Three recipients of the Excellence in Public Service Award are:

Terri Dozal – City of Wichita

Terri Dozal epitomizes all that is good in public service. She began working for the City of Wichita in 1988 as a Lab Technician for the Water and Sewer Department. Although she enjoyed her job, she wanted a position that would give her a better opportunity to have a direct impact on the lives of citizens. So, she applied for and was offered the position of Neighborhood Assistant.

She has only been in the position for a couple of years, but Terri has made a tremendous difference in the Wichita community. She has been instrumental in starting 13 new neighborhood associations; she initiated and organized the Neighborhood Express Trolley Tour; she assisted with the Spanish Speaking Citizen Police Academy; she assisted with neighborhood patrol training, Neighborhood University and other training activities for citizens; and she collaborated with Community Housing to rehabilitate an eight-block area in a predominately Hispanic neighborhood.

Once Terri is 'off the clock', her service to this community does not stop. Terri is a founding member of HOLA, "Hispanic Organization for Latino Advancement." Each week, Terri tutors a student through HOSTS, "Help One Student To Succeed" program. She is a volunteer at the La Familia Senior Center, helping out with dances and fundraisers. During the holiday season, Terri volunteers through Catholic Charities to provide connections and gifts to the Hispanic community. She also volunteers for Big Brothers and Sisters. Not only does she volunteer her time by participating in events, she also is an organizer of the newly established Mi Amigo Bowl for young Hispanics in the community.

It is easy to see that Terry is very committed to making Wichita a great place live.

Jo Templin – Sedgwick County

For the last 20 years, Jo Templin has been an outstanding Sedgwick County employee. She began her career in local government in the Personnel Office and has earned promotions up to her current position as Assistant Director of Human Resources. Throughout her career, Jo has been extensively involved in the organizational development activities for the County and has helped to design strategic planning sessions, meetings and training programs.

Her efforts toward the County’s organizational development impacts all County employees. It is evident that she places the County’s best interest first at all times, as she not only pays attention to the big picture, but also assures that all details are in order. Jo is a tremendous asset to any team that she works with, bringing forth good ideas, experience and logic.

Jo is very active in her church. She has volunteered as a Sunday school teacher and she has been director of the children’s church for 20 years. She is currently the president of the local American Baptist Women’s Association and serves as the Regional American Baptist Women’s Association Corresponding Secretary. In addition, she has served as Youth Director for many years and spends a lot of time volunteering to organize youth activities. Jo has also volunteered for other duties including Christian Education Director, Vacation Bible School Director, Choir Director and Assistant Pianist.

In addition to church activities, Jo has volunteered time for the ARC of Sedgwick County and has spent time helping non-profit organizations with strategic planning. Jo leads by example, demonstrating everyday what a good worker should do.

Gwendolyn Mukes-Baker – USD 259

Gwendolyn Mukes-Baker has been an exemplary educator in the Wichita Public School District for more than 22 years. The position she currently holds, as Teacher of Fine Arts, was created for her because of her many talents, unlimited energy, creativity, and her belief that all children can learn. Gwen makes teaching and learning very exciting for all of her students.

Gwen teaches at an alternative school because she feels that is her calling. Even after completing her studies for a doctorate, Gwen returned to the classroom believing that her contribution would be greater by directly serving students. Everything she does is tied to learning and teaching. Gwen also goes beyond the call of duty by spending time with students whenever they need a person to visit with. She is actively involved in all school activities attending her "kids" games for support and encouragement.

As an active member of her church, Gwen volunteers time as a Sunday school teacher, a Sunday school superintendent, a Vacation Bible School teacher, a food kitchen volunteer, a musician for the Children’s Choir, and more. Gwen is also a volunteer for the Wichita Reader Service, reading articles of interest on the radio for visually impaired citizens. She was also instrumental in re-establishing the Jack and Jill of America Chapter in Wichita, a non-profit organization committed to issues of children and families, and serving as president and chair person. In addition, Gwen is an active member of the NAACP Youth Chapter and performs portrayals of historical African American women in performances at churches, school and community organizations.

Gwen has touched the lives of many people through her commitment to this community.

The winners will each receive $2,500, a recognition gift, and a special reception held in their honor at 4:30 PM on May 4, 2000 at the Wichita Art Museum.

This program seeks to recognize outstanding employees in public service who demonstrate a combination of the following attributes:

• exemplary performance that has contributed to the public interest
• innovative problem solving skills that have improved service delivery
• adherence to high ethical standards in carrying out job responsibilities
• record of community involvement through participation in civic organizations

The Excellence in Public Service Awards Program is underwritten by the DeVore Foundation. The City of Wichita, Sedgwick County and the USD 259 School District would like to thank Bill DeVore, Dick DeVore and their families for honoring public service through this worthwhile program.