They Rock!

Awardee

They rock because:

This is a great example of:

Nominated by

Sarah Pessin, Professor and Faculty Senate President

President Pessin is an incredibly thoughtful, caring, and committed leader. I am deeply appreciative of her commitment to transparency, inclusion, and faculty voice. It is an honor to call her a colleague at DU.

I am especially impressed by her organization, timeliness in response to faculty concerns, and her facilitation of difficult conversations between faculty and central administration.

Rock on, Sarah!

Caring
Community
Inclusivity
Leadership

Ryan Gildersleeve, Professor & Associate Dean/MCE

Lorne Fultonberg, Marketing and Communications

Lorne is basically the glue of the communications team. Absolutely anytime any person on our team expresses that they are overwhelmed, he jumps in to take something off their plate, even when his is already full. He’s earned the trust of near everyone he’s worked with across DU, and is the first person to celebrate a success, no matter how small. Maintaining a strong team environment in this remote world would surely be much harder without Lorne around.

Caring
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Alyssa Hurst, Marketing and Communications

Chris Nelson, Assistant Professor/HED

Chris has provided significant labor and commitment to an inclusive community through her analysis of campus structures, communications, and climate related to Native Communities, including Indigenous Faculty, Staff, and Students. She is a brilliant writer who recently led letter-writing efforts that reflect the very best exercises of shared governance, academic freedom, and public scholarship. It is an honor to call her my colleague.

Rock on, Chris!

Community
Inclusivity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Ryan Gildersleeve, Professor and Associate Dean/MCE

Eric Mareck, Assistant Director of Facilities & Operations

Keeping our building and community safe! Thank you for ensuring that all occupants are following protocol, which regularly creates the need to have uncomfortable and unwelcome conversations with people who are not following rules. THANK YOU!

Community
Leadership

Rachel Riley, Assistant Director of Admissions, Morgridge

Selena Perez, Digital Marketing Specialist

Selena has shown exemplary professionalism and commitment to MCE during a challenging time in the marketing department.  There have been notable changes and she has remained thoughtful in her work and continues to produce a high quality level of work.  She is also consistently kind and calm even in high-stress situations.  She is a great value to MCE and DU!

Community
Creativity
Leadership

Jodi Dye, Director of Admissions, Morgridge College of Education

Rachel Lim, 

Rachel’s leadership of MCE New Student Orientation affinity group panels and discussions has been incredible. Thank you for working to make these a successful pilot. Rock on!

Caring
Community
Inclusivity
Leadership

RyanEG, Professor and Associate Dean/MCE

Stacy Pinto, Clinical Assistant Professor/CP

Thank you for leading and facilitating the new student orientation affinity group discussion: LGBTQIA Students. Your commitment to our students is appreciated. It’s an honor to work with you in MCE. Rock on!

Caring
Community
Inclusivity
Leadership

RyanEG, Professor and Associate Dean/MCE

Sarah Hurtado, Assistant Professor/HED

Thank you for leading and facilitating our New Student Orientation Affinity Group Discussion: Students of Color. Your commitment to our students is appreciated. I am honored to get to work with you. Rock on!

Caring
Community
Inclusivity
Leadership

RyanEG, Professor and Associate Dean/MCE

Duan Zhang, Professor/RMIS

Thank you, Duan, for leading and facilitating the new student orientation session: Affinity Group Discussion: International Students. You’re an incredible scholar, leader, and colleague. I’m honored to work with you in MCE. Thank you for your service to our students. Rock on!

Caring
Community
Inclusivity
Leadership

RyanEG, Professor and Associate Dean/MCE

Toni Green, Coors Fitness Center

Toni always greets me with a smile when I enter the Coors Fitness Center. I know she must put up with a LOT of disruptive complaints and needs from members – myself included. I really appreciate that Toni is so attentive to members and the safety of everyone in the Coors Fitness Center. She’s a great problem-solver, and always finds a productive solution.

Caring
Community
Solution Seeking

Ryan Evely Gildersleeve, Professor and Associate Dean/MCE

Gwenda Hanson, Coors Fitness Center

Gwenda and her team make the Coors Fitness Center my favorite place to workout. I feel supported and deeply appreciate their commitment to everyone’s safety and wellness. Gwenda takes seriously our COVID protocols and cares deeply about all members at the Coors Fitness Center.

I also appreciate how she and her team always muster up a smile when I enter the facility. Even though I’m sure they have some pretty rough days. They always make working out the positive experience it should be for everyone. Rock on!

Caring
Community
Solution Seeking

Ryan Evely Gildersleeve, Professor and Associate Dean/MCE

Val Otten, VC Advancement

Helping to navigate a donors that were a bit miffed about the recent announcement.  For approaching a new initiative with the deans and adopting a continual improvement mindset.

Caring
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Karen Riley, Dean MCE

Jessica Webb, Director of Advancement

Creating an amazing video for a donor and making them very happy.

Caring
Creativity

Karen Riley, Dean MCE

Jill Weddle, Lead, Software Adoption/IT

Jill rocks because when I reached out to her with no Canvas experience wanting to create a canvas course for incoming gradute students in 4 weeks she was understanding of our units needs. And generous with her time to provide training, spot checks, and respond to random email questions all while being flexible to our constantly changing timeline and content. Jill was an amazing partner and teacher!

Community
Solution Seeking

Brittani McClendon, Sr. Manager, Marketing & Comms/ Office Graduate Education

Karen Kaiser, Library Technician/University Libraries

During a pandemic, Karen didn’t hesitate to rescue a drowning stranger at Bear Creek Lake Park this past August. I fell off my board and was getting fatigued swimming so I began to panic. As I called out for help, wondering who would help me during COVID, I saw Karen paddling toward me. Her friend went to retrive my board as she gave her lifevest and helped me on to her board. They stayed with me until I was over the shock, supported me as we paddled back to my car, and encouraged to not be discouraged. During this conversation, we realized we both worked at DU and hadn’t met. But now we are connected!

Caring
Community

Brittani McClendon, Sr. Manager, Marketing & Comms/ Office Graduate Education

Renea, Vice Chancellor, Marketing & Communications

Thank you for organizing the Communicator’s Roundtable, weekly COVID updates, etc. with staff across campus. I appreciate how much work you’ve done to make MarComm’s strategies, resources, and plans more transparent and accessbile!

Caring
Community
Creativity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Jennifer Bohn, Program Manager, Communication & Outreach, International Education

Zachary Nickel, IT

Zach,

Your clear communication, timely and thoughtful help on my IT issues today was so helpful. You work with a speed that is fast and yet you are thorough. I liked that you showed me what you were doing, explained why, had patience when I could not recreate the issue, and answered multiple questions in one call to make the best use of my time.

DU is so fortunate to have you!

Ann

Caring
Community
Creativity
Solution Seeking
Other

Ann Ayers, Dean, Colorado Women’s College

Eric Mareck, Building Manager, MCE

Eric,

Your thoughtful, generous, roll-up-your sleeves-and-get-er-done approach to taking over management of the Chambers Center has been outstanding. I am so grateful that you are there, that you care about the building and the community, and that you are willing to wade through the changes and high budgets as you do your job. Cleaning the refrigerator was above and beyond, in particular, but it was consistent with the dedication you show every day. Glad to have you on the DU and especially the CWC team. (I guess with Zamboni in your background, you are used to cleaning cold things!)

Ann

Caring
Community
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Ann Ayers, Dean, Colorado Women’s College

Lindsay Anderson, Executive Director-Regional Advancement & Volunteer Engagement

Lindsay is an amazing colleague and just dang fun to be around! Her contribution to the Advancement Team is unmatched, as she brings her brilliance and critical thinking to any conversation, always offering solutions and a clear path to success for her team!

Lindsay goes above and beyond to take care of her team  personally and professionally! She’ll drop anything to answer a call, a text, an email from one of her teammates at any time of the day. AND she’s just a great human being to be around! Thank you Lindsay for rocking and rolling with us! Well done!

Caring
Creativity
Inclusivity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Annette Nelson, Regional Advancement Coordinator

Eleanor McNees, English

Eleanor has provided pivotal leadership to establish processes, procedures, and policies related to Emeritus Status at DU. Through the work with our MOARS group, we are really pushing the institution to consider faculty advancement from hiring THROUGH retirement. And I especially appreciate how much fun it is to be along for the ride with Eleanor in doing so.

Eleanor Rocks! And I am so glad to have had the opportunity to work with and learn from her. Rock on!

Caring
Community
Leadership

Ryan Evely Gildersleeve, Professor and Associate Dean/MCE

Jennifer Bellamy, Professor and Associate Dean/GSSW

Jenn is always pleasant and productive in meetings. I appreciate how much she helps our MOARS group and the FAAD group FOCUS while remaining human with one another. Also, she puts everyone to shame when it comes to follow-through. I aspire to be more like Jenn, regularly.

Thank you, Jenn. I really appreciate getting to learn and work with and from you. Rock on!

Creativity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Ryan Evely Gildersleeve, Professor and Associate Dean/MCE

Tom Romero, VC-DEI/ODEI

Tom tirelessly leads our institution to keep equity and diversity top of mind and central to the fabric of our activity. And that is a TOUGH job in our context quite often. I especially enjoy that I am now in a position to get to work with him more often and more directly. His support of MCE DEI efforts is invaluable; I look forward to more and greater collaboration and mutual support this year. Rock on, Tom!

Community
Inclusivity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Ryan Evely Gildersleeve, Professor and Associate Dean/MCE

Jasmine Pulce, Rockstar/Student Life

Jasmine brings humanity, insight, and keen intellect to our conversations every week in our Action Book Club. I deeply appreciate her leadership and facilitation. She came back from comps last week and simply rocked. I love learning from and with her. Rock on, Jasmine!

Caring
Community
Leadership

Ryan Evely Gildersleeve, Professor and Associate Dean/MCE

Elaine Belansky, Research Professor/MCE

Elaine helps us keep wellness as a central tenet and commitment in our work. She’s also great at helping me recognize new efficiencies – like note-taking in meetings. 🙂 I appreciate getting to work and learn with her, particularly in supporting research across MCE.

Solution Seeking

Ryan Evely Gildersleeve, Professor and Associate Dean/MCE

Sarah Hurtado, Higher Education

Sarah stepped up and facilitated a new program for MCE New Student Orientation – our first of three affinity group panels. Early reports say that this first panel set a great tone and was greatly appreciated by students. Sarah generally rocks, but I especially appreciate her willingness to step into this service during this chaotic time. Thank you, Sarah. Rock on!

Caring
Community

Ryan Evely Gildersleeve, Professor and Associate Dean/MCE

Sarah Hurtado, Higher Education

Sarah stepped up and facilitated a new program for MCE New Student Orientation – our first of three affinity group panels. Early reports say that this first panel set a great tone and was greatly appreciated by students. Sarah generally rocks, but I especially appreciate her willingness to step into this service during this chaotic time. Thank you, Sarah. Rock on!

Caring
Community

Ryan Evely Gildersleeve, Professor and Associate Dean/MCE

Jen Kogovsek, Director of Operations and Special Projects/ Shared Services

Jen is a valuable member of the COVID response team and has provided tremendous assistance by developing a comprehensive Gantt chart for response activities and streamlining purchases and processing to keep our COVID response running well.

Community
Creativity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Leslie Brunelli, Sr. Vice Chancellor for Business and Financial Affairs/ BFA

Erika Manczak, faculty CAHSS Psychology

Thank you for bringing the IPE Grand Rounds project to life.  Interdisciplinary work across the clinics and the programs is so exciting and I really appreciate the work, especially during these challenging times.

Community
Inclusivity
Solution Seeking

Karen Riley, Dean MCE

Korrie Allen, Faculty MCE

Thank you for bringing the IPE Grand Rounds project to life.  Interdisciplinary work across the clinics and the programs is so exciting and I really appreciate the work, especially during these challenging times.

Community
Creativity
Solution Seeking

Karen Riley, Dean MCE

Lynett Henderson Metzger, Faculty, GSPP

Thank you for bringing the IPE Grand Rounds project to life.  Interdisciplinary work across the clinics and the programs is so exciting and I really appreciate the work, especially during these challenging times.

Community
Creativity
Solution Seeking

Karen Riley, Dean MCE

Kim Gorgens, Faculty, GSPP

Thank you for bringing the IPE Grand Rounds project to life.  Interdisciplinary work across the clinics and the programs is so exciting and I really appreciate the work, especially during these challenging times.

Community
Creativity
Solution Seeking

Karen Riley, Dean MCE

Julianne Mitchell, GSSW

Thank you for bringing the IPE Grand Rounds project to life.  Interdisciplinary work across the clinics and the programs is so exciting and I really appreciate the work, especially during these challenging times.

Community
Creativity
Solution Seeking

Karen Riley, Dean MCE

Jodi Dye, Director of Marketing

Representing MCE so well in being asked to speak to how we are marketing to potential students on the Capture webinar.  Thanks for all that you do.

Leadership

Karen Riley, Dean MCE

Chase McNamee, Senior Project Manager/ Office of Chancellor

Chase came to the university in 2020 and have virtually put on major webinars that dedicate its efforts to creating a community of care. He is the epitome of what community means at DU and have not only been active in speaking up in times of injustices, but have pushed the community in navigating topics as it relates to anti-racism, the pandemic, and living into the values of DU. As a previous supervisee, Chase has been a supportive, kind, and brilliant supervisor. Now as a colleague, I have seen Chase’s innovative thinking come to light when he partner up on events and initiatives that impacts the institutional culture.

Caring
Community
Creativity
Inclusivity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Dong Dinh, 4-D Cohort Coordinator/Office of Chancellor

Anna Millies, ASA/HED

Anna has saved the day so many times that I lost count. She’s always prepared with “just in time” administrative support, which I deeply appreciate. Most recently with approval forms for HED Comps oral defense meetings. Anna Rocks!

Caring
Community
Solution Seeking

RyanEG, Professor and Associate Dean/MCE

Tasia Moore, Executive Assistant to the Dean/MCE

Tasia makes life lovely in the MCE Office of the Dean. She is a fantastic colleague, and I have learned from her leadership and creativity. I deeply appreciate her efforts to keep our work humane and our workplace delightful. Rock on!

Caring
Community
Leadership
Solution Seeking

RyanEG, Professor and Associate Dean/MCE

Adriana Lopez, Director of MarComm/MCE

Adriana is a fun partner and collaborator. I appreciate that she never says “no” but rather helps me figure out how best to get the Mar/Comm that we need. She is creative and helpful – especially to me as a new person in the leadership team. Rock on!

Solution Seeking

RyanEG, Professor and Associate Dean/MCE

Mark Engberg, Associate Dean/MCE

Mark has been an outstanding colleague and has really helped me jump into my new role. I appreciate that he looks out for the best interests of our College staff and faculty. I enjoy learning from and with him. Rock on!

Community
Inclusivity
Leadership

RyanEG, Professor and Associate Dean/MCE

Bruce Uhrmacher, Department Chair/HED

Bruce is leading the Higher Education Department with patience and tenacity. His commitment is inspiring. I am deeply appreciative of his efforts to keep HED moving. Rock on!

Caring
Community
Inclusivity
Leadership

RyanEG, Professor and Associate Dean/MCE

Kara Duggan, ASA/HED

Kara has helped transform and further develop new student orientation in MCE. She has exercised inclusive leadership and helped demonstrate how the MCE community is stronger together. Rock on!

Caring
Creativity
Leadership

Ryan Evely Gildersleeve, Professor and Associate Dean/MCE

Sarah Pessin, Faculty Senate President

Sarah’s leadership brings calm and confidence to the University Faculty. I appreciate her thoughtfulness around policy and her commitment to involving faculty voice in decision-making and recommendations.

Caring
Community
Inclusivity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Ryan Evely Gildersleeve, Professor and Associate Dean/MCE

Patty Farmer, 

Patty is always prioritizing our hospitality students even during these tough times. She goes out of her way to help students find jobs and feel like they have someone to confide in and talk with even if their immediate families are far away. She has also taken care of all of the weddings and brides by assisting them with new dates and even different locations if needed when they have been displaced from our building during Co-vid 19. She is always the first to volunteer when the team needs help and has been a positive voice and leader during a crazy time.

Caring
Community
Leadership

Stacy Moore, KSHM

Mikeal Milton, Warehouse & Mail Services

Mike is a vital to the success of my job. I wouldn’t be able to manage Ruffatto and Chambers without his help, support and hard work.  Thank you for going above and beyond to help our operations.

Caring
Community
Inclusivity
Leadership

Eric Mareck, Assistant Director of Facilities & Operations

Elaine Belanski, ED Center for Rural Schools Health and Education

Dear Elaine,

The CRHSE report was amazing and illustrates all of the great work that you are doing.  Thank you for your leadership and your passion for rural communities.

Community
Leadership

Karen Riley, Dean MCE

Kirk Jones, COO, CAHSS

Kirk, I really appreciate your innovative efforts to support CAHSS staff in these challenging times. Your care and concern, and your creative thinking about ways to support our staff colleagues, help show CAHSS staff that their work is seen, recognized, and valued.

