We are excited to be seeking nominations for three prestigious awards available to support staff: the Gliozzo Clerical-Technical Recognition, Ruth Jameyson Above and Beyond, and Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff awards!
All award nominations are dueFriday, November 8, 2024.
Gliozzo Clerical-Technical Award
The Clerical-Technical Recognition Award is presented annually to a Michigan State University support staff member performing Clerical-Technical duties. The recipient is selected from nominations received by the CT Recognition Award Selection Committee. The award is sponsored by the Thomas and Concettina Gliozzo Endowment Fund to recognize outstanding MSU Clerical-Technical employees. Last year’s recipient was Meg Quine, Office Coordinator in the MSU Alumni Office. Learn more about the award on the web page, Clerical-Technical Recognition Award.
This annual award recognizes a support staff member who most closely exemplifies the contributions, personal characteristics, and commitment to MSU demonstrated by Ms. Jameyson, going “above and beyond” what is reasonably expected in supporting the mission of MSU. In recognition of Ms. Jameyson’s own pursuit of a graduate degree while working at MSU, the award recipient must be pursuing a graduate degree at MSU or elsewhere concurrent with their employment at MSU. Last year’s recipient was Lori Fischer, Director of Operations for the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Learn more about the award on the web page, Ruth Jameyson Above and Beyond Award.
This award is presented annually to six university support staff members selected by the Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award Selection Committee. The award is named in honor of Jack Breslin, who served Michigan State University as a student leader, honored athlete, top administrator and steadfast advocate. Criteria for selection of recipients include overall excellence in job performance, supportive attitude and contributions to the unit or university that lead to improved efficiency or effectiveness, and valuable service to the university. Last year’s recipients were Jesse Alvarez, Ken Beer, Sarah Evans-Cain, Mark Fellows, Amanda Goll, andDarwin Meirndorf.Learn more about the award on the web page, Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award.
We appreciate your time and effort in submitting a nomination for this year’s awards. The awards committees look forward to learning about these outstanding employees!
The MSU Service and Retirement Recognition Award recognizes support staff employees celebrating a 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, or 45th work anniversary or a retirement falling between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2023.
On May 13, we recognized over 600 employees celebrating long-term work anniversaries and retirements during an awards ceremony at the Kellogg Center. Our university’s development and growth have been, in large part, due to the contributions made by its staff members, particularly those who have chosen to remain in the service of the university. This occasion was dedicated to those who have served the university through the years of its greatest development. It is a tribute to those who have found satisfaction in helping others and creating an impact for a better world.
MSU service and retirement award recipients and their colleagues, friends, and families during the ceremony. Some recipients are standing to acknowledge their years of service to the university.
MSU service and retirement award recipients and their colleagues, friends, and families during the ceremony. Some recipients are standing to acknowledge their years of service to the university.
Christina K. Brogdon, Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, addresses the award recipients during the ceremony.
Thomas Glasmacher, Interim Executive Vice President for Administrative Services, addresses the award recipients during the ceremony.
Scott Pohl (left) and Jody Knol from WKAR announced award recipient names during the ceremony.
Sparty thanks award recipients during the ceremony.
Sparty with a group of award recipients during the reception.
Sparty with a group of award recipients during the reception.
Sparty with a group of award recipients during the reception.
Sparty with a group of award recipients during the reception.
Sparty dancing to the live jazz band during the reception.
Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, Christina K. Brogdon, and Interim Executive Vice President for Administration, Thomas Glasmacher, acknowledged award recipients and expressed their gratitude during the ceremony. Please review this year’s awards program and watch a recording of the event below.
The university thanks these awardees for their talent, passion, loyalty, and contribution to our shared purpose. If you see a colleague’s name in this year’s awards program, be sure to congratulate them!
All photo credit: Dane Robison/TimeFramePhoto All video credit: Cheeney Media Concepts
Congratulations to this year’s recipient of the Ruth Jameyson “Above and Beyond” Award, Lori Fischer! This award honors a support staff employee who goes “above and beyond” in their job at MSU while pursuing a graduate degree concurrent with their employment. Lori is the Director of Operations for the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. She has been with MSU for 13 years and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Management, Strategy and Leadership from Michigan State University.
