By Hope J Smith

When Ray Kepler found out he received the Employee of the Month award for March, he was pretty surprised. "Honestly, I didn't feel worthy," he says. "There are plenty of people out here who work at least as hard, if not much harder, than I do." But that's difficult to believe when you hear about all the things he's done.

Jeff Reed, Kepler's supervisor, makes it clear how hard Kepler works. Bull Run Marina is open roughly from the beginning of April through the end of October. During its operating season, "Ray puts in 12- or 13-hour days on a regular basis." Kepler also manages a staff of four or five high school students, and recently added an assistant manager. "As the manager, the marina really can't remain open without Kepler's presence," says Reed. "His efforts have kept Bull Run Marina open over the past five years."

Kepler began working at Hemlock Overlook in 1988, when he was an undergraduate at George Mason. He was working toward a degree in the Parks, Recreation, and Leisure Studies program when Warren Doyle, then a professor in the program, told Kepler about an internship that was available. "It's because of him that I'm where I am," says Kepler. Though workin g at Hemlock Overlook did not influence his choice of major, it was a natural progression. The time he spent as a Boy Scout first got him interested in the outdoors. "I love working outdoors and working with my hands," he says.

Kepler became a team development course facilitator, leading groups through the physical challenge course at Hemlock Overlook to help them learn how to build team skills. Children make up about 75 percent of the groups he leads through the course, and working with children really influenced his decision to go to graduate school. Kepler plans to complete his certification as a fourth- through eighth-grade teacher at George Mason by the end of fall semester 1998.

In 1992, Kepler began working at Bull Run Marina, where he works as a classified employee. He quickly assumed the many responsibilities necessary for running a large park. "He is always talking to the fishermen, canoeists, and others about the water conditions, weather, and anything else that would help customers enjoy the park," says Reed. "He is the heart and soul of Bull Run Marina." It is precisely the great responsiblity that Kepler most enjoys. Though he likes working at Hemlock Overlook, he prefers to work at Bull Run.

An endorsement for Kepler's nomination was sent in by James Metcalf, a professor with the College of Nursing and Health Science, who visited Bull Run and noticed the impeccable care of the facility, particularly all the flowers around the pavilion. "It was obvious," says Metcalf, "that someone had invested considerable effort and tender care in maintaining the facility."

Besides maintaining the physical facility and making sure the park runs smoothly, Kepler also is the driving force behind the Moonlight Canoe Trips, a popular feature at Bull Run. Kepler and his friends used to take canoe trips at night and noticed how pretty it was. He thought that it would be "a great idea to take people out and share that." He now leads and trains others to lead guided tours down Bull Run at night.

When Kep ler is not working, he enjoys being outdoors. He canoes, fishes, rock climbs, and hikes. "Of course," he says, "I also take classes."

Kepler is modest about his accomplishments at Bull Run and Hemlock Overlook. "It's the people at Hemlock who have made me what I am. They provide a great environment; they set a great example." Kepler says the award represents all the hard work that is done by the staff at Hemlock Overlook and Bull Run Marina. "I don't know where I'd be without them."

Employees of the Month are presented with a certificate, which is framed by Nelligan's Framing, by President Alan G. Merten. Classified employees of the month are given a reserved parking space for one month, a Mason T-shirt from the campus bookstore, lunch for two from University Dining Services, and two tickets to certain events at the Patriot Center or the Center for the Arts Concert Hall.