February 20, 2020
College of Veterinary Medicine presents second annual staff awards
What's better than a free lunch? How about special recognition from your peers along with the chance of being chosen for a special award.
This was the case for a select group of 23 employees in the College of Veterinary Medicine, or CVM, at the end of January. From this group of nominees, eight awardees were honored and presented with one of three different awards at an all-college staff luncheon.
The luncheon was hosted by the CVM Staff Council, which represents all unclassified and university support staff in the college. Established in 2017, one of the main priorities of the Staff Council was to acknowledge staff members for their contributions to the college's mission.
Gina Scott, computer information specialist and chair of the Staff Council, said one way the council chose to promote staff is through a Staff Awards program, which was launched in 2018.
"The purpose of the staff awards is for us to take the opportunity to recognize the hard work of our CVM staff," Scott said. "It gives us a chance to say thank you and that we appreciate their contributions to the college. Recognizing the accomplishments of others brings a sense of family to our college. Part of the awards includes a cash prize to confirm our commitment to supporting our people."
"As we enter our second year of Staff Council Awards, it is evident this initiative will become a time-honored tradition," said Bonnie Rush, dean of the veterinary college. "It is a pleasure to honor our hard-working and committed staff, and we intend to continue the Staff Council awards for many years."
The award categories are High Five Award; Culture, Collegiality and Compassion Award; and Commitment to Excellence Award. Nominations can be submitted by any faculty, staff or administrators in the college, but must be accompanied by at least two letters of support.
"It is important for everyone to look around and see the good that is being done by the people you work with and to take the time to acknowledge that," Scott said. "All of those that are nominated receive the packet that was submitted for the nomination. To read what others have to say about what you do is very uplifting. Winning is great, but if you have been nominated, you should consider yourself a winner."
The recipients are as follows:
High Five Award: Randy Juracek, radiation therapy technologist. Presented to an employee who has gone above and beyond in enhancing one or more components of the College of Veterinary Medicine's mission of exceptional teaching, impactful research, outstanding service, extraordinary graduates.
Culture, Collegiality and Compassion Award: Sun Johnson, custodial specialist. Presented to an employee who enhances a feeling of belonging for all of the College of Veterinary Medicine and creates a more inclusive environment while enhancing the College of Veterinary Medicine's mission of Exceptional Teaching, Impactful Research, Outstanding Service, Extraordinary Graduates.
Commitment to Excellence Award: Presented to six employees who have gone beyond in enhancing one or more components of the College of Veterinary Medicine's mission of Exceptional Teaching, Impactful Research, Outstanding Service, Extraordinary Graduates.
Recipients:
Nick Hemphill, radiologic technologist in the Veterinary Health Center.
Dave Hoffman, recruitment coordinator and advisor to the CVM ambassadors.
Joel Sanneman, confocal facility manager in the department of anatomy and physiology.
Xiaorong Shi, research assistant in the department of diagnostic medicine and pathobiology.
Rhonda Steele, project assistant in the Veterinary Diagnostic Lab.
Gina Jensen, junior surgery laboratory manager in the department of clinical sciences.