Caring
Creativity
Inclusivity
Leadership

Andrea L Stanton, Chair, Religious Studies

Genevieve Waller, 

Genevieve, I don’t know that this goes directly to you, but I have appreciated your professionalism in performing your duties in the Office of Student Affairs. You have quickly learned to anticipate where things might go wrong, and you always offer solutions with grace and thoughtfulness. I am honored to be your colleague, and I look forward to continuing our work together.

All the best – Aaron

Caring
Community
Creativity
Inclusivity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Aaron Schneider, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs

Stacy Moore, Director of Operations, Fritz Knoebel

Stacy is a wonderful person to work for! She makes everyone feel welcome and included and is extremely supportive as a mentor and coach. Ever since the pandemic began, she has made it a priority to bring our team together to work through systematic changes. She is a true leader.

Caring
Community
Creativity
Leadership

Kristen DuFour, Operations Manager, Fritz Knoebel School of Hospitality

Helen McGrath, Grant Coordinator

Helen has been a tremendous help for NSM. Helen is our Grant Coordinator but when COVID happened she graciously took on the responsibilities of being our COVID coordinator, Building Manager for BW, and Contact tracer. She has done an amazing job of getting all our NSM buildings ready for the fall, coordinating, and communicating within our departments to make sure processes are consistent. I appreciate Helen’s great attitude and appreciate all that she has done for our team at NSM.

Caring
Community
Inclusivity
Solution Seeking

Anonymous, Anonymous

Karen Escobar, Manager, Business and Operations

Karen not only does an exceptional job with her work but is always willing to help and support the division in any way she can. She recently helped contact and hand out ID cards to our graduate students by calling and meeting them on campus to make sure they had their ID for the start of the Fall quarter. For the first two weeks of school, Karen helped our division by monitoring the doors to our buildings to make sure our students followed protocols.

Caring
Community

Anonymous, Anonymous

Matt Pickler, Associate Director of Graduate Enrollment CRM and Systems/Office of Graduate Education

Interdepartmental communication can have its barriers within a decentralized model in higher education. However, you have done a phenomenal job with providing support to stakeholders across campus, building these relationships, and making sure everyone feels heard. Your work is crucial to the functionality of DU graduate admissions and I feel like you’ve become a subject matter expert in a wide array of things which is helped many of us around you as you are a valuable resource in OGE and beyond at DU. I appreciate your willingness to help and contributing to a culture of community in the workplace. Thanks for being a great colleague, friend, and fellow RPCV Matt!!

Caring
Community
Inclusivity

Kannan Muralidharan, Assistant Director of Graduate Enrollment/Office of Graduate Education

MCE Support Team, MCE Tech Team

The entire MCE support team always goes above and beyond to support the people and programs within Ruffatto Hall and in the College of Education. They are all leaders that create an inclusive and supportive culture. Thank you for all of your help and support!

Caring
Community
Inclusivity
Leadership

Eric Mareck, Assistant Director of Facilities & Operations

Matt Ulrich, Support Specialist University of Denver – Dept. of Campus Safety

Thank you for helping buildings with C-Cure and card access. Your help is greatly appreciated! We wouldn’t be able to do our jobs with out your help, expertise and support.

Community
Leadership

Eric Mareck, Assistant Director of Facilities & Operations

William (Bill) Scott, Electronic Security Systems Technician

Thank you for helping buildings with C-Cure and card access. Your help is greatly appreciated! We wouldn’t be able to do our jobs with out your help, expertise and support.

Community
Leadership

Eric Mareck, Assistant Director of Facilities & Operations

William (Bill) Scott, Electronic Security Systems Technician

Thank you for helping buildings with C-Cure and card access. Your help is greatly appreciated! We wouldn’t be able to do our jobs with out your help, expertise and support.

Community
Leadership

Eric Mareck, Assistant Director of Facilities & Operations

Stacy Moore, Director of Operations

I rarely come across real talents who stand out like Stacy Moore. I have known Stacy for many years and she possesses expertise in High-level management, leadership and hands on coaching and team development. Stacy leads by example and her employees find her enthusiasm, dedication and strategic planning both inspiring and motivating. As a team leader, Stacy earns my highest recommendation for an award.

Caring
Community
Creativity
Inclusivity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Patricia Farmer, Director of Sales\adjunct

Annecoos Wiersman, Associate Dean, Sturm College of Law

Between the Colorado Bar Exam and the opening of the Law semester,  Annecoos was instrumental in providing sound leadership and a devout dedication to students and staff in the midst of one tumultuous summer.

Caring
Community
Creativity
Inclusivity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Jason Jackson, Project Manager, FMP

Benjamin Hartline, Building Coordinator, AAC, University Libraries

Ben rocks because he was instrumental in getting AAC up and running during the pandemic and Phase 3 reopening. Ben is creative and has a can-do attitude where he can adapt on the fly.

Creativity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Jason Jackson, Project Manager, FMP

Mary Requena, Fisher Early Learning Center

In the midst of the stress, anxiety, and fear caused by Covid close encounters, Mary has been a great leader, friend, and team member. Her encouragement and care help us get through even the most harrowing situations.

Caring
Leadership

Lisa McMillan, Fisher Early Learning Center

Ariel Julian, Project Manager Child Heath and Development Lab

As we brought students, faculty and staff back to campus, we were tasked with implementing a contact tracing software in a very short time.  It was important that we had a Spanish version of the app as well as English.

Ariel translated everything from English to Spanish for multiple pages and multiple versions.  His turn around time was outstanding knowing that this was a critical high profile project.  I would like to let Ariel know that I appreciate his help and that he Rocks!!!

Caring
Community
Inclusivity

Angie McElwreath, Business Analyst/IT

Jessica Espinoza-Galindo, Academic Support Associate

Jessica,

You are always available to answer a question, solve a problem,  and have our students’ best interests at heart. Thank you for all you do for our programs and department.

Caring
Community
Inclusivity
Solution Seeking

Jeanine Coleman, Clinical Associate Professor/MCE

Mia Saracusa, Project Coordinator/Psychology

Mia was incredibly skillful, quick, helpful and friendly even before the pandemic turned things upside down. She has been asked to take on even more in terms of our department’s COVID-19 response and coordination, and also has been taking on extra duties due to turnover in a staff member she works closely with. She remains remarkably responsive, friendly, and very patient when corresponding with faculty and students who are rattled by the current circumstances. We are so lucky to have her!

Caring
Community
Solution Seeking

Kateri McRae, Psychology

Claire Khachatryan, Enrollment & Office Manager/Learning Effectiveness Program

Claire continuously goes above and beyond to keep our department running! She has been a rock star in supporting all of our staff as we transitioned to remote in the Spring, and has continued this fall as we and students have returned to campus.  She continuously has great ideas for new projects and systems and pushes our department to grow.  She is also a great co-worker who is compassionate and cares about the people she works with! Without her organization skills and drive we wouldn’t have successfully been able to maintain our services to students during all of the 2020 transitions.

Caring
Community
Creativity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Sarah Mooney, Academic Counselor/Learning Effectiveness Program

Claire Khachatryan, Enrollment & Office Manager/Learning Effectiveness Program

Claire continuously goes above and beyond to keep our department running! She has been a rock star in supporting all of our staff as we transitioned to remote in the Spring, and has continued this fall as we and students have returned to campus.  She continuously has great ideas for new projects and systems and pushes our department to grow.  She is also a great co-worker who is compassionate and cares about the people she works with! Without her organization skills and drive we wouldn’t have successfully been able to maintain our services to students during all of the 2020 transitions.

Caring
Community
Creativity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Sarah Mooney, Academic Counselor/Learning Effectiveness Program

Johnny Ramirez, Visiting Teaching Assistant Professor/AHSS

Thank you for Johnny Ramirez for supporting DU students during the recent protest. Your leadership is appreciated your presence on campus has encouraged other faculty to see they need to do more.

Caring
Community
Inclusivity
Leadership

Chris Nelson, Assistant Professor/MCE

Ryan Gildersleeve, Assoc Dean/MCE

Ryan has done a great job of supporting our college. In particular, he has helped the higher education department faculty with comprehensive exams. His efforts really saved us.

Community
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Chris Nelson, Assistant Professor/MCE

Awardee

They rock because:

This is a great example of:

Nominated by

Bridget Farrell, Coordinator of Library Instruction and Reference Services, Associate Professor, Reference and Instruction

Bridget came to two of my Intro to Higher Education classes to share resources and research tips for my students.  The students said that they were engaged and motivated to see themselves as researchers.  Thank you, Bridget, for your presentation and for inspiring our students!

Caring
Community

Laura Sponsler, Clinical Assistant Professor, Higher Education

Susan Haymore, Business Analyst, IT

Susan is, without a doubt, one of the most intelligent people I know. She is always willing to take the time to help others out with their technical needs. Susan is approachable and never makes anyone feel inferior for asking questions or needing assistance. She goes above and beyond to look for solutions and has more patience than a saint! Many people don’t know that Susan is the brains behind our Advancement PioSphere system, as she is quiet and humble. It’s easy for those who are “behind the scenes” to go unnoticed, so I want to make sure Susan knows that she ROCKS!

Caring
Community
Creativity
Inclusivity
Solution Seeking

Gloria Bokenkamp, Assistant Director, Gift Fund Stewardship

Lynzi Patton, Housing

Lynzi has been an outstanding source of support for many of the DU Housing & Residential Education staff. She has gone above and beyond in her service to the Department and DU. She has supported, trained, and developed staff at all levels to help assist in a smooth transition. She has stepped up to provide leadership and solutions to issues as Housing navigates this pandemic with a brand new team.

She is creative, rolls up her sleeves and gets the work done, and role models to the team a strong work ethic and problem solving. She has created organization in the new office suite and works to connect students to answers. She is appreciated!

Caring
Community
Creativity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Kristine McCaslin, Director Student Rights&Responsibilities and Interim Director Housing

Lissy Garrison, AVC, Development

Lissy Garrison joined the University of Denver in 2017, and has been instrumental in leading Strategic Advancement Efforts across campus. Particularly during these evolving times, Lissy has led with grace, vulnerability, and enthusiasm which has been uplifting. Her sense of deliberate optimism and calm has served as an inspiration for the many leaders and teams with whom she works. She has helped teams prioritize consistent outreach to alumni, donors, and families, and has championed creative ways to remain resilient, yet persistent (in a virtual environment!) in raising money for the University. We cannot thank her enough for her compassionate leadership and drive amidst times of uncertainty.

Caring
Community
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Aimee L Mandolini, Executive Director of Debelopment, Daniels

Lissy Garrison, AVC, Development

Lissy Garrison joined the University of Denver in 2017, and has been instrumental in leading Strategic Advancement Efforts across campus. Particularly during these evolving times, Lissy has led with grace, vulnerability, and enthusiasm which has been uplifting. Her sense of deliberate optimism and calm has served as an inspiration for the many leaders and teams with whom she works. She has helped teams prioritize consistent outreach to alumni, donors, and families, and has championed creative ways to remain resilient, yet persistent (in a virtual environment!) in raising money for the University. We cannot thank her enough for her compassionate leadership and drive amidst times of uncertainty.

Caring
Community
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Aimee L Mandolini, Executive Director of Debelopment, Daniels

Susan Bolton, Mathematics

Research Administrators Day is tomorrow, so I wanted to submit this You Rock nomination for Susan in recognition of the fact that she ROCKS. Thank you for everything you do, Susan!

Leadership

Helen McGrath, NSM

Faun Lee, Physics and Astronomy

Research Administrators Day is tomorrow, so I wanted to submit this You Rock nomination for Faun in recognition of the fact that she ROCKS. Thank you for everything you do, Faun!

Community
Solution Seeking

Helen McGrath, NSM

Randi Flageolle, Biological Sciences

Research Administrators Day is tomorrow, so I wanted to submit this You Rock nomination for Randi in recognition of the fact that she ROCKS. I know that no matter how busy Randi is she will stop and answer my questions or assist grant related tasks. Thank you for everything you do, Randi!

Community
Leadership

Helen McGrath, NSM

Mary Shonk, Chemistry

Right from the start Mary has been my go to with any questions I have had regarding grants and workings of DU systems and protocols. She has advised and helped me build my grant knowledge and never hesitated to assist me with tasks where needed no matter what she has on her plate. She is my rock and therefore I believe deserves this You Rock Award.

Caring
Community

Helen McGrath, NSM

Jordan Coulter, Continuing Education Specialist, Office of the Registrar

Jordan is an amazing source of support for all of us that implement non-credit and continuing education programming at DU.  He is our first point of contact for system issues, ideas, questions, and “what ifs” and is always willing and able to help troubleshoot challenges or coach through new processes.  I am appreciative of him every day!

Community
Solution Seeking

Christine Gallager, Associate Director, Center for Professional Development

Alex Huffman, Chemistry

Alex has used his expertise in aerosol science to help DU with preparing for the return of students for Fall quarter. Thank you!

Community
Solution Seeking

Helen McGrath, NSM

Nicole Militello, MarComm

Nicole has gone above and beyond the duties in her job description, taking the lead on a number of projects related to the RadioEd podcast. Most notably, she has helmed social media strategy, creating beautiful prototypes of Instagram stories to boost the signal of the outstanding work our faculty and staff are doing at DU. I appreciate her genuine care for the University’s image and the product our office creates. She rocks!

Caring
Creativity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Lorne Fultonberg, MarComm

Rachel Riley, Asst. Director of Admissions, Morgridge College of Education

Rachel went above and beyond in helping new Morgridge students during their first day of class.  She selflessly gave much of her day to assisting students with building and classroom access problems.  During a time that is inherently stressful Rachel provided calm and kind support and is proof that serving students is at the heart of her work.

Caring
Community

Jodi Dye, Director of Admissions, Morgridge College of Education

Becky Gonzalez, Asst Bursar/Student Financial Services

You rock for monitoring the bursar email on weekends.

Leadership
Solution Seeking

Janet Burkhardt, Director/Student Financial Services

Madison Dorman, Advisor/Student Financial Services

For staffing the satellite ID Card office.  We wouldn’t have been successful without your help.

Community
Solution Seeking

Janet Burkhardt, Director/Student Financial Services

Elizabeth-Anne Newberry, Advisor/Student Financial Services

For helping out at the satellite ID card office.  We wouldn’t have been successful without your help.

Community
Solution Seeking

Janet Burkhardt, Director/Student Financial Services

Jocelyn Rockhold, Pioneer Card Specialist/Student Financial Services

Dedicating so much time and effort to ensure every DU community member had a Pioneer Card for building access.

Community
Solution Seeking

Janet Burkhardt, Director/Student Financial Services

Scott Murray, ID System Specialist II/Student Financial Services

Working long hours to make sure every member of the DU community had a Pioneer ID Card for building access.  And for spending multiple days resolving cash register issues.

Community
Solution Seeking

Janet Burkhardt, Director/Student Financial Services

Jenni Oliver, Asst Director/Student Financial Services

For coordinating the logistics and staffing of the satellite ID card office.  The endeavor wouldn’t have been successful without all your hard work and long hours.

Community
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Janet Burkhardt, Director/Student Financial Services

Becca Edginton, Senior Adviser/Student Financial Services

For helping out at the satellite ID office.  We wouldn’t have been successful without you.

Community

Janet Burkhardt, Director/Student Financial Services

Evan Vicchy, Customer Service Assistant/Student Financial Services

Helping out at the satellite ID office during the first 2 weeks of the term.  We wouldn’t have been successful without you.

Community
Solution Seeking

Janet Burkhardt, Director/Student Financial Services

Kathy Shoemaker, Bursar/Student Financial Services

For helping out at the satellite ID office.  We wouldn’t have been successful without you.

Solution Seeking

Janet Burkhardt, Director/Student Financial Services

Suzanne Webster, Asst Bursar/Student Financial Services

For doing an awesome job at the satellite ID card office.  We wouldn’t have been successful without your help.

Community
Solution Seeking

Janet Burkhardt, Director/Student Financial Services

Tess Lindsay, Shared Services

Your willingness to go above and beyond for someone looking for help and support was so appreciated this week. I have never met you and you had no reason to go out of her your to help me, other than a sense of kindness and caring to stop and help and a willingness to find a solution, even when I know you’ve got a million other things on your plate! Thank you! You rock!

Caring
Solution Seeking

Megan Reilly, Leadership & Global Programs Manager, Daniels College of Business

Ethan Crawford, Director of Technological Services

Throughout the spring, summer, and early fall, Ethan has been a wonderful leader in helping Media, Film, and Journalism Studies faculty members get ready for their online, hybrid, and hyflex class experiences. He has assisted them in getting their courses on canvas, providing organizing tips and even recording and uploading instructional videos for us. He has also prepared classrooms for socially distanced in-person sessions, which involved moving sophisticated computer editing equipment, and he has prepared technology for classes  – including brainstorming how best to support students experiencing financial challenges and shipping camera equipment to students  who needed it last spring. He also supervises the work of several work/study students and is now also helping classroom technology assistants as they need it. He has done all of this while providing excellent support to our brand-new and long-time faculty members. Ethan exudes a helpful and professional demeanor.  It’s no wonder that he has been a valued member of the DU community for many years. We feel fortunate that he is also part of MFJS, and we’re glad to tell him: You ROCK!

