Theodore Ellmore, retired programmer in the Department of Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, has received the university’s 2016 Staff Career Achievement Award.

Ellmore retired from the university in February 2015 after 43 years of service.

Created in 2011 to recognize retiring staff members, the Staff Career Achievement Award is presented annually to as many as five individuals who have distinguished themselves through exemplary performance and service during their university careers. Nominees must have worked a minimum of 10 years at Virginia Tech. Each recipient is awarded a $1,000 cash prize.

Ellmore began as a laboratory and research technician, running various assays on forage materials, but was a man of many talents. As the university moved into the technological world, Ellmore became a self-taught computer technician, which resulted in his role changing to information technology specialist. He served as the department communications and network liaisons, webmaster, and photographer.

He is described as thorough and professional, always willing to help administrators, faculty, staff, students, or alumni. For example, Ellmore set up his office and home phones to roll over to his cell phone to be more accessible to answer any computer questions at any time.

One colleague said that one key to success is to make yourself indispensable, something Ellmore accomplished during his time at Virginia Tech.

Ellmore was an active member and participant of the Information Technology Conference held twice a year. He also supported humanitarian initiatives held by the university.

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