Lori’s leaders and colleagues have this to say about her:
“Lori’s commitment to her role as the Director of Operations at the Burgess Institute reflects the qualities embodied by Ms. Ruth Jameyson. Much like Ms. Jameyson, Lori has gone “above and beyond” in her duties, contributing significantly to the success and recognition of MSU’s entrepreneurship program. Under Lori’s leadership, the program has achieved remarkable milestones, including being recognized by the Princeton Review as one of the top 25 Undergraduate Entrepreneurship programs in the country.”
“For as long as I have known Lori, she has been an advocate for helping students in the state of Michigan gain access to opportunities to develop their entrepreneurial mindset. The opportunity to work directly with Lori is one of the reasons I joined the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at MSU.”
“Lori’s passion for supporting student venturers and fostering entrepreneurial education has had a profound impact on the entrepreneurial ecosystem at MSU and beyond. Lori has demonstrated a genuine concern for students both in and out of the classroom. Her commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is evident through her initiatives at the Burgess Institute and her role on the Broad College’s Staff Leadership Committee’s Recognition Committee.”
Watch a video of Lori finding out she won the Ruth Jameyson Award below or on YouTube:
The Awards Ceremony
Lori Fischer seated next to Gliozzo Clerical-Technical Recognition Award Recipient, Meg Quine.
Award Selection Committee Chairman, Ray Gasser, along with colleagues, friends and family honor award recipients.
Lori Fischer speaking at the award ceremony.
(Left to Right) Christina K. Brogdon, Lori Fischer, Thomas Glasmacher, and Ray Gasser.
Gliozzo, Jack Breslin and Ruth Jameyson Award Recipients (Left to Right) Meg Quine, Ken Beer, Jesse Alvarez, Amanda Goll, Sarah Evans-Cain, Mark Fellows, Lori Fischer, and Darwin Meirndorf.
On May 13, Lori was honored at an awards ceremony at the Kellogg Center for the Ruth Jameyson, Jack Breslin and Gliozzo Clerical-Technical Award recipients. Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, Christina K. Brogdon, Interim Executive Vice President for Administration, Thomas Glasmacher, and Award Selection Committee Chairman, Ray Gasser acknowledged Lori’s hard work and expressed their gratitude during the ceremony. A recording of the event is available below or on YouTube:
About the Ruth Jameyson “Above and Beyond” Award
This annual award recognizes a support staff member who most closely exemplifies the contributions, personal characteristics, and commitment to MSU demonstrated by Ms. Jameyson, going “above and beyond” what is reasonably expected to support the mission of MSU. In recognition of Ms. Jameyson’s own pursuit of a graduate degree while working at MSU, the award recipient must be pursuing a graduate degree at MSU or elsewhere concurrent with their employment at MSU.
Ms. Ruth Jameyson, who died in 2007 at the age of 100 years, served as the secretary to MSU President Robert S. Shaw from 1938 to 1941 and secretary/administrative assistant to President John A. Hannah from 1941 to 1969. She served as both greeter and gatekeeper to the numerous students, faculty and staff seeking to meet Dr. Hannah, as well as dignitaries from around the globe. Ms. Jameyson accepted roles and responsibilities far beyond her formal job description. Having arrived in Lansing with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Coe College, Iowa, Ms. Jameyson pursued a master’s degree in economics at MSU while working full-time.
This award has been created and funded by friends of Ruth Jameyson; Barbara Sawyer-Koch, MSU trustee emerita, and Donald F. Koch, MSU professor emeritus.
All photo credits: Dane Robison/TimeFramePhoto All video credit: Cheeney Media Concepts
The Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award honors six MSU support staff members annually. Colleagues submit nominations of individuals who demonstrate the qualities of Jack Breslin, who served MSU as a student leader, honored athlete, top administrator, and steadfast advocate, personifying the “Spartan Spirit.”
Congratulations to this year’s recipients: Jesse Alvarez, Ken Beer, Sarah Evans-Cain, Mark Fellows, Amanda Goll, and Darwin Meirndorf! These recipients display excellence in their job performance, supportive attitude, and contributions to MSU. On May 13, they were honored at an awards ceremony at the Kellogg Center along with the Ruth Jameyson Above and Beyond and Gliozzo Clerical-Technical Recognition award recipients.
You can learn more about each Jack Breslin award recipient below.
Jesse Alvarez
(left to right) Christina K. Brogdon (Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer), Jesse Alvarez (Jack Breslin Award Recipient), Thomas Glasmacher (Interim Executive Vice President for Administration), and Ray Gasser (Chairman).
