April STAR Award Recipient

Barb Kargus Counseling Center PA

The pace and complexity of the work at the University Counseling Center has increased plenty over the past five years, but program assistant Barb Kargus has helped lighten the increased workload. “Because we deal with life and death situations, the center can be a stressful working environment,” said Joe Abhold, director of the counseling center. “Barb’s steady, compassionate and supportive style lightens the load for all of us who work in the center.” The center has administered $1.1 million in grants, seen an increase in clients and transformed the nature of its outreach efforts, but Kargus’ can-do attitude, creativity and initiative has helped it thrive during the change, Abhold said. “I cannot say enough about her work ethic and her importance to our Counseling Center,” said counselor Michael Altekruse. “She is what this university is all about—dedicated people trying to bring the best education and services possible to our students.”