Creativity
Inclusivity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Anonymous, 

Dr. David Odell, Medical Director and Physician at the Health and Counseling Center

I am not entirely sure there is enough space here to enumerate the ways that Dr. David Odell rocks. Since the beginning of this year, he has truly been the University of Denver’s front line in our battle against COVID. In the spring, he guided the Health and Counseling Center through a tumultuous time while we made the transition to telehealth appointments to preserve student’s access to mental and physical healthcare while still providing support for the staff he supervises.

All summer long, he worked tirelessly to help prepare departments across campus for the return of students in the fall and to help protect the health of everyone. I have seen him in meetings more than once on his scheduled days off, working diligently to establish a plan for DU to welcome back our students in the fall that prioritizes student experience while also safeguarding their health.

Dr. Odell has relentlessly followed the course of the virus and the myriad ways information and what we know about this antigen has changed. Daily, he reviews all available information and provides clear, concise direction regarding any new developments or adjustments that must be made to our current plan. He has worked to establish relationships with other partners in the community to provide the best possible testing options and care for affected students.

He has done all of this while still seeing our students in clinic and via teleheath appointments acting as their Primary Care Physician. He has also still showed up everyday as the Medical Director at the HCC, which requires him to provide leadership and guidance to every staff member. He has had inspired solutions for overcoming obstacles and when needed, invited suggestions from others on the team for innovative ideas and solutions to keep the campus reopening on track.

Dr. Odell is a compassionate, generous leader and medical provider. He has truly been a source of strength and his tenacity in the face of this difficult time is inspiring.  I have had the luxury of working with him for six years now and can confidently say there is no one I trust more to lead during a crisis. He is calm, measured, knowledgable and resourceful and the University of Denver is a better place for having him.

Caring
Community
Creativity
Inclusivity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Lori Graybill, Registered Nurse/Health and Counseling Center

Joyce Goodfriend, Professor of History

Joyce has been TIRELESSLY working on her course for this fall. I am continually impressed with her ability to learn, laugh, and teach her students. She has one of the cutest dogs I have ever seen, Percy, he is a wonderful addition to all of my faculty consults with Joyce! I appreciate all the effort she has put in and I know her students to too!

Solution Seeking

Christine Hood, Instructional Designer at OTL

Karen Cook, Adjunct in the School of Hospitality at Knoebel

Karen has been working with me since last spring. She is an unbelievably dedicated professor. She has a standing meeting with me and continues to learn and grow to the benefits of all of her students. She deserves a SHOUT OUT!

Caring
Community
Solution Seeking

Christine Hood, Instructional Designer

Karen Cook, Adjunct in the School of Hospitality at Knoebel

Karen has been working with me since last spring. She is an unbelievably dedicated professor. She has a standing meeting with me and continues to learn and grow to the benefits of all of her students. She deserves a SHOUT OUT!

Caring
Community
Solution Seeking

Christine Hood, Instructional Designer

Denean Jenkins, HRIC Partner

Danean is such an asset to our DU Community! I’m so thankful for her thoughtful leadership and guidance as an HRIC partner. I feel supported to have her as the HRIC partner for Advancement and am so thankful for her honesty, professionalism, and attention.

Caring
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Anonymous, 

Sara Male, CAHSS Dean’s Office

Sara was instrumental in getting Sturm Hall prepped and ready for Fall classes and events. She has literally put in a lot of blood, sweat, and tears in each and every classroom and office suite for one of the largest colleges on campus. We simply would not have made it to a successful fall start of classes without her.

Community
Creativity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Jason Jackson, Project Manager, FMP

Jason Jackson, Project Manager

Jason has been instrumental in helping me get Ruffatto Hall and the Chambers Center back up and running for fall quarter classes. His diligence and helpfulness are a great asset to the DU.

Leadership
Solution Seeking

Eric Mareck, Assistant Director of Facilities and Operations at MCE & CWC

Rachel Stonecypher, Director of Capital Projects

Rachel has been instrumental to helping me get Ruffatto Hall and the Chambers Center up and running for fall in-person classes. Rachel’s insight, guidance and leadership is an asset to DU.

Leadership
Solution Seeking

Eric Mareck, Assistant Director of Facilities and Operations at MCE & CWC

Nicky Bruckhart, Athletic Business Office Manager

While going thru the challenges of the financial impact of the global pandemic Athletic Business Office Manager Nicky Bruckhart has also met head-on the challenge of incorporating a new athletic equipment supplier.  This past spring the university made the decision to end its business relationship with adidas and initiate a new relationship with New Balance / BSN Sports.  Nicky has succeeded at making new supportive contacts with NB / BSN while coordinating and organizing the logistics for outfitting 18 Pioneer sports programs for training and competition. On top of these related tasks, Nicky has worked closely with the athletic equipment room to incorporate a software-based equipment inventory system. A few co-workers have teased Nicky that the equipment room is her office annex.

Nicky is a 20-year DU employee and her commitment to her employer remains as strong as ever.

Leadership
Solution Seeking

Anonymous, 

Laurie Saraceno, Administrative Director-Student Law Office/College of Law

You’ve done such an incredible job of moving the entire Student Law Office–students, staff, faculty, and clients–to a forum that lets us work both remotely and in-person. This is an epic undertaking with so many moving parts, and so many needs to balance – clients, students, courts, faculty, staff, etc. You’ve had to anticipate so many unknowns and create contingency plans on contingency plans. And you have done all of this with incredible grace and thoughtfulness. Thank you so much.

Caring
Community
Creativity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Laura Rovner, Professor of Law/College of Law

Mary Shonk, Asst. to the Chair, Chemistry

Hi:

Mary Shonk deserves recognition for the work she has put in training NSM assistants in various aspects of the job.  She offered 4 trainings over the summer, on Portfolio use, using Teams, a Zoom practice session, and one on international students in graduate programs.  She did this on her own initiative.  She has also made herself available to answer questions as they arise.  She has been a great support to our team.

Caring
Community
Inclusivity
Solution Seeking

Anonymous, 

Megan Vaughn, Parking Manager/Parking & Mobility Services

Megan worked to ensure that the customer service team of Parking and Mobility Services were able to perform their duties including answering phones, emails, and payment processing, while also processing hundreds of requests for refunds and the suspension of payroll deductions for parking permits for six months. This was accomplished with the entire customer service team working remotely. This required coordination with IT, Shared Services, Mail Services and other departments, in order to facilitate the timely completion of an unprecedented number of such requests which prior to current crisis, did not normally exceed dozen per month.

Solution Seeking

Jim Anderson, Director/Parking and Mobility Services

Andrea Stanton, Associate Professor of Islamic Studies and Chair of the Department of Religious Studies

Andrea has been a wonderful partner on the Scenario and Financial Solutions Task Force.  She asks questions that require me to look at financial information with a different perspective.  She is thoughtful, thorough and clear and willing to have difficult budget discussions.

Community
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Leslie Brunelli, Business & Financial Affairs

Brian Grewe, Visiting Teaching Assistant Professor

Dr. Brian Grewe rocks because he works tirelessly to provide creative and engaging courses to our students. Our undergraduates mention him consistently during advising sessions; they can’t wait to see what he is teaching next. Dr. Grewe is always willing to support students interested in internships and independent studies even though they are not a required part of his job. Our graduate students rely on him as a sounding board and for social support. Dr. Grewe is very knowledgeable about issues of accessibility and online teaching. He is always happy to share his knowledge. I am so grateful to have him as a colleague.

Caring
Community
Creativity
Inclusivity

Erin Willer, Associate Professor/Communication Studies

John DeSousa, EdTech

As an AAP leader for two courses and student, John somehow has managed to touch all of my classes. He is clearly very dedicated and effective. He has never failed to make class tech experiences better. He seems to be available 24/7 and I honestly don’t know when he sleeps. He is critical to the Sturm College of Law. This is just a small way to express my thankfulness.

Community
Creativity
Solution Seeking

Anonymous, 

Christine Marchette, Building and Events Manager, Josef Korbel School

Christine is an incredible source of support at Korbel and worked tirelessly this summer to ready us for welcoming students back to campus. Much of the work she does is behind the scenes this year, without the satisfaction she might get from organizing in-person events, but her work is crucial to our success as a school and  I am personally so grateful for her support, creativity, and dedication to our students and to our school.

Caring
Community
Creativity
Solution Seeking

Anonymous, 

John DeSousa, EdTech

As an AAP leader for two courses and student, John somehow has managed to touch all of my classes. He is clearly very dedicated and effective. He has never failed to make class tech experiences better. He seems to be available 24/7 and I honestly don’t know when he sleeps. He is critical to the Sturm College of Law. This is just a small way to express my thankfulness.

Community
Creativity
Solution Seeking

Anonymous, 

Chris Naley, Advancement – Events

Chris is a go-getter! He is top notch professional, reliable, solution oriented and always willing to lend a helping hand. If I were building a team, I would want Chris on it for sure. He’s detail oriented and results driven. And on top of all that – he’s just fun to work with 🙂

Caring
Solution Seeking
Other – DU Citizenship – going above and beyond

Erin Dietrich, Advancement – Alumni Enggement

Merisa Bissinger, Director of Business and Operations/University Libraries

Merisa Bissinger is the backbone of the library.  She has the answer for everything or can find it out.  Without Merisa leading us during COVID I wouldn’t feel as comfortable coming back to the warehouse as I do.  She answers emails with questions that have popped up after every DU-wide email.  Merisa has considered an off-site building in her COVID conversations, when not many others have.  I trust she has the library staff’s best interests in mind when implementing procedures and policies.  And on a personal note, when the world was finally shutting down in March and I was making personal decisions based on family member’s health she was the only one who stopped and commiserated with my plans going haywire.  That one moment of empathy really changed my attitude going into stay at home.  She cared enough to acknowledge that my plans weren’t happening and I was making hard decisions based on health reasons.  Merisa supported me in the decisions I had to make to keep my family safe.  I think I can speak for many people in the library that we would be lost without Merisa.

Caring
Leadership

Caroline Rew, Hampden Center Supervisor/University Libraries

Carly Einstein, Advancement – Alumni Engagement

Carly inspires me to think about my work in new and different ways. As a long time DU employee who has experience working in  other parts of the university, she brings a holistic and connected approach to her work that is refreshing and informed. It allows her to be her authentic self while engaging with alumni, students, faculty and community members in meaningful ways to build their affinity to GSSW. She has been a leader on our team in her own unique way – providing Myers Briggs training for our group to better understand how to work together, and offering her thoughts and insights to productive conversations about how we can better structure our work for greater impact. She is also a long time friend and I trust her intuition, insight and perspective beyond all others. She brings wisdom, understanding and compassion to her conversations – both personally and professionally. I’m so lucky to have her as a colleague.

Community
Inclusivity
Solution Seeking

Erin Dietrich, Advancement – Alumni Enggement

Christine Gallager, Associate Director/Center for Professional Development

Christine is constantly looking for more effective, efficient ways of managing tasks, programs, and work flows. During the last two months, she has helped research and identify solutions for hiring our instructors, registering non-credit students, and streamlining marketing efforts for CPD. Her focus on student experience drives her efforts.

Solution Seeking

Renae Jacob, Executive Director/Center for Professional Development

Scott Toney, Associate Teaching Professor / Business Information & Analytics

Scott,

You rock! You have provided me a great deal of support this past year as I have taken on this Chair job. You are quick with a kind work, offer of help, and just doing things without being asked.

Besides being a support directly to me, you also do an amazing number of things behind the scenes to make sure that others in the department succeed with their teaching and general survival as a faculty member.  You have provided tremendous support to our department adjuncts and also contributed to the Gateway course and the MBA@Denver. In addition, you have recently taken on the  job of Program Director for the Business Analytics major!

It’s a wonderful feeling to know you have someone you work with that you can call on when you need help, or just to talk through when things are tough, and even when you just have something to celebrate.

Thanks Scott!!  I appreciate you!

Caring
Community
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Kellie Keeling, Chair, Associate Professor

Maggie Burkhardt, Benefit’s Specialist/ Shared Services

Maggie is very kind, responsive, and her follow through is amazing. I know she must have so much on her plate but anytime I need help she makes me feel like her top priority.

Caring
Community
Solution Seeking

Tali Koziol Thomason, Director of MarCom and Events/ Ritchie School

Mo Lotif, Owner’s Representative, Manager of Strategic Initiatives, SAIE

Mo has been an amazing leader in SAIE. As Owner’s Representative, Mo has been working tirelessly to make sure the Dimond Family Residential Village is ready for move – in next week. He has also been representing the University through the completion of the Community Commons. As a leader in the SAIE COVID administrative response, Mo has found creative solutions to scheduling, isolation and quarantine space, and resource management. Mo has kept the student and the student experience at the fore-front of every discussion and decision. His administrative excellence, attention to every detail, ability to manage multiple and diverse needs makes him a valued team member.

Caring
Community
Creativity
Inclusivity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Kristine McCaslin, Director, SRR and Interim Director, Housing

Health Promotions Team at the HCC, Health Promotions

The Health Promotions Team created some AMAZING marketing tools for our student’s return to campus during this pandemic.  From staying safe to staying mentally well, they’ve covered it all in fun and eye catching ways!  Thanks for all you do HP!

Caring
Community
Creativity
Inclusivity
Solution Seeking

Anonymous, 

Kristal Griffith, Senior Director of Communications and Operations at Daniels

Just wanted to say THANK YOU for everything you do. My team really values your leadership at Daniels and your positive attitude even when situations aren’t always ideal. I personally appreciate your help with media so much. You always keep me in the loop on media hits, and I can always count on Daniels professors for a great interview. Thank you, thank you!!

Leadership
Solution Seeking

Nicole Militello, Marketing & Communications

Carol Harp, Business Officer I/Student Affairs and Inclusive Excellence

Carol has worked with the LEP for several years and is highly regarded by our staff. She is thorough with her work and highly knowledgeable and professional.  Carol responds immediately to our inquires and requests. She is recognized by several members of the LEP staff for her wonderful attitude, outstanding service and care for our program.

Thank you Carol!

Caring
Community
Inclusivity
Solution Seeking

Scott van Loo, Learning Effectiveness Program/Student Affairs and Inclusive Excellence

Brian Schreckinger, Director Community Commons, Student Affairs and Inclusive Excellence

Brian goes above and beyond for the Learning Effectiveness Program. He always has a great attitude and is very helpful with every question and request that comes from the LEP.

Caring
Community
Inclusivity
Solution Seeking

Scott van Loo, Learning Effectiveness Program (LEP)

Helen McGrath, 

I was becoming quite stressed trying to navigate the inscrutable rules for eventually returning to campus in the fall, and asked some questions in a town hall Q&A. They were mostly answered, and I learned a little bit more than I knew going in, which was fine.

I was surprised after that when Helen reached out (she was not one of the hosts of the meeting) and said she’d noticed I was asking questions in the Q&A, so she wanted to make sure I had correct info. She then laid out everything about all necessary steps clearly and concisely in a single e-mail, even including which steps are scheduled to be implemented but aren’t actually working yet. Up to now, this is the only truly clear information I’ve received about our return, and I would have been completely lost without her help.

Thanks so much Helen!

Caring
Solution Seeking

Ronnie Pavlov, Professor/Mathematics

Awardee

They rock because:

This is a great example of:

Nominated by

Jeremy Vera, Building Operators & Community Engagement Mgr

Jeremy has taken on the Enormous Job of the opening the new Burwell Center with such grace. He is so organized, so calm, so communicative and so willing to do whatever it takes to drive the enthusiasm. All the while, being mindful about keeping the staff and students safe. Compassionate caring is his jam! He has accommodated all of the starts/stops and written and re-written plans for opening in the midst of all of the Covid chaos. I can’t wait to move in and work with him. Grateful for your hard work and dedication!

Caring Community Creativity Inclusivity Leadership Solution Seeking

Annette Nelson, Regional Advancement Coordinator

Megan Stribling, Director of Alumni Relations

Thank you so much for taking the Kendi ABC book clubs to the alumni! What a great way to engage our alumni and to advance our DEI agenda.  I also wanted to thank you for reaching out to the recent alumni individually.  That is such an amazing idea and I am sure it is very meaningful to these recent grads.  This type of engagement will have a lasting impact for them and for the MCE.  Thank you again.

Inclusivity Leadership

Karen Riley, Dean MCE

Sarah Watamura, COVID coordinator

I really appreciate Sarah’s efforts to reach out and communicate over and over again in her role as COVID coordinator. It has to be exhausting, but she has done a great job of making herself available for Town Halls, etc, and answering questions in a clear manner. Just wanted to her you know that we appreciate her efforts!