Jesse Alvarez (right) accepting the Jack Breslin Award from the presenter.
Jesse Alvarez speaking during the awards ceremony.
Jesse Alvarez surrounded by MSU colleagues, friends, and family.
Jesse Alvarez is the Law Clinic Manager in the College of Law and has been in his role for 13 years. He is known for his dedication, kindness, and humor. Jesse manages daily MSU Law Clinic operations and assists with projects involving space, systems, and services. He is good-natured, patient, and is considered the best resource for questions regarding office procedures and clinic operations. Here is what his colleagues had to say about him:
“For the purposes of the Jack Breslin Award, I challenge anyone to find someone who more deeply embodies the “Spartan Spirit” than Jesse Alvarez. Jesse does his work with a deep love for Michigan State University and the people who come here to study and work.”
“Jesse is that one-in-a-million staff person that ends up being the glue holding everything together. He is truly a friend and confidant to everyone he meets—faculty, staff, and students alike. He always goes above and beyond to help, often setting aside what he was working on to help. He is not simply the Law Clinic’s office manager, he is the heart of our operation, and he is bettering the lives of all of us.”
“In everything he does, Jesse is mission-driven. He asks himself not whether a task is part of his job but how he can improve the services, both legal and educational, that we seek to provide. He thinks creatively about how to accomplish goals. His understated manner belies his passion for our work and the indispensable role he plays in making it happen.”
(left to right) Christina K. Brogdon (Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer), Ken Beer (Jack Breslin Award Recipient), Thomas Glasmacher (Interim Executive Vice President for Administration), and Ray Gasser (Chairman).
Ken Beer speaking during the awards ceremony.
Ken Beer surrounded by MSU colleagues, friends, and family.
Ken Beer is the Senior Fiscal Officer for the College of Communication Arts and Sciences Dean’s Office and has served MSU for over 22 years. Ken’s job duties include the management of all accounts and budget in the ComArtSci Dean’s Office. He is known as “Spartan Spirit” and “Spartans Will” personified. Ken is known, respected, and counted on across MSU for his extraordinary attention to detail, willingness to go the extra mile to help anyone who asks, and his ability to bring people together. Ken’s colleagues had this to say about him:
“Ken possesses a remarkable ability to anticipate the needs of his department and proactively address them. He consistently seeks ways to enhance our processes and procedures, always with a humble approach that considers the well-being of faculty, staff, students and college leaders.”
“Ken’s exceptional dedication, proactive approach, promotion of inclusivity, and unwavering commitment to the College and University make him a most deserving candidate for the Breslin Award. He is not only an asset to our college, but a shining example of what it means to be a Spartan.”
“Ken is one of the most caring people you will ever meet. He is the personification of what it means to be the salt of the earth. Professionally, he is dedicated to modeling what it means to be an outstanding collaborative caretaker of the College of Communication Art and Sciences finances. Personally, his positive, supportive attitude for all whom he meets, no matter their origin or position in life, illuminates what it means to be a true MSU Spartan.”
(left to right) Thomas Glasmacher (Interim Executive Vice President for Administration), Sarah Evans-Cain (Jack Breslin Award Recipient), Christina K. Brogdon (Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer), and Ray Gasser (Chairman).
Sarah Evans-Cain accepting the Jack Breslin Award from the presenter.
Sarah Evans-Cain speaking during the awards ceremony.
Sarah Evans-Cain surrounded by MSU colleagues, friends, and family.
Sarah Evans-Cain serves as the Administrative Coordinator for the Lyman Briggs College. She has served MSU for over seven years and her duties include supporting the Assistant Dean, seven academic advisors, two career staff, supervising three student employees, and providing supportive service to 2,000 students and over 60 faculty in the college. She manages classroom scheduling, travel arrangements, calendaring for the SSA team, and academic processes like major changes, overrides, and degree certifications. Here is what her colleagues had to say:
“Sarah is an outstanding coworker. I’ve been continually impressed with her ability to approach every situation with patience, respect, and professionalism. She’s our first line of defense and oftentimes the first impression visitors have of LBC. She has an uncanny ability to make students and families feel comfortable and heard so they leave feeling supported. Sarah is always the first person to jump in and help with any situation and represents what it truly means to be a team player. Not only has she helped us all become better employees and better serve our students, but she also creates a welcoming environment where we all feel we can grow and learn because we’re supported.”
