Betty Lam's tennis racquet is a constant companion in her office. Sometimes it sits partially hidden behind her coat rack. Often, though, it can be found with Lam on the campus tennis courts, where she religiously practices her game with lunchtime matches and weekend competitions.

As a budget analyst for Enrollment and Planning Services, Lam is an administrative whiz in charge of budget disbursement for five departments. She runs a well-organized office, but with humor, compassion and respect for her coworkers. She's been a constant presence on campus for close to 30 years.

For her many years of service to the University and dedication to her job, Lam has been named the November STAR of the Month.

"This job is fun," Lam said. "I like the interaction, and I have a good rapport with people in the administrative offices."

Lam's rise to budget analyst began with a job in the personnel office, now Human Resources. From there, she worked in the Controller's Office, the office of Vice President for Administration Stanley Kardonsky, and in 1993 she moved to Public Affairs.

After four years in Public Affairs, she was hired for her current job, where she oversees budgets for the offices of Admissions, Registrar, Financial Aid, Student Outreach Services and Student Systems Support and Development.

"Betty contributes many things to the department, but one of them is an institutional memory," said Jo Volkert, assistant vice president for enrollment and planning services. "She's been on campus a long time, and she's been in several different areas, so she knows everything." Volkert has been Lam's boss for about two years.

"She's also very willing to help others. As a mentor and trainer to new employees she's both knowledgeable and willing to share what she knows," Volkert said.

Volkert also praised Lam as "extremely reliable and dependable" and for her nearly perfect attendance.

When she's not working, Lam can often be found on the tennis court. Her passion for the game started when she signed up for campus classes a few years ago. Now, she's rated between 3.5 and 4 with the U.S. Tennis Association -- where 5.6 and above designates pro-level skills -- and plays on two tennis teams. While she prefers singles competition, she's been known to take to the court for doubles matches.

Lam is also an avid traveler and participates in the annual University Women's Association cruises. She's traveled through the Panama Canal, to the Caribbean, Alaska, Tahiti, Australia and New Zealand. In January, she's looking forward to escaping the Bay Area winter for a cruise along the Mexican Riviera.

A native of Hong Kong, Lam graduated from the University of Alberta in Canada before immigrating to the United States. She lives in San Mateo.

Please join us in congratulating Betty and thank her for making such a difference.

As the STAR of the Month, Lam will enjoy four free lunches on campus, a free parking pass or equivalent in one month's public transportation costs, and more. She will also be eligible for the STAR of the Year award.

• Meet previous STARs of the Month.

• Nominate a STAR

• Join the STAR selection committee

• STAR information.