Caring Community Leadership Solution Seeking

Nic Ormes, Associate Dean, Natural Sciences and Mathematics

Alex Huffman, Chemistry

We really appreciate Alex lending his time and aerosol expertise to the fall planners. It’s obviously making a big difference, I’ve heard many thanks from many different people.

Community

Nic Ormes, Associate Dean, Natural Sciences and Mathematics

John DeSousa, Law School IT

John and his colleague Wayne Rust have been doing great job working on the AV for our Hyflex classes.

Solution Seeking

Bernard Chao, Professor/Law School

Lindsay Brunhofer, Instructional Designer/Morgridge

Lindsay has done an amazing job of helping our faculty prepare for their fall classes. She has creating a welcoming environment for faculty at all stages of their career and has worked tireless to work 1:1 with faculty in both our on the ground and 2U programs. She actively seeks out solutions to problems, responds to faculty in an empathic and caring manner and is a consummate professional.

Caring Community Inclusivity Solution Seeking

Mark Engberg, Associate Dean and Professor

Jodi Dye, Director of Admissions/MCE

Thank you for your leadership in setting up the Equity Labs for the staff and for allowing the deans’ office to attend as well.

Inclusivity Leadership

Karen Riley, Dean/MCE

Emilia Clayton,

Steadfast, dedicated professional help to faculty and staff with grant administration and application in very stressful times. Personalized approach, patience, and caring.

Caring Community Creativity Inclusivity Leadership Solution Seeking

Keren Dali,

Peggy Keeran, Arts and Humanities Reference Librarian

Over the course of the summer, Peggy has gone above and beyond to help me find the texts I need.  Even in the midst of a pandemic, she has been able to locate every.single.request that I have made; in cases where a physical copy was not an option due to Covid, Peggy found me an online version.  She is currently helping me with several other difficult titles, and I am beyond thankful to have access to her skills and knowledge.

Solution Seeking

Sarah Magnatta, Assistant Professor, Art History

Thomas Walker, Director, Inclusion & Equity Education, Interim Director of Residential Education

Thomas has been serving as both the Director of Inclusion & Equity Education for SAIE, but also has interim director for residential education in SAIE. Thomas is leading the residential education office through move-in during a pandemic with grace, care, effective leadership, and a focus on our student and staff well-being. The genuine care Thomas has demonstrated for his staff and our students is inspiring. Thomas has been creative in problem-solving the many different nuances of training and coordinating move-in during a pandemic. He does all this while also taking the time to support his divisional colleagues in their work. We are fortunate to have his leadership.

Caring Community Creativity Leadership Solution Seeking

Kristine McCaslin, Student RIghts/Responsibilities and Interim Director of Housing

Mallory Berg, Assoc. Dir. of BIA/Advancement

For being a one-woman strike team in helping to solve Tableau calculations that just aren’t quite working right. For being a fabulous, fun, and gracious member of our team!

Caring Creativity Solution Seeking

Michelle Zad, Business Analyst/Advancement

Ramona Beltr√°n, Associate Professor/GSSW

Supporting Indigenous faculty through a culturally-relevant lens. Advocating for Indigenous perspectives on campus.

Caring Community Leadership

Chris Nelson, Assistant Professor/MCE

Leah O’Grady,

For designing a terrific Canvas site for the advising office & sharing expertise with others!

Creativity Solution Seeking

Jared Del Rosso,

Eric Merack, Director of KRH and the Chambers Center/MCE

Thank you for all of your great work in transitioning everyone back to campus.  I really appreciate your diligence and your care for our community.

Caring

Karen Riley, Dean MCE

Norma Hafenstein, Clinical Professor/ MCE

Congratulations again on your grant.  Your persistence and perseverance on this project is admirable.  It will make a difference for the community as well as our students.  Thank you again for all of your great work.

Community Leadership

Karen Riley, Dean MCE

Tasia Moore, Executive Assistant/MCE

Thank you for all of your great work on the MCE retreats.

Creativity

Karen Riley, Dean MCE

Robyn Pitts, Assistant Professor/MCE

Thank you Robyn for creating another great opportunity for our students to engage in meaningful research and to partner with our community.

Creativity Solution Seeking

Karen Riley, Dean MCE

Peter Hallam, Lab manager/Physics and Astronomy

Peter Hallam has gone above and beyond to prepare the Physics and Astronomy labs for autumn quarter opening.  He has tested various webcam sets ups, rearranged the lab to ensure social distancing, and worked up new lab assignments that will work with the new restrictions.  He has done all this despite being on a 9-month work contract.  We would not be able to offer courses this coming quarter without all his hard work.

Community Solution Seeking

Anonymous,

Olivia Feldkamp, Student Rights and Responsibilities

Olivia is an amazing supervisor, a thoughtful individual and is great at her job, which includes building community/supporting students at DU. Olivia ensures that equity is at the forefront of her mind and that students at DU are welcomed into all spaces. Olivia is a leader who ensures that campus policies and procedures align with the values that DU wants to be in the future and that should not go unnoticed.

Caring Community Inclusivity Leadership

Samuel Feldman, Student Rights and Responsibilities

Nick Williams, Faculty Support Specialist

Nick has remained adaptive during the pandemic and has  completed many projects in the department during this time. He has shown immense dedication to the students and faculty. He has offered ideas and suggestions that have made a positive impact on the efficiency of the department.

Creativity Solution Seeking

Vince, Academic Programs Assistant

Alyssa Hurst, MarComm

I am constantly impressed by Alyssa’s awareness and steadfast sensitivity to issues of inclusivity and diversity. Whether it is in one-on-one conversations or in larger team meetings, Alyssa is never afraid to stand up for underrepresented and overlooked populations, ensuring the content in our office will not only not offend our readers/listeners/viewers, but actively embrace them and make them feel that DU is an institution that sees them for who they are. She brings invaluable perspective and insight to our team.

Caring Inclusivity Leadership

Lorne Fultonberg, MarComm

Dong Dinh, C+V fellow, Chancellor’s Office

Dong is one of the most passionate people I’ve met at the University of Denver. He is incredibly committed to problem-solving, creating an inclusive environment, and changing the system at DU. As a C+V fellow, Dong went above and beyond with the values work, listening diligently to the community’s needs and supporting the C+V team with our own projects, on top of his own. If we had more people with Dong’s work ethic and passion for change working at DU, DU would be a much better place.

Community Inclusivity Leadership Solution Seeking

dilkush khan, community + values fellow, Chancellors Office

Dong Dinh, C+V

Dong, you have truly amazed me at all the work you have accomplished with C+V. To see what you did with the ITP website, the Values work, the affinity groups, and more is so phenomenal, and you have truly changed the culture of DU and the futures of so many DU community members. Not only have you changed the institution forever in the best way, you do it with such a kind and giving, authentic spirit and humility that inspires me. You have helped me grow in the ways that I explore issues, ask questions, and come to meetings with thoughtfulness. Thank you again for all you do!

Caring Community Inclusivity Leadership

Chase McNamee, Office of the Chancellor

Nancy Jones, Processor IV, Accessions & Archival Processing University Libraries

Nancy is insightful. Nancy maintains wonderful collections. Nancy is the best organizer and keeps the archives in the best condition.

Caring Creativity Leadership Solution Seeking

Anonymous,

Helen McGrath, Grant Coordinator, NSM

Helen has been working double duty as grant coordinator and COVID response coordinator for NSM.  What a challenging job! She has to juggle an ever changing flood of information, constant questions from faculty and staff, and frayed nerves all around.  Helen stays calm and professional and is always able to get an answer for you!

Community Solution Seeking

Anonymous,

Paula Adamo, Teaching Professor of Spanish

Thank you for being such a generous, supportive colleague! It means a lot.

Caring Community

Chad Leahy, Assistant Professor of Spanish / SLLCS

Ingrid Tague, Associate Dean of CAHSS / History

Thank you for always being so consistently supportive, encouraging, and generous with your time, even despite all of the many responsibilities that you have as Associate Dean.

Caring Community Leadership Solution Seeking

Chad Leahy, Assistant Professor of Spanish / SLLCS

Amalie Millhone, Senior Advisor, Financial Services

Thank you for your fast and efficient handling of student accounts!

Caring

Ryan Talmage, Interim Director/ERM

Deana Ahmad, Associate Dean for Students/GSSW

Deana is among the most thoughtful human beings I know. She holds so much as she navigates her role and is intentional with everything she does and every group she interacts with. She is constantly advocating for her team of staff, for the students that she serves and putting everyone before herself.  She unpacks every decision with a lens of inclusivity and justice and has become a trusted confidant to so many as a result. She is selfless and creative and pours her heart and soul into creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all of our students.

Caring Community Inclusivity Leadership

Trish Becker, Director of Community Engagement/GSSW

Abigail Richards, C+V fellow, Chancellor’s Office

Abigail is such a force to be around. Abigail is a leader who does such a phenomenal job of creating safe spaces and creative spaces for folks on campus to feel valued. She is incredibly supportive and is quick to find solutions with problems that seem unsolvable. She is a hard worker, is incredibly passionate, and a go-getter. She’s talented, a leader, and a creative force.  I’ve never met anyone quite like her. If everyone had her fire and spirit, DU would be a much better place.

Caring Community Creativity Inclusivity Leadership Solution Seeking

dilkush khan, C+V Fellow, Chancellor’s Office

Abigail Richards, Community + Values Initiative Fellow/Office of Chancellor

Abigail has been an integral part of the C+V team. Often stepping up to fill responsibilities that no one else wanted to do, her attention to detail, and her anti-racist programming that impacts all of the DU community. She is a leader, a supporter, a caring human that wants the best for the community and it reflects in her work. Abigail is also a DU Alum of the Joseph Korbel School of International Studies and utilizes her connections to work across departments and divisions. Her skills in dialogue allows for robust conversations around tough topics. Great job Abby!

Caring Community Creativity Inclusivity Leadership Solution Seeking

Dong Dinh, Community + Values Initiative Fellow/Office of Chancellor

Abigail Richareds, Community + Values

Abby, You rock because you make those around you rock. You are constantly upping everyone’s game. You call the important questions, push us to think harder, include more, and love bigger. You are like a propeller. You move us forward, which gives the whole team, the whole community, a sense of progress and possibility. Thank you for ALL you do, ALL you think and ALL you share. Ann

Caring Community Inclusivity Leadership

Ann Ayers, Dean, Colorado Women’s College

Abigail Richareds, Community + Values

Abby, You rock because you make those around you rock. You are constantly upping everyone’s game. You call the important questions, push us to think harder, include more, and love bigger. You are like a propeller. You move us forward, which gives the whole team, the whole community, a sense of progress and possibility. Thank you for ALL you do, ALL you think and ALL you share. Ann

Caring Community Inclusivity Leadership

Ann Ayers, Dean, Colorado Women’s College

Matt Ulrich, Support Specialist/Campus Safety

Matt is great.  Ever since I began running CCure for a few campus buildings, he has been one of my most important resources.  Once COVID closed down most of the campus, he worked directly with me to devise a “One Off Access” protocol.  Furthermore, he has assisted w/the Burwell move, Burwell CCure access imports, vendor access, and a whole cavalcade of other requests.  Always responding incredibly quickly with decisive action. Matt – you’ve made what could have been a really stressful time for us into a worry-free situation.  I appreciate you bud! Tommy

Caring Community Solution Seeking

Tommy Nagle, Business Operations Coordinator/Advancement

Casey Stockstill, Assistant Professor / Sociology & Criminology

Casey has taken on multiple leadership roles heading inclusive excellence. Not only does she regularly teach courses in the CRES minor which are in high demand from students for their focus on IE issues she is also involved with several IE efforts and task forces. In the short time she has been at DU she has done a lot to serve the university and the community of students seeking more inclusion at DU.

Caring Community Inclusivity Leadership

Anonymous,

Jared Del Rosso, Associate Professor / Sociology & Criminology

Organized with OTL a teaching workshop on how to incorporate current teaching efforts into an online format based around a discussion of the book “Small Teaching Online”

Solution Seeking

Anonymous,

Jared Del Rosso, Associate Professor / Sociology & Criminology

Organized with OTL a teaching workshop on how to incorporate current teaching efforts into an online format based around a discussion of the book “Small Teaching Online”

Solution Seeking

Anonymous,

MeiLi Smith, Videographer / Division of Marketing & Communications

Although MeiLi has been with DU less than a year, her impact can be felt throughout our University community. Her thoughtful, inquisitive and professional demeanor is felt in each and every interaction. She consistently goes above and beyond to seek solutions, solve problems and deliver that “something extra,” to ensure our clients’ goals are not just met, but exceeded. As a staff videographer, her work requires immense flexibility, self-management and prioritization—as well as many late nights, early mornings, and everywhere in between. In each and every case, MeiLi approaches these opportunities with optimism, elegance and passion for making the world a better, more caring and inclusive place. The results, spanning everything from the Prison Arts Initiative (https://youtu.be/dQ52MqrrPa4), Alumia Institute (https://youtu.be/jBJngEMzZls), spring virtual commencement (https://youtu.be/6JEqL9Z2EW0) and DU’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic (https://youtu.be/eWtDHkoyjT0), have been viewed over 30,000 times, and have elevated our University’s image and reputation around the globe. Through it all, MeiLi’s dedication to telling DU’s stories and engaging our community have shone through. She is a vital asset and treasured colleague, both to our division and the University.

Caring Creativity Solution Seeking

Jeff Exstrum, Sr. Director, Marketing & Brand Management / Division of Marketing & Communications

Berta Nicknish, Asst Director, Graduate Student Services

Berta stepped up and helped answer and resolve many student questions/issues while I was away and unable to assist them.  She was on top of it and made the students feel taken care of.  Berta is one of those people who gives DU/Daniels the excellent reputation of caring for our students and going the extra mile for that personal connection.  Thank you Berta, You Rock!

Caring Community

Lora Hacker, Assistant Director/ Franklin Burns School

John Farrell, Coordinator, Sturm College of Law

After the relatively sudden departure of another colleague and some unexpected web updates, we were left with critical forms and processes that no longer worked and the person who had created them was no longer available. And then John came to the rescue! Although none of the issues were technically in his job duties, he used his time and seemingly limitless expertise to make the changes we needed to be up and running again. He accepted the challenge with grace and good humor and I honestly don’t know where we’d be without him.  We so appreciate you, John!!

Community Creativity Solution Seeking

Sarah Sweetman, Director of Registration & Records/SCOL

Apryl Alexander,

You’re rocking it! You’re all over the news sharing important information and are such an incredible DU representative. I’m so proud to have your voice and you in our community. Thank you, Apryl!

Caring Community Inclusivity Leadership

Anonymous,

Sam Valliere, Assistant to the Chair, Dept of Management, Daniels College of Business

I’ve only just started getting to know Sam recently, but since I first joined Daniels, I’ve heard about what a great person she is, what a huge asset to the management department she is, and how lovely she is to have around. You don’t get that kind of reputation (especially with faculty!) without going above and beyond. I am so excited for her next steps but know that Daniels is losing an invaluable member of our community. Good luck! You Rock, girl! 🙂

Community Inclusivity

Megan Reilly, Leadership & Global Programs Manager, Daniels College of Business

Shahira Qudrat, Project Manager/Human Resources & Inclusive Community

“What would Shahira think_recommend”? A common question/statement when project teams in HRIC come to a point of uncertainty, or too much focus on what ‘s “not working”. It’s the solution and outcome focus that move us forward on initiatives as varied as compliance, performance and learning management system implementation or strategic planning. Her ‘Solution Seeking’ approach with an  an understanding of unit and institutional needs reminds me as a Director to redirect thinking to the ultimate outcome by being thoughtful to the process(es) to get us there.

Solution Seeking

Ken Pinnock, Director People Development

Sarah Buenavidez, Office of Graduate Education

You’ve done an incredible job with the recent (or perhaps not-so-recent!) change back to Student Services! We’re lucky to have you on our team as you’re hard-working, understand basically everything and are just a great co-worker/manager!

Caring Leadership Solution Seeking

Matt Pickler, Office of Graduate Education

Varun Vajpeyi, Support Specialist/Information Technology

Varun, your customer service is stellar!! I deeply appreciate the way you continuously go after a problem exploring every avenue in search a solution. You are diligent, thorough, responsible, and always polite and respectful. Your responsiveness is commendable, and you can be counted on to give every issue your fully committed attention. You end every interaction by asking what more you can do to help, and you always help with a kind and generous demeanor. Thank you for never making me feel like I am a bother or inconvenience. You are truly the gold standard of customer service!! YOU ROCK!!!

Caring Community Solution Seeking Other – Customer Service

Nancy Jones, Archival Processor IV

Mary Kay Delaney, Visiting Assistant Professor/MCE

For being such a great collaborator while co-teaching an online summer course.