“What truly sets Sarah apart is her patience and kindness. No matter how many times I’ve sought clarification or assistance, she has consistently responded with unwavering patience. Moreover, Sarah consistently goes above and beyond in the office. Her flexibility during times of adversity showcases her care for our success and well-being.”
“Sarah adopts a well-rounded approach to ensure the success of both students and the team. Sarah’s approach to ensuring success is meticulously balanced, catering not only to the students but also to the team. Her empathetic and compassionate nature forms the backbone of her contributions while working with professional staff and students. Her exceptional foresight and intuition in assisting with the implementation of successful strategies are unparalleled, making her an invaluable asset to any team she works with.”
(left to right) Thomas Glasmacher (Interim Executive Vice President for Administration), Mark Fellows (Jack Breslin Award Recipient), Christina K. Brogdon (Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer), and Ray Gasser (Chairman).
Mark Fellows (right) accepting the Jack Breslin Award from the presenter.
Mark Fellows speaking during the awards ceremony.
Mark Fellows is the Communications Manager in the Office of the President and has been with MSU for 15 years. Mark helps lead the development of primary communications materials for MSU’s president and collaborates with University Communications to design effective communications strategies and cultivate communication opportunities for the MSU president. He also works to elevate the reputation of Michigan State University by increasing the visibility of the president and the university in the news media. His colleagues had this to say about him:
“Never one to settle for ‘acceptable,’ always one to push for distinctive value in his writing, Mark’s consistent adherence to a higher standard continues to guide his fundamental ethos and everyday approach to his work. While serving at a high level, and for the highest-profile leader at MSU, Mark has maintained a poised professionalism that embodies the university’s land-grant ethos—humble, hardworking, collaborative, forward-thinking, and inclusive.”
“The maturity, poise and professionalism Mark exhibits in his daily work provide a model for all with whom he interacts, creating a multiplier effect that encourages all to reach for such high standards. His even presence and kind words have buoyed me and others up during some challenging times and inspired us to bring our best selves to work every day.”
“Overall, Mark’s quiet, behind-the-scenes work has provided MSU’s presidents with solid support since 2009. It is the kind of work that is invisible to most, rarely lauded, but so fundamentally necessary to the daily needs of the president and the university. The unpretentious humility and keen intelligence of Mark’s character have undoubtedly contributed to his success in this role, a success worthy of praise and of recognition as a truly distinguished staff member of this great university.”
(left to right) Thomas Glasmacher (Interim Executive Vice President for Administration), Amanda Goll (Jack Breslin Award Recipient), Christina K. Brogdon (Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer), and Ray Gasser (Chairman).
Amanda Goll (right) accepts the Jack Breslin Award from the presenter during the awards ceremony.
Amanda Goll speaking during the awards ceremony.
Amanda Goll surrounded by MSU colleagues, friends, and family.
Amanda Goll is the Deputy Chief of Staff for the Office of the President and has been with MSU for 13 years. She wears many hats in the President’s office including human resources officer, budget officer, fiscal officer, supervisor of the office receptionist, and business administrative manager. In addition, Amanda engages in special projects which include representing the President’s Office on university committees, supporting project management, and implementation of key initiatives across campus. Here is what her colleagues had to say:
“Amanda is one of the most trusted sources for advice and counsel among fiscal officers and HR professionals on campus. Through multiple transitions of Presidents, she has been a calm and steady influence with the President’s Office staff. Amanda is also a helpful guide for new staff and a listening ear for both new and experienced staff in navigating the complexity of transition at the very top of the institution. Amanda does this by making herself available as an empathetic listener, who seeks to build relationships and trust among those with whom she interacts.”
“Amanda has an incredible ‘can-do’ attitude that is both professional and welcoming. As one might imagine, the nature of issues she is often asked to resolve can be highly complex and sensitive in nature. Amanda’s creativity and intelligence enable her to handle such complex issues expertly and quickly. Her strong working relationships across departments contribute to her success in tackling what can be very thorny issues.”
“Amanda leads with a focus on being open‐minded, calm, and patient. I know when I meet with Amanda that I have her undivided attention. She is connected and listens. She brings commitment and dedication to any topic and is a highly collaborative partner. Additionally, she is one to ensure all viewpoints are addressed. It’s with her keen sense of listening and observation skills that she can identify and understand needs and initiate ways to support efforts to address those needs.”
