From the 2007 Faculty and Staff Excellence Awards:
Veda A. Kindle, senior assistant director of Admissions, Registration and Records. has served Portland State for 28 years. The nomination portfolio for the Cumpston Award is a testament to demonstrated excellence in service to students at Portland State University.
Ms. Kindle is dedicated to promoting educational opportunities each day at Portland State. For nearly three decades, she has shared her wealth of knowledge in numerous service positions, from admissions to extensive records and registration managerial positions. Her breadth of experience has become an invaluable student service asset. Within the department, her ability to solve the most vexing student enrollment questions regularly prompts exclamations such as. "Ask Veda," or "Veda will know." She routinely seeks, and articulates, the best possible outcome to support students’ educational goals.
Ms. Kindle has excelled because of her keen intellect and a quick wit, but she is loved because of her compassion, warmth, and exemplary service to students. Her commitment to her profession is uncommon. For example, it is not unusual for her family to share their 'Thanksgiving dinner or a summer patio party with students from distant homes. Such is her generous and gracious approach to welcoming new student members of the Portland State community.
Ms. Kindle's service to others is apparent in the comments from faculty who rely upon her responsiveness and insight. She is a tireless resource for them and for her colleagues across campus. Her positive influences and many contributions are reminiscent of Mary Cumpston's legacy to Portland State University.
The Mary H. Cumpston Award for Service to Students is given annually to an academic professional or unranked University administrator who has demonstrated excellence in the area of service to students. Mary H. Cumpston was a beloved colleague whose enduring contributions to Portland State University and to the community have enhanced the development and delivery of student services. Her gift was the ability to identify individual and University needs and to match these needs with creative and effective solutions.