U.C. Establishes 'Outstanding Service' Award

In appreciation of the improvements that Harvard's support staff brings to student life, the Undergraduate Council voted unanimously last night to create an award honoring the "outstanding service" of employees working in dining halls, libraries and custodial positions.

The Harvard-Radcliffe Undergraduate Council Prize for Excellence in Service to the Student Body will be awarded annually to a University employee who "directly serves students in a non-supervisory position."

"The workers who are here on campus, who make our life that much easier every day, we need to recognize them as well," said Council Vice-President Mark A. Price '98 who co-sponsored the bill.

The awardee will receive a plaque and will be invited to the annual Levenson Banquet as an honored guest. This spring event honors outstanding teaching by professors and teaching fellows.

In addition, a letter of commendation will be sent to the employee's supervisor and to President Neil L. Rudenstine.

"I'm really excited about this," said Council President Lamelle D. Rawlins '99. "I think it will really make a difference in somebody's life."

In other business, the Council voted last night to allocate over $23,000 in spring grants to a number of student groups.

The Radcliffe Rugby Football Club, whose membership fluctuates between 35 and 50 women, will receive $900 from the Council, the largest allocation given to any group.

The nationally-ranked rugby team was initially allotted $600. The Council increased the appropriation to help fund the team's trip to the national competition in Pennsylvania next month.

"I'm ecstatic they were supportive," said team member Heather Haxo Phillips '97-'98.

"I honestly think we have a good chance of being number one at nationals," she said.

According to Finance Committee chairperson Stephen E. Weinberg '99, the committee tries to give money to the groups which help the greatest number of students.

While there was some debate over how much money each student group should receive, Council members agreed that the University should provide more funding for student organizations.

"Many groups are competing against schools that receive much more money," Rawlins said.

According to Rawlins, the Mock Trial team will receive $175 from the Council. In intercollegiate competitions it faces teams that receive as much as $8000 from their universities.

Other large grant allocations went to the Harvard Computer Society, which will receive $800 and CityStep, which will receive $700.