(left to right) Thomas Glasmacher (Interim Executive Vice President for Administration), Darwin Merindorf (Jack Breslin Award Recipient), Christina K. Brogdon (Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer), and Ray Gasser (Chairman).
Darwin Merindorf accepting the Jack Breslin award from the presenter.
Darwin Merindorf speaking during the awards ceremony.
Darwin Merindorf surrounded by MSU colleagues, friends, and family.
Darwin Meirndorf is a boiler mechanic with Infrastructure Planning and Facilities and has been with MSU for 43 years. His work includes customer service, maintaining HVAC and boiler equipment, and coordinating with others across the university on essential mechanical system issues. Darwin’s colleagues had this to say about him:
“Over my years of service at the University, I’ve had conversations with a variety of individuals from different departments. Their stories and interactions are all the same when they speak of Darwin. They all talk about his hard work, knowledge, accountability, character, customer service and actions of going above and beyond his normal job duties. He is always the first person to help family, friends, and the community food bank outside of work as well. He is the type of individual who represents MSU in every aspect the university is looking for in an employee. I know in my heart he is very deserving of this award.”
“Darwin interacts well with customers and coworkers, showing care and consideration for others. During my time working with Darwin, I noticed that when dealing with customers, he would be sure to make initial contact with them to hear their concerns before going to work on the problem. This increases efficiency and reduces the need for a return call by knowing more than just the basic information relayed through the work order. In addition, he made sure to follow up with them to let them know the status of the situation, be it resolved or needing further action from him. Darwin has always been willing to assist anyone in the HVAC shop and make sure everyone is taken care of.”
“I would not be where I am today without Darwin’s knowledge and expertise guiding me and teaching me. Darwin will go anywhere and do anything to help solve my problems. He is priceless. Tears were in my eyes when I gave him a hug before he walked out the door for retirement in 2012, and I was elated when he returned to the university in 2016.”
Congratulations to Meg Quine, the 2023 recipient of the Clerical-Technical Recognition Award!
The annual Clerical-Technical Recognition Award is made possible by Dr. Charles and Marjorie Gliozzo, who established a fund in honor of Thomas and Concettina Gliozzo in 2001. This fund was established to recognize outstanding Clerical-Technical employees at MSU. Dr. Gliozzo has said that “the CT’s are the backbone and the infrastructure of the university, and they deserve recognition.” The recipient is selected from nominations received by the CT Recognition Award Selection Committee.
(Left to Right) Deb Bitner (Clerical-Technical Union President), Thomas Glasmacher (Interim Executive Vice President for Administration), Meg Quine (Gliozzo Clerical-Technical Award Recipient), Ray Gasser (Chairman), and Christina K. Brogdon (Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer).
Meg Quine accepts the Gliozzo Clerical-Technical Award during the ceremony. The award was presented by Christina Brogdon (left) and Deb Bitner.
Christina Brogdon gives Meg Quine a hug after she accepts her award.
Dr. Gliozzo, who established the Gliozzo Clerical-Technical Award, and Meg Quine, this year’s award recipient.
Meg Quine (center) surrounded by her MSU colleagues, friends, and family.
Meg Quine (left) with the other award recipients.
MSU Human Resources is proud to name Meg Quine as the 2023 recipient of the MSU Gliozzo Clerical-Technical Recognition Award. Meg is the Office Coordinator for the MSU Alumni Office and has been with MSU for 22 years. Meg is a terrific example of the kind of MSU employee this fund was established to recognize. Here is just some of what her leaders and colleagues had to say:
“Meg is a gift to MSU. Her steadfast nature takes in surroundings and situations in a way that allows her to calmly and efficiently make whatever she touches better. Her colleagues and constituents feel seen. She’s responsive and resourceful. Meg’s plate is always full, yet she remains helpful, kind, and positive.”
“The value Meg brings to this organization is beyond measure. She is highly motivated, has a positive attitude, and is a great team member and collaborator. Her work is excellent—she operates with the highest level of professionalism, is creative and innovative, responsive to the needs of the teams, is a problem-solver, and is open to learning and growing. Meg has a wonderful ability to nurture relationships, which is critical to our work.”
“Meg is the MVP in our office, one who too often goes unnoticed and doesn’t ask for attention, but who we immediately would notice as absent if she were not with us. I don’t know a person more deserving of this award than Meg.”
