Staff, Faculty, Advisors Celebrated at 2023 Awards Banquet

On Monday, April 24^th, UNO’s Academic Advising Council, Faculty Senate, Department of Human Resources, and Staff Advisory Council (SAC) gathered to recognize the achievements of UNO employees whose service and impact on the university’s mission have helped UNO fulfill its mission to strengthen student social mobility and support workforce development.

A true campus-wide celebration, representatives from nearly every unit and college came together to celebrate the outstanding work of their peers that went above and beyond from this academic year.

Chancellor Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA, gave her congratulations to those in attendance who were supporting the important work being done by their colleagues. “More and more people are noticing UNO and the outstanding work we do. And that is because of you and Mavericks just like you. I am inspired every day by your hard work.”

Awards and recognitions were presented throughout the evening across the staff, faculty, and advising groups on campus including recognition of the outgoing members of the Academic Advising Council, Staff Advisory Council, and Faculty Senate.

Winners of the following awards included:

• Advising Awards
• Employee of the Year Award
• Staff Advisory Council Awards

Advising Awards

Kerry Fina, President of UNO’s Academic Advising Council, recognized and thanked the members of the AAC executive team for their service in supporting UNO’s academic advisors across the university.

Fina then recognized the Advisors of the Month for the 2022-2023 academic year:

• Emily Wiemers, College of Information Science & Technology
• Megan Carroll, College of Communication, Fine Arts and Media
• Laura Thayer-Mencke, Academic and Career Development Center
• Kate Earnhardt, Division of Continuing Studies
• Farida Majid, College of Information Science & Technology
• Chris Scott, College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences
• Alyssa Askeland, Academic and Career Development Center
• Andrew Beck, College of Information Science & Technology
• Katelyn Bollich, College of Business Administration
• Lyndsey Rice, Health Careers Resource Center
• Ruth Elias, Academic & Career Development Center

Sammi Kaiser, Ph.D., Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Success, was in attendance to honor Jessica Swisher, Senior Advisor in UNO’s Division of Continuing Studies in the College of Public Administration & Community Service (CPACS), as Advisor of the Year. Swisher earned this recognition for being “a fierce student advocate, and a font of institutional wisdom who shares her wisdom freely.”

Employee of the Year Award

Steve Kerrigan, Assistant Vice Chancellor of Human Resources, provided recognition to UNO’s employee of the year, which was chosen among the previous 12 months of Employee of the Month recognitions.

Jaisy Kumar, a senior licensed mental health practitioner in UNO’s Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) unit, was honored as 2023 Employee of the Year for her work in providing a safe and fun atmosphere, especially for international students. Kumar was recognized by her peers for being “one of the most gentle, kind, and compassionate people I have met. We need more Jaisys in CAPS and in the world.”

Staff Advisory Council Awards

Kaitlin Carlson, president of the Staff Advisory Council, recognized and thanked the SAC Executive Committee whose leadership helped guide the 40 dedicated staff members who serve and represent their peers from across the university.

Carlson then invited Marlina Davidson, Assistant Director of Academic Technologies, and a member of the Professional Development Committee within SAC, to present several awards voted on by the SAC members that recognize the outstanding work by UNO staff throughout the academic year.

SAC Recognition Award

The SAC Recognition Award winner demonstrates exemplary support to UNO staff members.

This year’s recipient is Charlene Tate-Vinson, Office Associate in UNO’s College of Education, Health & Human Sciences (CEHHS). She was recognized for being a mentor and source of wisdom for all CEHHS department staff, and her nominators were impressed by how “she has built a wide network on campus and in the greater Omaha community because of intentional relationship building efforts.”

Unsung Hero Award

The Unsung Hero Award winner is selected by the SAC Professional Development committee and recognizes a staff member who makes a significant contribution to the campus but has not received the recognition that they deserve.

This year’s recipient is Amy Kica, administrative coordinator in UNO’s School of Psychology within the College of Arts & Sciences (CAS). Kica was recognized for being tireless in her support of students and staff. And they noted that she is “always willing to lend a hand and look for new ways to make everything around her better, every day.”

Above and Beyond Award

The Above and Beyond Award winner is selected by the SAC Professional Development committee and honors a staff member who has shown outstanding achievements in the workplace, exceptional contributions toward efficiency and effectiveness of operations, special efforts in promoting workforce excellence, or outstanding service to the University community and constituents.

This year’s recipient is Katie Sup Rezac, Assistant Director of Academic Advising in UNO’s Division of Continuing Studies in CPACS. She was recognized for her hard work to create an accepting, open space to listen to student needs and help create ways to navigate their unique path and diminish the barriers they face. Her peers noted that “in every conversation, Katie gives hope. She’s a wealth of knowledge and adapts to changing times.”