a flow of Faculty Emeriti and families of prospective student-athletes.”

“Even though Marti is technically the AAA, because of her desk location, she is “The Face” of the division when anyone comes through our offices. She instantly makes every single person (regardless of who they are) feel welcome and important. I doubt other support staff on campus meet as many different people as Marti.”

“Marti cleans up many of our “messes,” smoothing over communication lapses, scheduling issues, submitting of forms and requests, etc. Many of us forget things and make mistakes (students and faculty alike). She assists in fixing situations with absolute grace, ensuring that everyone feels valued and respected.”

“I know there are times in staff meetings when we might drive her crazy. We are still a new(ish) major that has growing pain and is still smoothing out modes of operation. This forces Marti to be very flexible. I’ve never even seen an eye roll out of her (even though we might have deserved many).”

Denison employees come together each week to provide a nurturing environment for students to grow and develop into autonomous thinkers, discerning moral agents and engaged citizens. To be successful in both our roles and this ultimate endeavor, we provide a list of shared values that are meant to guide our daily actions and interactions. Each employee should not only work to uphold these commitments but also encourage others at Denison to do the same.