As you can see, Meg is a valuable asset to the Alumni Office and an integral part of the MSU community. Meg was honored at an awards ceremony on May 13, 2024, which honored the Jack Breslin, Ruth Jameyson, and Clerical-Technical award recipients.
We’d also like to thank the Gliozzo Clerical-Technical Recognition Award selection committee: Margie Aimery, Brandon Baswell, Deb Bittner, Todd Bradley, Melissa Del Rio, and Jenn Roberts. We greatly appreciate your time and efforts!
Two of our Human Resources stars – Sherri Reese, Ph.D., Director of Talent, and Amy Holda, an MLRHR, Interim Director of Employee Relations – are embarking upon an extraordinary leadership adventure.
Sherri and Amy have secured spots in the esteemed TIAA Emerging Leaders Network Program and are thrilled to receive such high praise and nomination from HR leadership. This career-defining journey was carefully curated by Chief Human Resources Officers from some of TIAA’s largest institutional partners; here, only the cream of talent prepares themselves to embark upon new horizons and larger roles.
Sherri and Amy, among a cohort of peers from institutions nationwide, will be expanding their professional networks while diving deep into HR’s latest offerings and perfecting their leadership acumen. MSU has made waves in HR leadership. Their success stands as evidence that our university remains dedicated to thought leadership and strategic partnership in HR; not just on an internal level but regionally and nationally too.
Let’s show our support for Sherri and Amy by offering Spartan cheers. Please join me in honoring their incredible achievement.
Sherri and Amy: Here’s to all of us, MSU, and reaching new heights together!
With Spartan Pride, Christina
Christina K. Brogdon, PHR (she/her/hers) Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer Michigan State University
Do you know an MSU employee pursuing a post-baccalaureate degree who deserves recognition for going above and beyond in their work and studies? Show appreciation for your coworkers and their outstanding work by nominating them for the 2024 Ruth Jameyson “Above and Beyond” Award! MSU is seeking nominations for this award and will accept nominations through January 19, 2024.
This annual award recognizes a support staff member who most closely exemplifies the contributions, personal characteristics, and commitment to MSU demonstrated by Ms. Jameyson, going “above and beyond” in supporting the mission of MSU. In recognition of Ms. Jameyson’s pursuit of a graduate degree, while working at MSU, the award recipient must be pursuing a graduate degree at MSU or elsewhere concurrent with their employment at MSU. A stipend of $2,500 will accompany the award and may be used as determined appropriate by the recipient.
Last year’s Ruth Jameyson Award winner, Sarah Ellis, is the Admissions and Academic Services Manager for the Eli Broad College of Business MBA Program. At the time of the award, she was pursuing a Master of Science in Customer Experience Management from Michigan State University. Learn more about the 2023 Ruth Jameyson Award Winner and what her colleagues had to say.
Any university community member (colleague, administrator, faculty, support staff, or student) may submit a nomination. A nominee must be a regular, active employee with at least five years of service to MSU in a support staff position.
To learn more about the nomination process, and find the nomination form, visit the MSU HR website. The deadline for nominations is January 19, 2024.
This article was originally written by Sharri Margraves, EdD, SHRM-SCP, Director of Organization and Professional Development, and published in the CUPA-HR(College and University Professional Association for Human Resources) Magazine, Higher Ed HR Magazine in September 2023.
Few would debate that recognizing employees is a cornerstone of positive management practices and an essential element of engagement and retention. During the pandemic, we were reminded just how important our employees are to the fabric of what we do and how we deliver our services, yet these same employees often go unnoticed or without recognition. While academic colleagues have a long tradition of acknowledging performance through well-established honors, prizes and awards, other departments and campus units can increase their recognition efforts.
Several studies have repeatedly pointed to the critical role of recognition in employee engagement and retention. The CUPA-HR 2023 Higher Education Employee Retention Surveyindicates that only 53% of respondents received recognition in the form of a pay increase, and only 59% received regular verbal recognition for their work. If employers considered institutional or professional recognition as a “nice to have” before the pandemic, there should be no doubt about the indispensability of recognition in today’s workplace.
