Innovation Award
This award is given to a staff member who has generated novel and valuable ideas, and has used these ideas to develop new or improved processes, methods, systems, programs, or services. The award recognizes creative ideas that have made U of C a better place to live and work.
2013-2014 Winner: Emy Cardoza
Emy is dedicated to social justice education, empowering our students, engaging our campus community in dialogue about identity and supporting our students of color to succeed at UChicago. As an assistant director, she works tirelessly to improve the work that OMSA does and the impact that it has while keeping up with a steady stream of students who come through her door to say hello, ask for help, chat or plan programs. She has used her love and knowledge of intergroup dialogue and curriculum design in order to both improve upon existing programs and develop brand-new innovative programs.
Outstanding Newcomer Award
This award is given to an outstanding staff member who has worked at least six months but no more than three years in their current department. Nominees must demonstrate excellence in overall job performance; show willingness to assist beyond normal expectations; and show initiative and creativity in his or her work.
2013-2014 Winner: Jimmy Brown
On a daily basis, Jimmy brings dedication and passion to his role as Associate Director for Student Leadership Development in ORCSA. He is a versatile team player and he is often in demand. He can be found facilitating professional development strengths sessions for staff, working closely with the Harris and SSA for the graduate UChicago Leads workshops, doing a walk through for the summer breeze concert, negotiating world peace throughout student government elections, meeting with an SLI project groups, on a conference call for the NASPA Leadership Knowledge Community, advising graduate council, providing meaningful feedback to one of his staff members, or just refilling his coffee mug at hallowed grounds.
Outstanding Service to the University Community
This award is given to a staff member who has demonstrated concern and commitment to fulfill needs and ensure satisfaction when providing services to members of the University community including faculty, staff, and students.
2013-2014 Winner: Meredith Haggerty
Meredith never misses an opportunity to support a fellow staff member or student, even when it’s far outside her responsibilities as a movement specialist in Student Health and Counseling. She is quick to brainstorm solutions to others’ challenging projects, provides guidance to HP&W’s Advisory Board and is always willing to share her in-depth knowledge of the University… all of which greatly benefit the entire campus community. Especially impressive is her willingness to provide massages to staff members during finals week when she had extra time, simply to reduce their stress.
Outstanding Service to Students
This award is presented to the staff member who has provided outstanding service to individual students or student groups on a consistent basis, whether through personal advising, development of programs, or improvements to university systems and policies that affect students.
2013-2014 Winner: Tahir Abdullah
As the Assistant Director of Spiritual Life and Advisor for Muslim Affairs, Tahir’s work directly and positively influences the campus community, and many of Tahir’s nominations for this award came from students themselves who have benefited from his work. They highlighted his dedication to achieving a sense of understanding a spirit of compassion within the student community, and his willingness to listen, whatever the need or event. In particular, this award recognizes his support of UChicago’s Muslim student community, and his dedication to achieving a sense of understanding and a spirit of compassion among to the entire student body.
Stephen P. Klass STAR Award (for Service, Teamwork, Attitude, Reliability)
In honor of Stephen P. Klass, who served as Vice President and Dean of Students form 2002-2006, this award is given to the staff member who has, with a positive and forward-thinking attitude, consistently excelled; made outstanding contributions in the area of service, promoted teamwork and collaboration; and worked quietly behind the scenes to improve the unit or their department.
2013-2014 Winner: Shaun Crisler
As an Assistant Director in College Housing, Shaun’s dedication to the students and staff is unwavering, and he always brings a welcoming smile to a situation whether it’s 2 a.m. or 2 p.m., as one of his nomination letters said. Shaun has quickly become a resource and a leader for the entire team. Shaun offers thoughtful insight, and is always available to lend a hand. He is a positive influence – through both words and actions – who consistently makes outstanding contributions to College Housing and CSL. His exemplary leadership is best displayed through his efforts to develop the Broadview community program. He has formed relationships with faculty through the Faculty Dinner Program, shaped and initiated the breakfast program, and fostered an environment that is an extension of the academic experience.