Caring Inclusivity Solution Seeking

Jeanine Coleman, Clinical Associate Professor/MCE

Susan Haymore, Senior Business Systems Analyst for Advancement

Susan always goes above and beyond to share her expertise and knowledge. She is very talented and engaged in every project she’s asked to help on. In addition to being a pool of knowledge, she is patient and willing to educate anyone who comes to her for help or to help them find solutions to their problems. I’ve learned a lot from her and am grateful for her!

Community Solution Seeking

Mallory Berg, Associate Director BIA/ Advancement Services

Stefanie Centola and Mandy Whitehouse, Housing and Residential Education

Both Stefanie and Mandy have been wonderful partners as we navigate these challenging times.  They care about their campus community and have been handed very difficult circumstances as they prepare for the fall.  Yet, they have shown great care, resiliency and professionalism throughout this ordeal.  I would be lost without them and very much appreciate all that they do.

Caring Community Leadership Solution Seeking

Anonymous,

Jennifer Oliver, Asst Director/Student Financial Services

Dedicating countless hours to system setup and testing to ensure fall semester and fall quarter fees are correct.

Leadership Solution Seeking

Janet Burkhardt, Director/Student Financial Services

Madison Dorman, Advisor/Student Financial Services

Working over the weekend to make sure student accounts were correct prior to fall billing.

Solution Seeking

Janet, Director/Student Financial Services

Becca Edginton, Senior Adivsor/Student FInancial Services

Testing fall bills over and over again.  AND working over the weekend to ensure bills would go out on time!

Solution Seeking

Janet Burkhardt, Director/Student Financial Services

Mike Martinkus, Adviser/Student FInancial Services

Working over the weekend to make sure ER contracts were on accounts prior to fall biling.

Solution Seeking

Janet Burkhardt, Director/Student Financial Services

Becky Gonzalez, Asst Bursar/Student Financial Services

For testing fall bills over and over again.

Community Leadership Solution Seeking

Janet Burkhardt, Director/Student Financial Services

Katherine Aliaga, Assistant Dean, Finance and Operation, NSM

Kathy was hired as the new Assistant Dean of Finance and Operation for NSM not long before quarantine was instituted.  While learning her new job at NSM, she was also wrapping up her previous work in Facilities.  She basically worked two jobs for several months.  AND has young children at home.  I don’t know how she does it all so calmly and successfully! During the lock down, she has been available to the staff of NSM whenever needed. She has arranged for a weekly staff meeting which has been helpful not only for the distribution of important information but also for team building.  Before Kathy, we had only ever had a handful of staff meeting in 3 years.  Working from home would be so much harder if we didn’t have some (Zoom) face to face contact during this time.

Caring Leadership

Anonymous,

Jane Lavery, Scheduling Coordinator, Registrar’s Office

Jane has led DU and particularly CAHSS through the chaotic, ever-changing circumstances around fall 2020 scheduling. She’s worked endless hours, answered countless questions from CAHSS faculty/staff, and hasn’t lost her cool. We recently surveyed CAHSS department schedulers and this is what they said about Jane: – Jane Lavery responds very quickly when there are things to correct. – Jane is a superstar and responds very quickly to department needs. – I like working with Jane…[she’s] been great. Jane rocks as a critical staff member who made fall 2020 registration possible for faculty, staff, and most importantly students.

Community Solution Seeking

Brenda Boyle, Enrollment Services Manager, CAHSS

Awardee

They rock because

This is a great example of

Nominated by

Abigail Richards, Graduate Fellow

Abigail, you go above and beyond in all the work you do! You make such an extraordinary impact in the events you carry out and all of the administrative work you carry out for the community. It does not go unnoticed, and you are such an integral part of why the community feels supported and heard. I so appreciate everything you do!

Community Inclusivity Leadership Other

Chase McNamee, Chancellor’s Office

Nirav Shah, Application Developer III, IT EAS

Consistently, throughout the past two years I’ve worked with him, Nirav has been extremely responsive and helpful any time I make requests. He has been extremely helpful with last-minute COVID response tasks, and I am so grateful I can count on him when I need a quick turnaround. I am always impressed by the calm and collected attitude he displays with the amount of work put on him. You rock, Nirav!

Caring Solution Seeking

Jill Weddle, Software Adoption Lead, IT EAS

Cynthia Bowling, Executive Assistant

Our organization just announced an unexpected leadership transition. Cynthia spent countless hours navigating the change on behalf of the organization. She is the glue that is keeping our staff together and moving forward. Thank you Cynthia for all of your hard work!

Caring Solution Seeking

Lynnea Louison, Sr Director of Operations

Zachary Nickel, Phone Support Lead, IT Help Center

Zack has always been an exemplary employee, especially during our current remote work environment. Zack works very hard and cares about the work he is doing. He always goes above and behind to help our clients/staff and always makes himself as available as possible to help with whatever is needed. During several crucial time sensitive situations, Zack has been an Allstar- extremely reliable, very professional, and very thorough in getting the job done. Time and time again, I am amazed by the value that Zack adds to the team, so I’d like to acknowledge his hard work, dedication, and his positive contributions to the Help Center. Keep rocking it!

Caring Community Creativity Inclusivity Leadership Solution Seeking

Cedric Smith II, Manager, IT Help Center

Shanna Pomager, Senior Associate Director of Admission & Campus Visit Manager

Shanna has worked at DU for over 20 years, and when COVID-19 hit and everything went virtual she didn’t miss a beat. Shanna worked overtime to get our (what in the past we would have said could only be done in-person) visit program, including tours and information sessions, online up and running to allow admissions to continue recruiting our fall class. Using knowledge, research and creative thinking, she lead our team to pivot in a way that would make you think she had done this before! Everyone on our team looks up to Shanna and respects her so much – we in the visit program, and DU as a whole, are so lucky to have her!

Creativity Leadership Solution Seeking

Kristine M Colwill, Campus Visit Program Coordinator

Druselle May, Assistant to the Chair

Druselle has worked with so much change and upheaval in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering but she has continued to provide the most amazing support. She is always willing to help out others in the Ritchie School and assist students to the best of her abilities, all with a genuine smile. She has stepped up to make sure that the department keeps on running smoothly while working from home and is always quick to get others all the information they need. She shares the department’s successes and makes sure that they are being represented well. Druselle is doing a wonderful job and her usual work ethic is going just as strongly during these crazy times as it was before.

Caring Community

Jacquelyn Villa, Event and Marketing Coordinatory, Department of Marketing, Communication, & Events – RSECS

Cedric Smith, Manger, IT Help Center / Information Technology

Cedric always goes above and beyond to keep the Help Center running smoothly. Cedric goes out of his way to provide additional training to students and staff and always does anything asked of him with a smile. Cedric is always reliable and a team player. He deserves to be recognized for his hard work!

Caring Community Inclusivity Leadership

Katherine Haywood, Business Coordinator / Information Technology

Claire Carroll, Events Manager

Claire is incredibly helpful and patient. She is also conscientious and professional. She works so hard to make GSPP’s many events over Zoom fun and seamless. She also has a great sense of humor and is very enjoyable to work with. Claire rocks!

Caring Community Creativity Inclusivity Leadership Solution Seeking

Julie Hanna Smith, Director, Clinical Operations

Virginia Pitts, Director of University Teaching, OTL

Virginia pours her entire self (not just her expertise as an educator) into the OTL HyFlex CDI. She is helping us find solutions, thinking in particular about equity for online, in-person, and combined students. She provides a tremendously safe space for faculty to interact and work together in the CDI. Thank you Virginia!

Caring Community Inclusivity Solution Seeking

Michelle Rozenman, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology

Kent Conway, Assistant Director, Daniels Undergraduate Programs

Kent is always extremely patient and caring with students, and is a rock of stability for his team members. He is valued by his advisees and is extremely accessible and student-centered. Thank you for your hard work and contributions, Kent!

Caring Community Inclusivity Solution Seeking

Ron Sidwell, Assistant Director, Daniels Undergraduate Programs

Samantha Nesper, Director of Graduate Admissions/Daniels

Sam constantly strives for the best for her department and team. Under her leadership, our numbers are up, we’ve hired more inclusively, and morale is good even during this trying time. Her attention to detail, commitment to excellence, care for our prospective students, and care for the well-being of our team is nothing short of awesome. Sam rocks!

Caring Community Inclusivity Leadership

Anonymous

Shanna Pomager, Director of Visit Programs

I can think of no one more deserving of this award than Shanna Pomager.  Shanna and I started working for DU together on August 14, 2000. We will celebrate our 20th year at DU this August. Shanna has been leading and planning every aspect of the daily prospective student visit programs and the admitted student yield programs.  When Covid-19 caused everyone to work remotely, Shanna and her team needed to work quickly to create a new virtual visit programs focusing on yield and allowing our potential first year students and families to see themselves on our campus even though they could not be here in person, Shanna lead her team and took what would normally be a all hands on deck, in person, admitted student, campus visit day program and developed and designed a program for students and parents to participate in over an extended time of a few weeks. Visitors were able to choose from a variety of hour long sessions covering all types of topics including; support services, study abroad, Virtual campus visit, student panels, athletics, academic departments, clubs and organizations, the Chancellor Q&A, career services, housing, undergraduate research to name a few. It is utterly amazing once you think about all that happened since March 14th and everything that has really been accomplished to bring in out first year students this fall.  Shanna and her team were able to envision and pull off (with the support and “all in” attitudes across the entire campus) (and in only weeks) an incredible achievement I believe few other could manage even half of.

Caring Community Creativity Inclusivity Leadership Solution Seeking Other

Anonymous

Leah O’Grady, University Academic Programs

Leah, you are a rockstar and I hope you know it by now! No matter the question, request, or task you get it done and help others along the way. You are a true rockstar! I am so grateful for all of your help throughout these past two years. UAP wouldn’t have made it this far without you (seriously). You are smart, flexible, and always know how to get things done. Keep on being you because YOU ROCK!

Caring Community Creativity Inclusivity Leadership Solution Seeking

Grace Warner, University Academic Programs

Padma Rajendran, Network Engineer III/Information Technology

Padma Rajendran ROCKS! As a Senior Network Engineer in the IT Department, Padma is a leader among her peers, a technical expert in her field and a trusted resource.  Although her job performance alone would qualify her for ‚ÄúYou Rock‚Äù recognition, it is the manner in which she approaches her work that motivates me to nominate Padma.  She exudes professionalism, approaches problems with calm and careful consideration, and is through in all aspects of her work at DU.  Being on a team with Padma makes my work more enjoyable!

Caring Leadership Solution Seeking

Deb Krems, Project Manager/Information Technology

Kent Hogue, IT/Lead, Web and Mobile

Kent is awesome- he has gone out of his way to help me with a re-group solution. The problem has evolved to be beyond the scope of his job, but he is a great problem-solver. I appreciate this and his great expertise!

Community Solution Seeking

Allison O’Grady, Asst Director of Teaching and Learning/University College

Rebecca “Parker” Parker, Executive Writer

Thanks for ROCKING Parker! You were super helpful yesterday, I appreciate that you communicate quickly and efficiently (and that you like Teams!).  I look forward to working with you in the future, just hopefully not under the same stressful circumstances!

Leadership Solution Seeking

Casey Kite, EA Provost

Amanda Jensen, ASA – ELPS Department

Amanda is a relatively new employee, the ASA in the ELPS Department at Morgridge. She jumped right in, in spite of the global pandemic, and established new systems and processes to support our students and faculty. She is caring and responsive, and always available to help in any way, developing relationships in offices across the campus in order to generate solutions to challenges brought to her by students as well as faculty. Thanks so much, Amanda – you rock!

Caring Community Creativity Inclusivity Leadership Solution Seeking

Kristina Hesbol, associate professor/Educational Leadership and Policy Studies

Dr. Niki Latino, Interim Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs

Niki has been the Interim VC for Student Affairs and Inclusive Excellence Division since May. During this time, Niki has had to lead a department through a pandemic, prepare for fall, learn a new role, and chair a search for the next leader. Niki has been an example of grace, community building, check-ins for the team, working to find solutions for issues, and skill in transition and alliance building. We have been very blessed in our work with Niki and she ROCKS!

Caring Community Leadership Solution Seeking

Kristine McCaslin, Stiudent Rights & Responsibilities

Wayne Rust, AV/Law School

Wayne is a great all-around employee providing consistently high quality AV support.  In particular, he spent several hours last week at the law school preparing several of our classrooms for HyFlex teaching.   Thank you, Wayne!

Community Solution Seeking

Jessica Hogan, Director, Educational Technology

John DeSousa, AV/Law School

John is an all-around fantastic employee.  In particular, he recently came up with an idea for our law student orientation that will help the students feel more engaged and part of the DU community, demonstrating both his creativity and focus on community building.  Thanks, John!

Community Creativity

Jessica Hogan, Director, Educational Technology

Courtney Niebrzydowski, International Risk Analyst, ERM

Courtney has been absolutely amazing as DU’s first and only International Risk Analyst. Since she joined DU four years ago, she’s been a model of leadership and creativity. She’s collaborated with units across campus to create processes and policies where there were none. But she doesn’t just do this to ensure all of our community members stay safe and healthy when traveling abroad. She genuinely cares for travelers–not just as possible risks to the University, but as human beings who might need support to overcome both common and unique challenges that come with international travel. Despite the tremendous pressure of being the only person on campus in a role that primarily focuses on international health and safety, Courtney is always cheerful and fun to work with. She’s been an invaluable teammate and we consider her an honorary member of our office. Simply put, Courtney is amazing and I’m so happy I get to work with her.

Caring Community Creativity Leadership Solution Seeking Other

Jennifer Bohn, Program Manager, Office of International Education

Margaret Shoup, Financial Analyst/Shared Services

Time and again, Margaret uses her vast institutional and system knowledge to help others navigate hiring, grant effort, and payroll processes.  Without being asked, she has helped onboard two new hires in our unit whose duties intersect with her own responsibilities – remotely, at that.  She is generous in sharing not only how to perform a task, but takes the time to explain the context behind process (a great example in leadership through service).  Thank you for all you do.

Leadership Solution Seeking

Anonymous

Stefanie Centola, Assistant Director of Housing/Housing & Residence Education

In a time of a global pandemic, we’re all being asked to do a lot. Stefanie is a great example of someone who is constantly willing to go the extra mile, work hard, and put her all into what she does. In particular, we wanted to recognize her incredible work on helping first-year students feel comfortable coming to DU this fall. Stefanie single-handedly is responsible for ensuring that each of the nearly 1500 first-year students coming to DU has a place to sleep at night. She is responsible for coordinating every Housing Application, Accommodation, Roommate Request, and preference that our students have. She helps them find roommates, helps them transition to their first semester of college, and does so in the midst of a global pandemic and while within the first six months of her new position. When there were errors with the software and systems used to assist her in this, she found ways to work around faulty equipment and was able to accomplish this task. She worked tirelessly to find solutions to ensure her work would be done and worked long hours to make sure that students would not face a delay in finding out who their roommates are, or where they’re living. Stefanie has gone above and beyond to inject care into her work. She speaks with dozens of first-year students and their parents on a weekly basis to work to find solutions that make them feel comfortable coming to their new home in the midst of a pandemic. Although she has numerous other responsibilities, she makes the time to ensure each one of our incoming students feels heard, supported, and comfortable with the housing they’re assigned and the process we have. At the end of the day, without her efforts, first-year students would feel even more uncomfortable with coming to college during a pandemic, and would feel like they’re just coming to an empty building. Because of Stefanie’s hard work, solution-seeking mindset, and caring example, she ensures each student feels like they’re coming home. Stefanie is doing great work and we truly appreciate all that she is doing for our first-year students!

Caring Solution Seeking

Kyle/Brandon, Assistant Directors of Housing/Housing & Reisdence Education

Sarah Childs, Manager, Shared Services

Thanks for making the Insurance Renewal Audit process so much easier!

Leadership

Ryan Talmage, Interim Director/ERM

Courtney Niebrzydowski, International Travel Risk Analyst/ ERM

Courtney, you have been an amazing colleague and thought partner! I truly feel fortunate to have you on the team and work with you and learn from you. Your extraordinary work of creating the Large Scale International Emergency Response team and processes is extremely important, timely, and valuable, and it largely contributed to the smooth and successful March recall due to COVID-19. I can’t imagine how hard it must have been to get the various units on board and spearhead a major improvement on campus. You have rocked it and have done it with so much grace. You made it look so easy. Thank you for all of your incredible work!

Caring Community Creativity Inclusivity Leadership Solution Seeking

Mary Xu, Interim Assistant Director/ OIE

Stephanie Roberts, Interim Director/ OIE

Steph, thank you for stepping into the interim director role during this transition in the office! Who knew this temporary role would last a year, let along a year full of surprises and challenges. It has been an extraordinary year for you both professionally and personally. If we did not say it enough, here it is again: you have rocked this year! I am truly grateful for your leadership, commitment, resilience, creativity, and advocacy during this transition, and your trust and support to me. I feel fortunate to have been working alongside you during the past year. From the protests in South America in the fall to the pandemic this spring, from concerned parents to campus partners, and from limited staffing to demanding workload, somehow you have magically managed all with grace. Those are just a few of them from the countless examples and stories that demonstrate your capability and achievement. Thank you, Steph! I hope you take a moment to celebrate your awesomeness!