Recognition can be uneven between units, colleges, and institutions. Generational differences can also cause anxiety, with leaders wondering how to recognize their staff and teams without being mocked on social media. Outreach to Generation Z and millennials is critical, however, as a Society for Human Resource Management 2019 survey indicated that 76% of Gen Z and millennial employees believe that they are “seldom to never” eligible to receive employee rewards. Meanwhile, a 2022 Gallup-Workhuman study found that 81% of leaders say “recognition is not a major strategic priority” and 73% of leaders report that their organization “does not offer managers or leaders best-practices training for employee recognition.”
In 2022-23, I conducted a program review of the staff recognition programs at the 65 institutions associated with the American Research Universities-Human Resources Institute (ARU-HRI). I also conducted a group survey to get additional information on these universities’ perspectives. With 60% responding to the survey, here are the takeaways that may help you consider changes to your institution’s recognition programs.
A Review of Recognition Programs
Legacy Programs. Formal recognition programs at the institutional level are often legacy programs established decades ago. These typically honor a former employee or benefactor or are designated as the chancellor’s or president’s award. Most legacy programs are anchored to institutional values and reward employees who go “above and beyond” regarding customer service and care.
Almost every ARU-HRI institution I reviewed had a program that honored just a select few employees. This can mean less than a one percent chance of an employee being selected for an award in a large institution. Those with solid programs had a formal ceremony with the chancellor, senior administrator or another designee presiding over the events. A few institutions also formally acknowledged all nominees. Even if they didn’t win, their contributions were recognized formally by the senior leader.
Team Awards Tied to Strategic Initiatives. Approximately 48% of the survey respondents indicated that they have established new programs in the past five years. More recently established awards were often designated specifically to help drive strategic initiatives such as innovation or process improvement. When asked about their recognition program priorities, survey respondents said their second highest priority was creating or strengthening their recognition efforts tied to strategic goals (with inclusion-based recognition being the highest priority).
Often these awards are team-based, and some require cross-departmental collaboration. The University of Michigan has a bi-annual program that showcases the work via a poster session, and a team of both academics and staff selects the winners. Awards of this type can be inspiring because the work of these individuals and teams becomes “seen”. Staff contributions are often appreciated in the general sense but undervalued with the actual impact and outcomes that help propel institutions forward.
Peer-to-Peer and On-the-Spot Recognition. During the pandemic, several institutions started peer-to-peer programs to allow the appreciation of colleagues to be recognized. Many use vendor support and can include simple cards and notes, and most were designed to be quick and “on the spot.” Some, but not all, also notify the immediate supervisor. At the University of Washington, these informal recognition notes are entered into drawings for additional appreciation with swag bags or other de minimis gifts.
Service Awards. Another aspect of this evaluation was a review of service awards for longevity at the institutional level. Many long-standing programs started decades ago when the workforce was relatively stable and stationary. These could be updated to reflect more recent trends, with awards for service starting earlier. In the cohort of 65 institutions studied, 57% started formal recognition at year five, with 22% not starting service recognition until year 15 or higher.
Designing a Successful Recognition Program: Key Considerations
The pandemic, followed by the “great resignation,” has impacted all aspects of our work. Yet most of us continue churning out the same recognition programs — many decades old — often without questioning their value, validating their impact or reviewing for bias. Here are some crucial factors to consider when evaluating and updating your recognition program.
Culture. Creating a culture of recognition starts with senior leadership and moves down and across the institution. When onboarding leaders at all levels, include specific points about recognition and provide toolkits and support for unit-level recognition. The University of Iowa includes recognition as part of their required training of all leaders across the institution. Combining awareness with concrete tools makes it easier for supervisors and co-workers to do the right thing.
Inclusion. Most of the institutions surveyed recognized the need to review their programs or establish new ones with a focus on being more inclusive when creating awards and selecting recipients. This includes providing training for selection committees about bias awareness when reviewing awardees’ nomination forms and letters. As the top priority among all institutions surveyed, nearly 60% indicated that creating or strengthening inclusion efforts related to recognition is a priority.
Access and Awareness. The most successful programs have made it easier for employees to be nominated and reviewed with standardized forms; templates for cards, letters and certificates; and links to the appropriate policy or business manual. All institutions had groups conducting the reviews, making selections, and consolidating the different awards in one website, which helps convey the breadth of recognition and creates a positive, forward-facing impression. It makes it easier for employees and potential employees to understand how the organization values staff recognition.
