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Story by Kyra Thorstenson

Shannon Hamm, financial program assistant at the �ձ�av��Ƶ West River Research and Extension Center, has been named �ձ�av��Ƶ’s Civil Service Employee of the Month for September.  

She will be honored at a reception held at noon Thursday, Oct. 2, at the center, 711 N. Creek Drive, Rapid City. 

Hamm has worked at �ձ�av��Ƶ for 15 years, supporting faculty, staff and students at West River Research and Extension with dedication, efficiency and compassion. She is described as the critical core of the West River center, someone whose impact extends beyond her job title. 

“Shannon goes above and beyond the responsibilities associated with her position to best support the team,” said Kristi Cammack, assistant dean for West River operations and Hamm’s immediate supervisor. “She is essentially the glue that keeps us together.” 

Cammack noted that while West River Research and Extension has grown significantly in both personnel and productivity over the years, support staff have not, and still, Hamm has continued to provide the same high level of service. 

“Despite no increase in support staff, Shannon has continued to rise to the challenge of providing excellent support and service to each person that joins our West River team,” Cammack added. 

Her attention to detail, professionalism and organizational skills are widely recognized among her colleagues. 

“She is responsible for managing financial records, processing invoices and assisting with various administrative tasks related to �ձ�av��Ƶ’s accounting functions,” said Amanda Blair, assistant director of the center. “Shannon handles stressful situations with calm professionalism, ensuring that tasks are completed accurately and on time, even under tight deadlines.” 

Jameson Brennan, a West River �ձ�av��Ƶ faculty member, spoke to Hamm’s behind-the-scenes work and personability. 

“Shannon is quick to help out anyone that has a question and treats everyone from graduate students to faculty with respect and kindness,” Brennan said. “She is constantly looking out for the well-being of everyone she interacts with.” 

In addition to her financial responsibilities, Hamm also manages the West River fleet vehicles, helps onboard new employees, assists with human resources and serves as a welcoming face to visitors.   

“Shannon is an invaluable member of our team,” said Chris Graham, associate professor in the Department of Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science. “She handles the workload of several employees with grace and never hesitates to take on new responsibilities when the need arises.” 

Colleagues repeatedly emphasized Hamm’s reliability and her positive influence on team culture. 

“She is often referred to as the ‘office mom,’” Brennan added. “She makes �ձ�av��Ƶ a better place to work at and supports so many of the university’s goals of teaching, research and extension by supporting others. I can think of no one else more deserving of this award than Shannon Hamm.” 

Hamm was born and raised in Gettysburg and attended �ձ�av��Ƶ. She now lives in Black Hawk and enjoys spending time with her four children (Christopher Hamm, Laura Fletcher, Rachel Hamm and Emily Jackson) and eight grandchildren, especially playing games together. She loves to travel around the United States and spent time exploring Europe as an Air Force spouse. She enjoys reading, volunteering, touring new places and being active in her church. 

“Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly,” Hamm said, which speaks greatly to her character and the way she connects with others. 

All �ձ�av��Ƶ Employee of the Month selections are determined through a nomination process by the Civil Service Advisory Council. Each civil service employee of the month receives an appreciation monetary gift from the F.O. Butler Foundation. The trustees of the foundation recognize the importance of civil service employees and take this opportunity to thank them for their exemplary service.