Caring Community Creativity Leadership Solution Seeking

Mary Xu, Interim Assistant Director/ OIE

Abbey Krause, Manager Business Operations/DCB

Abbey deserves to be recognized for her unbelievable work with the Daniels financial staff.  Previously there had been no real training on the systems.  Abbey has taken it upon herself to offer weekly training sessions to assist with giving hints/tips/tricks when dealing with the Banner financial system.  She has done all of this while at the same time starting her new position virtually as well as continuing to help DU through the year end process.  The knowledge she brings to Daniels is unmatched.  She has a patient and nurturing way about her that is so welcome!  Thank you for all the hard work you are doing to get Daniels finances back in order!

Caring Community Inclusivity Leadership Solution Seeking

Lora Hacker, Assistant Director/ Franklin Burns School

Jessie Stellini, Associate Director, Student Engagement

Your work on the DU Families Calendar rocked! Thank you for being an amazing partner to our team, for producing such beautiful work, and for accepting all of our edits and changes with ease. You are appreciated.

Caring Creativity Solution Seeking

Sharon Bond, Director, New Student & Family Programs

Beth Goad, Assistant Director, Family Programs

With just over four months at DU, you have risen to meet the difficult challenges of the time with grace and patience. Thank you for all you do and for holding on tight with both hands while we are weathering one of the biggest storms parent programming has ever faced. You are appreciated.

Caring Community Leadership

Sharon Bond, Director, New Student & Family Programs

Tony Lux, MarComm

Tony is incredibly diligent and flexible when it comes to sending out campus-wide emails. He is always accessible and quick to respond to feedback, offering his expertise to craft more effective messaging. He has a wolfish commitment to getting messages out on time. Thanks for your hard work!

Caring Leadership Solution Seeking

Lorne Fultonberg, MarComm

Jane Lavery, Scheduling and Catalog Coordinator, Registrar

Jane has been a critical part of the transformation of the fall course schedule. Over the past few months, she has worked tirelessly to respond to questions, communicate directives and changes, and provide transparency and leadership to all the schedulers across campus – and put in long hours to do so. I’m grateful for her leadership through this process!

Leadership

Kristy Firebaugh, Assistant Dean, CAHSS

Janet Burkhardt, Director/Student Financial Svcs

For always taking the time to explain complicated Financial programs to the uninitiated!

Leadership

Ryan Talmage, Interim Director/ERM

Chris Bennett, Exec. Director/Shared Svcs

Thank you for your and your team’s help in providing information for post-renewal insurance audits.

Leadership

Ryan Talmage, Interim Director/ERM

Shaunda Norman, Director – HR Services/Shared Svcs

Thanks for your help in completing post-renewal insurance audits!

Leadership

Ryan Talmage, Interim Director/ERM

Linda Shuman, Director of Disbursements/Shared Svcs

Thanks for going above and beyond in providing information for post-renewal insurance audits!

Leadership

Ryan Talmage, Interim Director/ERM

Jill Weddle, Lead, Software Adoption

Jill has consistently provided excellent, prompt, and friendly support to our group.  It’s a great pleasure working with Jill.  DU is fortunate to have such a wonderful employee with a great blend of technical and personal skills.

Community Creativity Solution Seeking

Jessica Hogan, Director, Educational Technology

Kim Gorgens, Professor/GSPP

Kim leads by example and advocates for her students, colleagues, department, and all of DU. I learn so much from working with her. We’re lucky to have her at GSPP and I’m proud to be her colleague. Thanks for all you do for us, Kim!

Caring Community Leadership Solution Seeking

Tracy Vozar, Clinical Assistant Professor/GSPP

Mandy Whitehouse, Director of Housing

Mandy is an inspiring leader, colleague, and friend. Mandy displays compassion and care for everyone around regardless of what she has on her plate. She leads the HRE team with determination, resilience, thoughtfulness, and a strategic ability to connect the dots to move processes forward. Mandy is currently opening a brand new residence hall, adapting operations to safely bring students back to campus, and leading a new team. Mandy is brilliant, an asset, and the kind of leader that DU needs during this pandemic. I’m so fortunate to work alongside her and witness her drive for excellence first-hand. Thank you for everything you do for HRE and DU! You deserve nothing but the best in return for all your hard work.

Caring Leadership Solution Seeking

Khouri, Housing and Residential Education

Isabelle Caputo, Student Rights & Responsibilities

Isabelle cares very much for the students and the overall mission and principals of DU and the department. Isabelle deserves recognition for her ability to connect with her colleagues at DU and foster relationships across campus. She is a great leader to those she supervises and truly listens to others when they speak. She works to bring people together and problem solve in the way that helps the students at DU the most.

Caring Inclusivity Solution Seeking

Samuel Feldman, Student Rights & Responsibilities

Lisa Victoravitch, Associate Dean

Fantastic job of stepping into a new role and leading, taking the bull by the horns!

Leadership

Anonymous

McKenzie Mohler, Assistant Director/DCB Undergraduate Programs

Even before COVID hit, McKenzie went above and beyond her job description to support not only her team but also the entire college. While many folks may not know it, McKenzie is behind the scenes ensuring that our continuing and incoming graduate students are supported with advising and scheduling needs. Not to mention, that McKenzie is an awesome leader in everything that she does.

Leadership Solution Seeking

Lisa Victoravich, Associate Dean/DCB

Pat Perrella, Associate Dean/MBA Programs

Pat has stepped beyond his duties to support Daniels in our efforts to bring students to campus this summer and pilot hyflex instruction. I feel that DCB is in a much better spot due to his hard work in understanding an entirely new landscape of uncertainty.  He is also serving as COVID building manager which as been a great help.

Solution Seeking

Lisa Victoravich, Associate Dean/DCB

Robert Urquhart, Associate Professor in the Economics Department

Robert, Thank you for becoming such a supportive penpal in the last few months. Your continued energy and humor has truly been a gift. From discussing Marx and capitalism to being SUCH a good educational technology learner, I commend all that you do for your students/friends/family. I feel so lucky to have befriended you during these unprecedented times. Thank you for all that you do for DU! Best, Christine

Caring

Christine Hood, OTL Graduate Assistant

Katie Kleinhesselink, DU Grand Challenges

Katie did an amazing job adapting when coronavirus threatened to cancel A Community Table. As MarComm worked to promote it, she led the way,, kept us on the same page, and provided us everything we needed to make our lives easy!

Caring Community Leadership Solution Seeking

Lorne Fultonerg, MarComm

Nathan Zick-Smith, Student Success Analyst, Provost’s Office

Nathan is a creative solution-seeker through and through.  Every single interaction I have with Nathan involves some sort of creative problem solving, and he often takes initiative to solicit solutions beyond the borders of the DU campus (figuratively now). Whether that be scouring The Chronicle, asking other institutions for best practices, or simply asking for perspectives of DU campus partners, Nathan is consistently determined to exhaustively find and offer all possible solutions to any problem he encounters. His latest ideas for keeping students engaged in the DU community in these unprecedented times ranged from purchasing virtual reality headsets to sending out “future pioneer” lawn signs to re-engaging in a DU mascot and identity contest and campaign to bring the community together. As can be seen, he does not shy away from big ideas and often excites others to join him in this pursuit to make DU’s efforts and resources go the extra mile. Nathan also consistently maintains a professional and eager attitude with all who encounter him, making him a pleasure to partner with in the effort to support student and faculty success across campus. Nathan is a tremendous asset to the DU professional community – he rocks!

Caring Community Creativity Inclusivity Leadership Solution Seeking

Leah O’Grady, Associate Director, Provost’s Office

Mona Spitz, Director of Development

Staff member Mona Spitz has been an incredible thought partner, colleague, and friend to many since joining the University of Denver in September 2010.  Mona has exceptional relationship building skills and has found great success in engaging alumni and friends of DU.  As part of her role, Mona’s goal was to raise $750,000 last year; she raised $1.5M in student scholarships, programmatic support, and donations to underwrite support for faculty.  Given Chancellor Haefner’s prioritization of support for Native American students, Mona worked alongside an alum to create a scholarship fund for Native American business students (more here: https://daniels.du.edu/blog/a-fusion-of-passions/) Mona is a true Rockstar and is most deserving of this award!

Caring Community Inclusivity Leadership

Aimee Mandolini, Executive Director of Development, Daniels

Padma Rajendran, Network Engineer III/IT

Padma always displaying great leadership within the IT Department. She approaches any problem head on, with confidence and always comes up with a solution. She knows how to bring her team together so every project they work on is completed in an efficient and timely manner, will little to no errors.

Leadership

Anonymous,

Bridget Farrell, Coordinator of Library Instruction and Reference Services

Since I began working at DU in July 2019, Bridget has always been a friendly face and a great resource for me as I navigate a new professional career. Further, I have been able to work alongside Bridget on the assessment course in the SchoolCounseling@Denver program. Bridget has taken a lot of time to help me develop aspects of this course and has committed to virtually meeting with students each quarter to explain the best uses of the DU Library and the importance of scholarly work. Thank you, Bridget!

Caring Community Creativity

Jillian Blueford, Clinical Assistant Professor/Counseling Psychology

Jane Lavery, Schedule & Catalog Coordinator-Office of the Registrar

Jane has done an unbelievable job helping to update the campus’ incredibly complex schedule in response to COVID. Despite the additional stress and demands on her time, she remains consistently promptly responsive, pleasant, unfailingly professional and somehow even maintains a sense of humor. We are so very thankful for her help in navigating the myriad of schedule changes required by the pandemic.

Community Creativity Leadership Solution Seeking

Sarah Sweetman, Registrar-SCOL

Katie Kleinhesselink, DU Grand Challenges Program Manager/CCESL

Katie led the team that successfully adapted A Community Table from week of in-person dialogues to a quarter of remote conversations. This required collaboration, leadership, vision, and creativity. Thanks to her efforts and collaborative leadership, A Community Table was incredibly successful, providing a format for meaningful conversation about the future.

Community Creativity Inclusivity Leadership Solution Seeking

Anne DePrince, Professor/Psychology, Director/CCESL

Wayne Rust, Media Services Coordinator

Wayne – You are such a wonderful resource and are always available to answer any question – no matter how small or strange. Your Kaltura tutorial was invaluable in helping me make the leap from thinking about it to making videos. And, you do everything with a smile and a kind word. You rock!

Caring Community Solution Seeking

Stacey Bowers, Sturm College of Law

John De Sousa, Media Specialist

John – Your Canvas was so incredibly helpful and easy to follow and your Canvas containers are amazing and it made building out my courses so much quicker and also made them more organized. You are an amazing resource – your guidance in how to utilize Kaltura and embed videos in my Canvas courses made a huge difference in my thought processes and preparation time. You rock!

Community Creativity Solution Seeking

Stacey Bowers, Sturm College of Law

Jessica Hogan, Director, Ed Tech

Jessica – I cannot thank you enough for all that you have done to help me get ready for the upcoming fall semester. You are an amazing leader and your ideas have helped me think more broadly about how to make an online class better. You are an integral part of helping make faculty look good. You rock!

Community Creativity Leadership

Stacey Bowers, Sturm College of Law

Blake Brennan, Degree Evaluator

Blake is amazing! He is always so helpful with all of the questions I have (I feel like I’m always bothering him with questions, although he never makes me feel like I’m bothering him), and he is creative in finding the answers when he doesn’t know them right away. He is also truly such a pleasure to interact with via email- always pleasant, kind and helpful. He is always super quick to respond to emails, and apologizes if it takes him longer than normal (a few hours- unnecessary to apologize in my opinion!). I really appreciate Blake for all that he does for DU!

Caring Creativity Solution Seeking

Tara Boyle, Director of Undergraduate Student Affairs/Korbel

Padma Rajendran, Network Engineer III

Padma is hard working, inclusive and kind. She sets a great example for the IT Operations team and is a newly created supervisor. She’s committed to DU and an exemplary employee who enjoys helping others learn, is patient, and is kind.

Caring Inclusivity Leadership Solution Seeking

Elizabeth Parker, IT

Lynzi Patton, Manager of Communications and Community Relations/HRE

I am nominating Lynzi Patton for the You Rock! award because her and her students stand on the front lines of communicating with our students and their families. COVID-19 has provided fluctuating changes that create challenges for students and their families – housing insecurities, cost, safety, etc. On top of her designated duties and other assigned duties, Lynzi has had to go above and beyond in working with frustrated families who are looking for solid solutions to a world-wide issue that really doesn’t have a solid answer. Working with parents can be a challenge for any higher education professional. However, I have seen Lynzi work with families with grace and heart as she understands that these are challenging times and always tries to put students’ concerns first – including her student staff. Lynzi’s student staff worships her for her dedication and hard work and has become a role model to them. If anyone deserves an award during this pandemic, it’s Lynzi Patton. Her student staff also deserve a special shoutout as well for being incredible members of the HRE team/family.

Caring Community Leadership Solution Seeking

Anonymous,

Trent Steidley, Assistant Professor, Sociology

Tate deserves this award for working together on a successful Faculty Senate resolution emphasizing the need for faculty voice in fall re-opening plans as well as greater flexilibity in allowing faculty to select their course modality during the covid-19 pandemic.

Community Inclusivity Leadership Solution Seeking

Sara Chatfield, Assistant Professor, Political Science

Leslie Brunelli, Senior Vice Chancellor for Finance and Treasurer

Leslie arrived at the University in 2019 and hit the ground running. Over the past year, she’s been a billboard displaying all the traits of leadership.  She communicates often and clearly, is accountable and responsible, self-motivated, confident and is a people person in tune with others strengths and needs for success.  Her dedication and grit prevents her from resting until every “I” is dotted and every “T” crossed.  Sometimes this takes her well into the night at the office, but she still manages to be available to every staff member.  She is always there when anyone needs her.  Leslie has been a valuable team member as the University navigates the current challenges of COVID-19.  She does it all with style and grace and for that YOU ROCK!!!!

Caring Community Creativity Inclusivity Leadership Solution Seeking

Rosalynn FEagins, Business and Financial Affairs

Chelsie Ruge, Assistant Director, Instructional Design, University College

Chelsie, I’ve been meaning to do this for months! I have been so grateful for your willingness to share your expertise and creatively problem-solve with me as we faced all the challenges getting faculty online during the COVID pandemic. You have generously shared resources, connected me with collaborators, and been an incredible thought partner throughout the last few months. As a recent hire, it could have been even more difficult to find my way in a new role during a pandemic. I appreciate your collegiality and patience. Thank you for going above and beyond!!

Community Leadership Solution Seeking

Leslie Alvarez, OTL Director

Nicole Taylor, Clinical Associate Prof/GSPP

Nicole rocks for so many reasons. She’s an inspiring friend, colleague, advocate, and academic. She makes our department and world a better place through consistently caring above and beyond expectations.

Caring Community Inclusivity Leadership

Tracy Vozar, Clinical Assistant Prof/GSPP

Richard Moraskie, Assistant Director of Ticketing, Newman Center

Richard is always willing to tell it like it is and see multiple sides of a problem. He keeps up to date on the latest industry practices and procedures around covid. I know our ticket office will be in good hands while Newman weathers this storm. Great job, Richard!

Solution Seeking

Anonymous,

Lisa Olson, Director of Foundations/Advancement

Thank you so much for all of your work in trying to find some new foundation funding options for MCE.  We really appreciate your work.

Creativity

Karen Riley, Dean MCE

Jessica Webb, Executive Director of Advancement/MCE

Thinking strategically for the MCE and for the rest of the university.  Encouraging and promoting your colleagues.

Community Inclusivity Leadership

Karen Riley, Dean MCE

Vince Gonzales, Academic Programs Assistant/Sturm College of Law

During the pandemic, Vince has realized that some of the faculty chairs of our academic programs may be having difficulty acclimating to our current socially-distanced reality.  In response, Vince has proactively reached out to chairs, letting them know he is still capable of providing assistance and asking what he can do to help.  He’s also done the same with the faculty support team at the law school.  This was invaluable when the team became incredibly busy responding to the needs of faculty having to pivot their classes mid-semester.

Community Solution Seeking

Aleesha McDowell, Manager

Stacy Pinto, Assistant Clinical Professor/Counseling Psychology Director of School Counseling Program

Thanks for all of your great work in trying to get this summer camp up and running.  You are always someone who embraces a challenge and is looking for ways to serve our DU and broader community.