Sharing staff recognition widely throughout the institution in various local media, social media and unit-level channels contributes to awareness. Some institutions focus on a traditional recognition week with both casual appreciation events and formal award ceremonies. At the University at Buffalo-SUNY, new supervisors are trained to write thank-you notes as part of their onboarding. Such high-touch actions are just as vital as the grand awards.
Eligibility. Are your formal programs available to all employee groups? Progressive institutions recognize part-time and contract employees as part of the campus fabric and acknowledge their work. Very few institutions have formal programs to recognize temporary or contract staff, even though they play a significant part of the workforce at our institutions. The University of South Carolina has codified by policy that temporary staff are eligible for recognition awards.
Non-Traditional Recognition. Forward-thinking organizations are aligning recognition of good work by creating a culture where the organization notes achievements broadly. Historically, the main form of recognition was only intradepartmental, with individual supervisors acknowledging and recognizing their immediate staff. One might consider opportunities to present effective, recognition-worthy programs to senior leaders or encourage employees to submit presentation proposals for conferences and then support the travel cost for those who present programs and results. Such accomplishments should be shared widely in newsletters and other media.
Team Recognition. Most institutions value collaboration and breaking down the “silos” between units. Showcase the work accomplishments of teams, inter- or intra-departmentally and between different work groups. More often, these are the newer awards an institution might implement to incentivize innovation and process improvement. One word of caution: Often, one group or another can dominate team lead improvements — think information technology and project managers — so think of ways to increase the visibility of contributions from other subject matter experts. Establish a protocol to include up-and-coming interested employees to participate in different team-based problem-solving.
Audit Your Programs
Consider the benefits of auditing institutional and unit-level recognition programs with the chart below. Being mindful of both the program’s current status and the changes you would like to see can help improve the benefits of recognition programs for employees. A cross-section of employees, administrators, and others can review and make improvement recommendations along with recommended priorities. Download a Self Audit of your Institutional Recognition Programs to rate your current status.
About the author: Sharri Margraves, EdD, SHRM-SCP, is the executive director of organization and professional development for Michigan State University’s HR department.
Remarkable, dedicated and hardworking are just some of the words used to describe the Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award Recipients. The Jack Breslin Distinguished Staff Award is presented annually to six university support staff members, hand-selected by the Selection Committee from nominations received by the recipients’ colleagues.
The award is named in honor of Jack Breslin, who served Michigan State University as a student leader, honored athlete, top administrator and steadfast advocate. His strong and innovative leadership played a pivotal role in MSU’s growth and development as the nation’s premier land grant institution.
Nominations are now open for the 2024 award and the nomination form and accompanying materials are due November 3, 2023. Selection criteria for recipients include overall excellence in job performance, supportive attitude and contributions to the unit or university that lead to improved efficiency or effectiveness, and valuable service to the university. Nominees must be regular, active employees with at least five years of service in a support staff role at MSU or an approved affiliate of MSU. Please review the nomination form and the HR website for further details. Do not notify the nominee before or after submitting your nomination. The nominee’s supervisor must approve the nomination. Approval includes ensuring the nominee meets eligibility requirements, is in good standing with a recent performance review and has not previously received the award. The nomination form, supervisor approval, and accompanying materials are due November 3, 2023. Contact MSU Human Resources with any questions at SolutionsCenter@hr.msu.edu.
This press release is being shared with permission from CUPA-HR.
Jake Lathrop, Consultant to the Vice President of Human Resources, has been selected as the next leader of the CUPA-HR Midwest Region Board of Directors. Jake will begin his term as Region Board Chair on July 1 and will serve in this role for one year before moving into the Past-Chair role. CUPA-HR’s Midwest region is one of four regions nationally and consists of twelve states and the respective state Chapter boards within.
Jake has served on CUPA-HR’s Midwest Region board for four years. Prior to that, he was on the CUPA-HR Michigan Chapter board for four years, where he also served as president. He has been a member of the association’s Public Policy Committee and Learning and Professional Development Committee and was selected for the 2018-19 cohort of the Emerging CUPA-HR Leaders Program. Jake has presented at numerous state, region, and national conferences and virtual programs.
“It is humbling to be selected for this role and an absolute honor to serve my higher ed colleagues in this capacity,” Lathrop shared. “I am especially honored to represent MSU throughout every CUPA-HR interaction, and to share with colleagues across the country the amazing work that Spartans do.”
Contact Information Jessica Thompson Marketing Coordinator – Communications and Marketing jcthompson@cupahr.org
