Lisa Eberhart, dietitian with North Carolina State University Dining, has been awarded the 2012 North Carolina Governor’s Award for Excellence, which acknowledges appreciation for outstanding accomplishments that prove to go above and beyond the standard scope of duty. That is, the Award recognizes major contributions to the State of North Carolina by the recipient and is the highest accolade that a state employee can earn.
Eberhart was one of five candidates selected from a pool of 47 employees to represent NC State in the state-wide competition. Jimmy Helfert, Concessions Manager for University Dining, was also among the five NC State finalists. This is the first time in history that any University Dining employee represented the University at this level.
“Lisa consistently creates new initiatives to improve the health and quality of life for others,” says Randy Lait, senior director of hospitality services at NC State. “For example, she has pioneered new ways to communicate food allergens and nutrition information on our website, in physical dining locations via menu identifiers, and has also developed iPad Food Information Stations in all dining halls. We have useful nutrition and allergen information accessible via smartphones and tablets whenever our guests need it.”
Lait also addressed the exceptional contributions of Helfert. “Jimmy is the very definition of dedication and passion for one’s job,” he says. “He began his career 38 years ago at Carter-Finley Stadium, and still has the same smile and eagerness to please as he did on his first day. From football to basketball season, Helfert does everything from stocking stands to running them, traveling from one event to the next, all hours of the day, several days a week, regardless of weather or situations that may arise. His professionalism, respect and incredible work ethic are stellar.”
“We are proud of both Lisa and Jimmy for representing not only University Dining, but NC State University as a whole,” says Lait. “It’s quite an honor.”