Community Leadership

Karen Riley, Dean MCE

Mandy Whitehouse, Director of Housing, Housing and Residence Education

During these unprecedented times, each department and each team on campus is facing new challenges. No one has done more to support these changes – and their team – than Mandy Whitehouse. While HRE is working to develop a plan that meets DU’s mission and values, while also meeting public health standards, Mandy has created a positive environment that has helped take the emotions and stressors related to this global pandemic and channeled them into creating a positive on-campus experience for our students. In a time where everyone is learning as we go, Mandy has constantly provided an open environment where all ideas and solutions can be discussed, and where the values of HRE and DU continue to be reflected in the decisions that are made. Her focus on finding solutions, and being proactive instead of reactive, have created an extremely strong team dynamic. Aside from the this, Mandy has found time to not just lead our team – which is still largely finding our way, as we‚Äôve all just started, she has found the time to put our human needs first and consistently ensures that she is available to advocate, listen, and support us in our human needs. She is a great example of what it means to lead by compassion and to provide empathetic leadership, in a time where it is more important than ever. In a time of global uncertainty, Mandy has inspired us to be our best, most authentic selves, and supports us in all we do. Her example is more appreciated than words can convey.

Caring Solution Seeking

Stefanie/Brandon/Kyle, Assistant Directors of Housing, Housing & Residence Education

Awardee

They rock because

This is a great example of

Nominated by

Sarah Cohen, Daniels Graduate Admissions Event Manager

Always willing to lend a hand whether it be personally or professionally.

Caring
Community
Solution Seeking

Anonymous

Dr. Breigh Roszelle, Associate Dean, Undergraduate Studies; Teaching Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering

Breigh has done extraordinary work for our community since we asked her to add the role of Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies for the Ritchie School to her teaching faculty responsibilities in the Mechanical and Materials Engineering Department.   The Associate Dean position is entirely new to the School, and overdue as we’ve continued to work hard to modernize our approach across all dimensions of undergraduate students experiences at the School.  In that capacity, Breigh has added energy, management and leadership to a number of initiatives around innovation and entrepreneurship, inclusion, and experiential/project-based learning that needed focus to scale.  In addition, Breigh has been on point with respect to all of our efforts to move to new teaching modes, both this spring and for the Fall.  She’s on the University-wide Fall task force and on point for the School’s course fall planning, and oversees our efforts to manage ‘melt’ for first time first year and returning students.  But wait , there’s more!  Breigh has also been on the Ritchie School’s Dean’s search committee which has concluded their work recently.  All this while continuing to teach and support students, for which work she was already renowned — AND working the other full time role that a parent with young children has to play.  Breigh is timely, organized, thorough — and ALWAYS upbeat — a very rare combination indeed.  The University of Denver is extremely fortunate to have Dr. Roszelle here — she rocks!, and is an exemplar among the faculty for all that one would hope they would aspire to do.

Caring
Community
Inclusivity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

JB Holston, Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science

Carly Einstein, Director, Alumni Engagement

Carly is a fantastic collaborator.  She is proactive, encouraging of others and open to new ideas.  Additionally, Carly has a way of making her team mates, and anyone else she meets, feel like they really matter.  She genuinely cares about humanity and it shines through in her work.  She is an asset to our team and to the University!

Creativity
Inclusivity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Rebecca Berg, Director, Alumni Engagement

Nick Cutforth, Chair RMIS

Thank you for being such a great leader in our college.  You have been an amazing department chair.  Thank you for your ongoing work and support.

Leadership

Karen Riley, Dean MCE

Corinne Lengsfeld, Research & Graduate Education

Thank you for demonstrating such amazing leadership over the last year. The weekly Business Officer Zoom meetings, town halls, and emails were helpful and informative and created a sense of calm. Everyone that I spoke to agreed that you did a great job in your interim role as Provost.

Caring
Community
Inclusivity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Paula Bickel, Graduate Education

Corinne Lengsfeld, Interim Provost & Executive VC

On behalf of the University Libraries, thank you to Corinne for exemplary leadership and for going the extra, extra miles to meet with our UL team to assure and answer questions. We greatly appreciate all that you have done on behalf of our community!

Leadership

Anonymous

Brad Machan, Business Analyst II

Brad your work at getting the Juneteenth Holiday added with 4 hours notice in payroll, working on scripts for the auto and cell phone allowance changes and the temp salary reduction, developing processes to manage the reduction of the retirement contribution, and your regular willingness to help with anything is above and beyond. You are such a huge asset to DU and the SSC team. I am in awe of all you accomplish and your positive attitude.

Caring
Creativity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Jen Kogovsek, Shared Services Center

Jen K, Direct Ops and Spec Project/SSC

Hi Jen,

Thanks for all you do to try and keep the comradery going in this online environment. The Home Office Chair to Fitness Warrior is a wonderful way to connect!

Tammy

Caring
Community
Leadership

Tammy Schneider, Director Bus/Ops/SSC

Stevie Lee, Native American Liaison & Program Manager

Stevie has been doing a wonderful job of supporting the Native students throughout the academic year. I appreciate her advocacy in the Native American Community Scholarship selection process. She has put in extra effort to ensure that the scholarship program is maximized so the incoming first-year students include Indigenous students.

Caring
Community
Inclusivity
Leadership

Chris Nelson, MCE

Amy Folse, Assistant Director, Scholarships – Financial Aid

Amy has worked hard to award the Native American Community Scholarships. We appreciate her commitment to diversifying the incoming first-year students.

Caring
Community

Chrisn Nelson, MCE

Teddy Rose, Enrollment Manager/Communication Management/UCOL

Teddy is so amazing to work with. He manages a tremendously large student load in a very high-touch way. He offers guidance, support, and advice to students and colleagues through the most stressful situations and always has a smile on his face. His ability to approach every situation with a positive, collaborative attitude is truly amazing. He concludes almost every email with “let me know how else I can help” and he means it! In short, Teddy just rocks!

Caring
Community
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Cindy Cragg, Academic Director/Communication Management/UCOL

Teddy Rose, Enrollment Manager/Communication Management/UCOL

Teddy is so amazing to work with. He manages a tremendously large student load in a very high-touch way. He offers guidance, support, and advice to students and colleagues through the most stressful situations and always has a smile on his face. His ability to approach every situation with a positive, collaborative attitude is truly amazing. He concludes almost every email with “let me know how else I can help” and he means it! In short, Teddy just rocks!

Caring
Community
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Cindy Cragg, Academic Director/Communication Management/UCOL

Eugene Walls, Co-Associate Dean for Doctoral Education

I am grateful for your leadership and partnership in supporting the doctoral program the past few months. You took on the role without question and then stepped up your contributions when I needed additional support. You are thoughtful and intentional in the decisions you make. You invite others to share ideas, are direct and clear in your opinion, and seek input that you consider carefully. I couldn’t ask for a better co- in this role.

Caring
Community
Inclusivity
Leadership

Kimberly Bender, Professor

Chelsie Ruge, Asst Director of Instructional Design/University College

Chelsie is a valued leader at University College. When COVID-19 hit, she stepped up to help the OTL create templates and advise the unviersity on how to get our courses online quickly. She also helped set up a ticketing system, hire contractors, and created instructions for all to help the university survive the spring term. She always steps up to help the LX team accomplish a goal, even if the task doesn’t fall directly on her plate. Just the other day, I had to step away for a medical emergency on a Friday afternoon and Chelsie stepped in right away and made sure that rubrics were built and our Communications course was ready to go before the go-live date on Monday. I really appreciate her willingness to pitch in. She deserves this award!

Caring
Community
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Allison O’Grady, Asst Director of Teaching and Learning/University College

Ben Siebrase, Statistician and Data Visualization Developer / Institutional Research

Ben has worked behind the scenes building amazing visualizations and dashboards that have been invaluable to the DU community at every level. These tools combine his expert knowledge of higher education, the University of Denver, and data utilization in a way that allows leaders throughout the university to gain an understanding of the DU context as well as make informed decisions.  During this difficult time, Ben’s work shines as a reliable source of knowledge.

Creativity
Solution Seeking

Mike Furno, Assistant Provost / Institutional Research

Katia Miller, Research Analyst/ Institutional Research

Katia exemplifies caring through inclusive leadership on Task Forces, in SOCA, and within the Office of Institutional Research and Analysis. Katia has worked tirelessly on a number of Task Forces as well as on daily Symptom Survey for Faculty and Staff. Also, her expertise on the symptom survey have  enhanced the safety of our community. The Office of Institutional Research and Analysis as well as the University of Denver are fortunate to have Katia in our community.

Caring
Community
Inclusivity
Leadership

Mike Furno, Assistant Provost/Institutional Research

Beth Robischon, General Counsel

Beth Robischon is a committed and valued colleague who exemplifies integrity, commitment, and engagement. Her work ethic is exemplary and I know she goes above and beyond; not only in hours of work but in the strength and quality of that work.

Beth’s leadership, calm demeanor, and commitment to collaboration are all just some of the many reasons SHE ROCKS!

Caring
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Kristine McCaslin, Director, Student Rights & Responsibilities

Marnie Gloor, Director of Digital Marketing / Marketing & Communication

Marnie Gloor is the heart and soul of a Digital team that has been reorged out of existence in MarComm. I have been involved with both internal and external web projects at DU for 16 years. I have worked from within both IT and MarComm, and have reported to, or been a peer of many Web Directors over that time. Without question, over the last two years, Marnie has led the Digital Team in MarComm to greater velocity with better results for DU’s public facing websites than any prior Director I have worked with in either department. She has been relentless in focusing the public web sites on their intended audiences and goals — and ramped up measurement and accountability to both the institution and our campus partners for those goals. She has pushed through major efforts to improve our platform, and the vendor partners that support that platform. She leaves the DU web environment, and our relationships with campus website partners in a much better state than she inherited. Marnie worked to leverage the DU web API and institutional data for public DU web sites in ways that had been talked about for *many* years — but it actually happened under Marnie’s direction and efforts. She was the hardest working member of the team, and never asked anyone to do work that she wasn’t willing to do herself. She will be missed, and DU is losing an important asset.

Caring
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Jeff Derksen, Manager Web Support Services / Marketing & Communication

Kelly Schlabach, Case Manager, Student Outreach & Support

Kelly has been managing the SOS emergency funds for student support. With effects of COVID 19, the need has been greater. Kelly has worked hard to support students and connect them with valuable resources.

Kelly has also recruited and trained other staff to do the intake so response time can be quicker for students.

In addition, Kelly has taken a leadership role within WORC and is working with white colleagues to dismantle systemic oppression and continue education on whiteness and white supremacy.

Kelly is a caring and deeply committed  colleague and the campus is better for her work and spirit.

Caring
Community
Creativity
Inclusivity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Kristine McCaslin, Director, Student Rights & Responsibilities

Mary Travis, Director of Research Integrity

Mary, I really appreciate the way you have led your team and the university in supporting human subjects research during this remarkable time. I appreciate the way you are always willing to help, always willing to think together, and always willing to go the extra mile to set up clear supports for our researchers. I respect the way you empathize with PIs to figure out a solution that will best meet their needs. You are a pleasure to partner with.

Caring
Community
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Kimberly Bender, Interim Associate Provost for Research

Carrie Forbes, University Libraries

Congratulations on Graduating! It’s time to celebrate all the hard work you have accomplished and we are proud to be your colleagues!

On behalf of the University Libraries, Professional Development and Engagement Committee:

Meg Eastwood
Sarah Perske
Hyo Jung Kim
Zeffie Starling
Kate Crowe
Erin Elzi
Mark Kintgen
Merisa Bissinger
Rebecca Wright

Other

Merisa Bissinger, Director of Business & Operations

Lindsay Gypin, University Libraries

Congratulations on Graduating! It’s time to celebrate all the hard work you have accomplished and we are proud to be your colleagues!

On behalf of the University Libraries, Professional Development and Engagement Committee:

Meg Eastwood
Sarah Perske
Hyo Jung Kim
Zeffie Starling
Kate Crowe
Erin Elzi
Mark Kintgen
Merisa Bissinger
Rebecca Wright

Other

Merisa Bissinger, Director of Business & Operations

Stevie Gunter, University Libraries

Congratulations on Graduating! It’s time to celebrate all the hard work you have accomplished and we are proud to be your colleagues!

On behalf of the University Libraries, Professional Development and Engagement Committee:

Meg Eastwood
Sarah Perske
Hyo Jung Kim
Zeffie Starling
Kate Crowe
Erin Elzi
Mark Kintgen
Merisa Bissinger
Rebecca Wright

Other

Merisa Bissinger, Director of Business & Operations

Oliver Poveda, University Libraries

Congratulations on Graduating! It’s time to celebrate all the hard work you have accomplished and we are proud to be your colleagues!

On behalf of the University Libraries, Professional Development and Engagement Committee:

Meg Eastwood
Sarah Perske
Hyo Jung Kim
Zeffie Starling
Kate Crowe
Erin Elzi
Mark Kintgen
Merisa Bissinger
Rebecca Wright

Other

Merisa Bissinger, Director of Business & Operations

Nate Bailey, University Libraries

Congratulations on Graduating! It’s time to celebrate all the hard work you have accomplished and we are proud to be your colleagues!

On behalf of the University Libraries, Professional Development and Engagement Committee:

Meg Eastwood
Sarah Perske
Hyo Jung Kim
Zeffie Starling
Kate Crowe
Erin Elzi
Mark Kintgen
Merisa Bissinger
Rebecca Wright

Other

Merisa Bissinger, Director of Business & Operations

Anna Panella, University Libraries

Congratulations on Graduating! It’s time to celebrate all the hard work you have accomplished and we are proud to be your colleagues!

On behalf of the University Libraries, Professional Development and Engagement Committee:

Meg Eastwood
Sarah Perske
Hyo Jung Kim
Zeffie Starling
Kate Crowe
Erin Elzi
Mark Kintgen
Merisa Bissinger
Rebecca Wright

Other

Merisa Bissinger, Director of Business & Operations

Amy Feeney, University Libraries

Congratulations on Graduating! It’s time to celebrate all the hard work you have accomplished and we are proud to be your colleagues!

On behalf of the University Libraries, Professional Development and Engagement Committee:

Meg Eastwood
Sarah Perske
Hyo Jung Kim
Zeffie Starling
Kate Crowe
Erin Elzi
Mark Kintgen
Merisa Bissinger
Rebecca Wright

Other

Merisa Bissinger, Director of Business & Operations

Alice Major, University Libraries

Congratulations on Graduating! It’s time to celebrate all the hard work you have accomplished and we are proud to be your colleagues!

On behalf of the University Libraries, Professional Development and Engagement Committee:

Meg Eastwood
Sarah Perske
Hyo Jung Kim
Zeffie Starling
Kate Crowe
Erin Elzi
Mark Kintgen
Merisa Bissinger
Rebecca Wright

Other

Merisa Bissinger, Director of Business & Operations

Adam Westerholm, University Libraries

Congratulations on Graduating! It’s time to celebrate all the hard work you have accomplished and we are proud to be your colleagues!

On behalf of the University Libraries, Professional Development and Engagement Committee:

Meg Eastwood
Sarah Perske
Hyo Jung Kim
Zeffie Starling
Kate Crowe
Erin Elzi
Mark Kintgen
Merisa Bissinger
Rebecca Wright

Other

Merisa Bissinger, Director of Business & Operations

Gaby Molinar-Castillo, University Libraries

Congratulations on Graduating! It’s time to celebrate all the hard work you have accomplished and we are proud to be your colleagues!

On behalf of the University Libraries, Professional Development and Engagement Committee:

Meg Eastwood
Sarah Perske
Hyo Jung Kim
Zeffie Starling
Kate Crowe
Erin Elzi
Mark Kintgen
Merisa Bissinger
Rebecca Wright

Other

Merisa Bissinger, Director of Business & Operations

Anifa Musengimana, University Libraries

Congratulations on Graduating! It’s time to celebrate all the hard work you have accomplished and we are proud to be your colleagues!

On behalf of the University Libraries, Professional Development and Engagement Committee:

Meg Eastwood
Sarah Perske
Hyo Jung Kim
Zeffie Starling
Kate Crowe
Erin Elzi
Mark Kintgen
Merisa Bissinger
Rebecca Wright

Other

Merisa Bissinger, Director of Business & Operations

Katie Edwards, University Libraries

Congratulations on Graduating! It’s time to celebrate all the hard work you have accomplished and we are proud to be your colleagues!

On behalf of the University Libraries, Professional Development and Engagement Committee:

Meg Eastwood
Sarah Perske
Hyo Jung Kim
Zeffie Starling
Kate Crowe
Erin Elzi
Mark Kintgen
Merisa Bissinger
Rebecca Wright

Other

Merisa Bissinger, Director of Business & Operations

David Fasman, University Libraries

Congratulations on Graduating! It’s time to celebrate all the hard work you have accomplished and we are proud to be your colleagues!

On behalf of the University Libraries, Professional Development and Engagement Committee:

Meg Eastwood
Sarah Perske
Hyo Jung Kim
Zeffie Starling
Kate Crowe
Erin Elzi
Mark Kintgen
Merisa Bissinger
Rebecca Wright

Other

Merisa Bissinger, Director of Business & Operations

Madison Sussman, University Libraries

Congratulations on Graduating! It’s time to celebrate all the hard work you have accomplished and we are proud to be your colleagues!

