Athens, Ga. – The University of Georgia School of Law Staff Council presented Eula M. Cross with the 2004 Employee Distinguished Service Award last month. This honor is presented annually to recognize and reward employees for their service to the law school.
Cross, formerly the office manager of the School of Law’s Legal Aid and Defender Clinic, held administrative and secretarial positions at the clinic for 34 years. Four people nominated her for the award, and Cross received $500 and a framed certificate for her achievement.
“Eula is a welcoming presence [in the clinic] and a calming influence for both clients and staff,” said Russell C. Gabriel, former Legal Aid and Defender Clinic director, in his award nomination for Cross. “She has a tremendous ability to stay calm in the midst of the stress of a busy law office and to stay balanced despite the changing priorities and ‘emergencies’ of each day. She has a wonderful sense of humor and combines it with the ability to treat all persons with respect and dignity. She has been a cornerstone of the clinic and its work.”
On Jan. 1, the Legal Aid and Defender Clinic dissolved as the state’s new Western Circuit Public Defender Office became the official indigent defense unit for Athens-Clarke and Oconee counties. Cross continues her duties as office manager for the new public defender office.
The Law School Staff Council established the annual Employee Distinguished Service Award to recognize staff members who have demonstrated a strong work ethic, a commitment to service and exceptional job performance as well as the cooperation necessary to ensure the School of Law meets and exceeds its goals.
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Note to editors: A photo of Eula Cross and the Law School Staff Council Committee Chair Cindy F. Wentworth is available by calling 706/542-5172.