On behalf of the University Libraries, Professional Development and Engagement Committee:

Meg Eastwood
Sarah Perske
Hyo Jung Kim
Zeffie Starling
Kate Crowe
Erin Elzi
Mark Kintgen
Merisa Bissinger
Rebecca Wright

Other

Merisa Bissinger, Director of Business & Operations

Leah DiCiesare, University Libraries

Congratulations on Graduating! It’s time to celebrate all the hard work you have accomplished and we are proud to be your colleagues!

On behalf of the University Libraries, Professional Development and Engagement Committee:

Meg Eastwood
Sarah Perske
Hyo Jung Kim
Zeffie Starling
Kate Crowe
Erin Elzi
Mark Kintgen
Merisa Bissinger
Rebecca Wright

Other

Merisa Bissinger, Director of Business & Operations

Liza Henriquez Rosa, University Libraries

Congratulations on Graduating! It’s time to celebrate all the hard work you have accomplished and we are proud to be your colleagues!

On behalf of the University Libraries, Professional Development and Engagement Committee:

Meg Eastwood
Sarah Perske
Hyo Jung Kim
Zeffie Starling
Kate Crowe
Erin Elzi
Mark Kintgen
Merisa Bissinger
Rebecca Wright

Other

Merisa Bissinger, Director of Business & Operations

Angelica Candelaria, University Libraries

Congratulations on Graduating! It’s time to celebrate all the hard work you have accomplished and we are proud to be your colleagues!

On behalf of the University Libraries, Professional Development and Engagement Committee:

Meg Eastwood
Sarah Perske
Hyo Jung Kim
Zeffie Starling
Kate Crowe
Erin Elzi
Mark Kintgen
Merisa Bissinger
Rebecca Wright

Other

Merisa Bissinger, Director of Business & Operations

Lizbeth South, University Libraries

Congratulations on Graduating! It’s time to celebrate all the hard work you have accomplished and we are proud to be your colleagues!

On behalf of the University Libraries, Professional Development and Engagement Committee:

Meg Eastwood
Sarah Perske
Hyo Jung Kim
Zeffie Starling
Kate Crowe
Erin Elzi
Mark Kintgen
Merisa Bissinger
Rebecca Wright

Other

Merisa Bissinger, Director of Business & Operations

Sarah Werling, University Libraries

Congratulations on Graduating! It’s time to celebrate all the hard work you have accomplished and we are proud to be your colleagues!

On behalf of the University Libraries, Professional Development and Engagement Committee:

Meg Eastwood
Sarah Perske
Hyo Jung Kim
Zeffie Starling
Kate Crowe
Erin Elzi
Mark Kintgen
Merisa Bissinger
Rebecca Wright

Other

Merisa Bissinger, Director of Business & Operations

Max Rosenblatt, 

Congratulations on Graduating! It’s time to celebrate all the hard work you have accomplished and we are proud to be your colleagues!

On behalf of the University Libraries, Professional Development and Engagement Committee:

Meg Eastwood
Sarah Perske
Hyo Jung Kim
Zeffie Starling
Kate Crowe
Erin Elzi
Mark Kintgen
Merisa Bissinger
Rebecca Wright

Other – High professional development achievement

Merisa Bissinger, Director of Business & Operations

Courtney Niebrzydowski, International Travel Risk Analyst

Courtney is, in a word, phenomenal. In her role as International Travel Risk Analyst, she bring a focus on facts, assessment of the situation at hand, and calm under pressure,  while never losing her empathy and warmth for the students, faculty, and staff she works with, often in high stress situations. She is an invaluable asset to DU, and her work to create processes and threshholds that hold up to benchmarking as well as take into account the user experience has made our approach to international travel so much more effective. She is a key ally to the OIE in our work, and is always willing to be a thought partner. She deserves every award out there!

Caring
Community
Creativity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Stephanie Roberts, Interim Director

Dr. Christine Nelson, Assistant Professor/ MCE

You are cognizant of reaching out to your doctoral students and creating a space where they can interact and support one another, much appreciated.

Thank you for your continued support you give to our Native students as well!

Caring
Community
Leadership

Stevie, Interim Native American Liaison & Program Manager

Krystal Booker Reusch, Program Coordinator

Krystal is an extremely dedicated professional, and nowhere was that more on display than in this year of change and transition for our unit as a whole.  Her commitment to improving the student experience, clarifying and documenting processes for future students and staff, and passion for creating pathways for students to access our systems is inspiring to see. Even as her plate continued to fill up this year, she still never hesitates to lend a hand to our team, think creatively towards new solutions, and fight for students to be seen and considered. I so appreciate her passion and energy on our team!

Caring
Community
Creativity
Inclusivity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Stephanie Roberts, Interim Director

Jennifer Bohn, Program Manager

Jen’s enthusiasm, creativity, and leadership shone through in this year of massive change in our office.  Even in the midst of unexpected changes, Jen pushed through excellent and creative improvements to our communications with students, our data management, and general approach to our work, always with an eye to the student experience and removing obstacles where possible.  I value her commitment and willingness to explore new ideas and solutions!

Caring
Community
Creativity
Inclusivity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Stephanie Roberts, Interim Director

Xiaowen Mary Xu, Interim Assistant Director

Mary has been my rock in the office this year, in a year of massive change for our unit as a whole, as well as for she and I individually.  In each stepping into interim leadership roles in our office, I have so appreciated Mary’s partnership, leadership, steady approach and willingness to step up to these tasks. In many ways it’s been a daunting year, but I attribute much of our success to Mary’s commitment and willingness to jump in the fray with me.  I so appreciate her!

Caring
Community
Creativity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Stephanie Roberts, Interim Director

Alisha Stanton, 

Alisha has tackled her first full time year at the OIE with gusto, in a time of incredible change and challenge. From learning the ins and outs of our systems, offering new perspectives, tacking long term strategies for returnee engagement, assessment, curricular integration, and inclusion efforts, Alisha has brought enthusiasm and passion to each of her endeavors.  I appreciate her spirit of adventure and positivity in looking forward as we assess big changes in our field and our work.

Caring
Community
Creativity
Solution Seeking

Stephanie Roberts, Interim Director

Emily Bishop, Interim Study Abroad Advisor

Emily has been a key part of our OIE team in a year of big transitions and change. Transitioning from a graduate student worker in our office to a part time Interim Advisor to help the OIE navigate staffing changes this year, Emily took on new challenges and responsibilities with enthusiasm, and have been a seamless addition to our team.

She has revamped our work in Sustainability, our social media approach, veteran benefit research, and created detailed notes and onboarding to help future advisors, and has brought new ideas and leadership. She is a young professional with a promising future and we are lucky to have her.

Caring
Community
Creativity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Stephanie Roberts, Interim Director

Holly Wright, Study Abroad Assistant

Holly has been an incredible asset to our team in a year of huge change and transition.  From her two years as a graduate student worker to now transitioning to a yearlong position with us to help support the OIE through leadership changes, she has made the transition flawlessly and been a key part of our success as a team navigating the same. A team player, willing to take on new challenges, a fast learner, and creative thinker, Holly has a promising future as a young professional in our field, and we are lucky to have her.

Caring
Community
Solution Seeking

Stephanie Roberts, Interim Director

Benjamin Koziol, Office of International Education

Ben has been an integral component to the OIE–as he has always been–but in this year of substantial change and uncertainty, Ben has brought his level-headedness and solution oriented perspective to the challenge. His calm, work ethic, ability to pivot and think strategically about useful adjustments to our work has been a huge asset to the team, and we are lucky to have him.

Caring
Community
Solution Seeking

Stephanie Roberts, Interim Director

Valentina Iturbe-LaGrave, OTL

Dr. Iturbe-LaGrave has been an invaluable resource to the DU community. I appreciate her dedication to the DU community and ensuring that DU faculty have access to pedagogical professional development that centers inclusivity, diversity, and equity.

She is a great mentor and takes time to care for those she interacts with.

Caring
Community
Inclusivity
Leadership

Chris Nelson, Assistant Professor/MCE

Alli Jarvinen, Manager of Social Media Strategy, University of Denver

Alli Jarvinen runs the show for social media at DU. She is one person doing a job that’s best suited to be handled by at least three individuals. This results in 20-hour days when a crisis arises, and that often (unfortunately) goes unrecognized.

Despite the fatigue that obviously sets in during those long hours, Alli doesn’t let quality control fall by the wayside. She’s always looking for ways to ensure that DU’s social media footprint best represents DU’s inclusive values as dictated in…

…DU IMPACT 2025.

…Community+Values.

…the University’s Mission/Vision/Values statement.

…the work of organizations like CCESL, Morgridge College of Education, the Graduate School of Professional Psychology, and a myriad of other University units.

Alli also seeks out process improvements along the way. Continuous improvement and learning is the name of the game for Alli, and that’s certainly why she’s a leader and solution seeker in MarComm and DU as a whole.

Inclusivity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

David Boocock, Manager of Digital Content Strategy, University of Denver

Gloria Bokenkamp, Asst. Dir., Gift Fund Stewardship

Gloria is truly one of the unsung she-roes of Advancement. She always cheerfully provides help and solutions to the myriad of challenges development staff face. Her knowledge extends well beyond her position, and has volunteered to lead various workshops to improve work efficiency and productivity.  The word that comes to mind that best describes Gloria’s personality is “service,” whether within the University or the community. Gloria helped organize food collection for the food pantry, always thinking of others. Kind, caring, intelligent and an exceptional colleague!

Caring
Community
Inclusivity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Valerie-Appelbaum, STEM Development Director

Ethan Taylor-Pierce, GSPP Building and Operations Coordinator

Ethan is dedicated to ensuring the health and safety of all our students,, faculty, and staff.  He has done an outstanding job in managing details of moving to remote functioning, and I am grateful for all he is doing to get us ready to slowly return to campus.  He is a great team player, and creates a warm, positive climate in helping us face the challenges ahead.

Caring
Community
Solution Seeking

Shelly Smith-Acuna, GSPP Dean

Mark Kintgen, Library Assistant III/ DU Library

Dear Mark,

Thank you for outstanding service in helping us track down and upload videos for a Real Estate & Built Environment class.

Your willingness to do some digging and take this on was so helpful to us. We know we can rely on you as you have been a great help to us anytime we call.

With much appreciation for you, your kindness and your collaborative approach to work.

Sincerely

Ceci Smith at the Burns School, Daniels College of Business, DU

Solution Seeking

Ceci Smith, Operations Manager/Burns School of RECM

Stephanie Roberts, Interim Director, Office of International Education

Stephanie has been absolutely amazing in her role as OIE Interim Director. She’s been a model of leadership and a stalwart supporter of her staff. Her transparency in the face of uncertainty — through multiple leadership transitions and COVID-19-related changes — has given us a sense of comfort in situations where we’ve lacked control.

Despite the tremendous pressure she’s been under over the past year, Stephanie has always taken time to make us feel both supported and seen. She cares for us as individuals and as a team, as evidenced in the creative ways our tight-knit office has stayed close while working remotely.

Finally and most obviously, she’s kept our office doing its best during her tenure. She’s pushed us to maintain an extremely high level of student support despite being short-staffed.

I couldn’t have asked for a better boss during this past year. Really, a “You Rock the Most!” award would be more fitting.

Caring
Community
Leadership

Jennifer Bohn, Program Manager, Office of International Education

Ethan Taylor-Pierce, Building & Operations Coordinator

Ethan is such a friendly, calm, and assuring presence. He has masterfully navigated the realities of managing building access and many others tasks as a result of COVID-19.

Caring
Community
Creativity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Mark Aoyagi, Professor/GSPP

Nicole Parks, Madden Museum Program Director

Nicole, you continually demonstrate so much commitment and care for the students who you teach and mentor and who you work with at the Madden Museum. You are very sensitive to their concerns and advocate for them to have the opportunities that are critical to further their careers in the museum field after graduate school. You also are a great partner with and advocate for the staff and faculty in our department in coming up with new ideas to adjust in the light of COVID-19. Thank you for all that you do!

Caring
Community
Creativity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Nessa Kerr, University Art Collections Manager/SAAH

Ethan Taylor-Pierce, Building & Operations Coordinator

Ethan, thank you for going way beyond the call of duty in your capacity as Covid-19 Building Manager for GSPP.  Not only as building operations coordinator, but also for your assistance to the dean, GSPP clinic directors, faculty, staff, IT personnel, and others.  Your communication in keeping everyone informed about developments, often at short notice, is very much appreciated.  My sincere gratitude for your support, as well as for your professional demeanor and sense of humor – these have made the stress we are all feeling, so much more bearable.  Thank you for being you – a remarkable and selfless human being!

Caring
Community
Creativity
Inclusivity
Leadership
Solution Seeking
Other – Unselfish, caring, kind, sense of humor, and always willing to assist, no matter how small, large or tedious the task.

Marijke Swierstra, Executive Assistant, GSPP

Kristine McCaslin, Student Rights & Responsibilities

Kris, cares deeply about her employees, the students of DU, and the community. Her work for the students is imperative and at the forefront of making the community more inclusive. She is understanding and she is always willing to put more on her plate to help DU. Furthermore, she is focused on the group of staff she oversees and is truly thoughtful.

Community
Inclusivity
Leadership

Samuel Feldman, Student Rights & Responsibilities

Mike Holt, Interim Director of Campus Safety

Mike Holt has provided guidance and leadership throughout the tough recent months. In the face of adversity, Commander Holt has provided leadership, appreciation, and a sense of calm. His commitment to remain in office as much as possible has provided a sense of unity amongst our team as most of Campus Safety are required to continue to report for work. Further, Commander Mike Holt has continued to take steps to make the most of the resources we have available to progress our department and help us serve the community better. Without Commander Holt’s leadership, it would have been far more difficult for our teams to continue to serve the DU community.

Caring
Community
Inclusivity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Shawn Gerard, Campus Safety

Kenneth Harris, Network Engineer I

Appreciate your commendable job over the weekend to fix the fiber issues between the buildings.

You are a responsible team member.

Thank you and Keep up the good work!

Caring
Solution Seeking

Padma, Network Engineer III

Michael McGuire, Dean

You have been a great leader and we are proud to work for you and University College!  Thank you for continuing to take on these challenges.

Leadership

nonymous

Dr. David Odell, Medical Director

Dr. Odell has taken on the overwhelming task of how to safely bring back students to campus. Although there are many different aspects to that task, being the medical director a lot of responsibility fell on to his lap. Not only does he have to attend meetings with the chancellor and other administrative bodies, he has to manage the HCC and all of it’s staff. He does a lot for DU and it’s students. Without him the HCC would be lost during this crazy time.

Caring
Community
Leadership

Anonymous

Lavita Nadkarni, Professor & Associate Dean/GSPP

After 20 years of serving GSPP, Lavita is stepping down as Director of the Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology. In true Lavita fashion, she is currently mentoring and guiding the new director to handle the responsibilities as Director. During this time, Lavita has become even more active and supportive as faculty and administrator. She routinely provides sagely advice to our GSPP community. She is a rock of calm and strength in turbulent times. She exercises her power judiciously and ethical to see all of our stakeholders flourish. Lavita is a delight to work with and I’m certain on behalf of all GSPP, we’d like to proudly declare–You Rock!

Caring
Community
Inclusivity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Brian Gearity, Director & Assistant Professor/GSPP

Theresa Baker, Sturm College of Law

Theresa – I really appreciate how willing you are to help out, answer questions, and offer suggestions. You make my work life easier, as you do for many people, and I appreciate it. Stacey

Solution Seeking

Stacey Bowers, Sturm College of Law

Awardee

They rock because

This is a great example of

Nominated by

CeCe Ging, Manager, Office of Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer

CeCe provides timely, expert, and friendly service. She makes sure she understands the issue or problems, and is impressively competent in her position. Thank you, CeCe!

Caring
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Douglas H. Clements, Distinguished University Professor, MCE

Jeanine Coleman, Clinical Associate Professor Morgridge College of Education

Thank you for doing an amazing job with the ECSE ECHO! I hope we get a chance to do more in the near future!! It is evident there is so much need and the ECE professionals were so thankful for all the quality information you provided. Thanks again for taking on this project!!

Community
Creativity
Inclusivity
Leadership

Nancy O’Sullivan, ECHO-DU Program Manager

Cedric Smith II, Manager/IT Help Center

One of my friends was SO CLOSE to finishing his dissertation, but his laptop did not have enough processing power to finish and submit his dissertation. Although I planned to loan my laptop, I first decided to contact Theresa Liguori Hernandez (Assistant Vice Chancellor, IT Campus Partnerships) to see whether any institutional loaner laptops might be available. Within minutes of receiving my email, Theresa asked Cedric to facilitate this process, and he jumped in immediately to provide help! I am so grateful because Cedric was incredibly responsive, generous, kind, and patient with collecting pertinent information and preparing a loaner laptop for my friend. Cedric’s calm, problem-solving approach and exemplary interpersonal skills dissipated our stress. What a refreshing and tranquil experience to have amid the overwhelming weight of the pandemic! Thank you to Theresa for referring me to Cedric, and a million thanks to Cedric for jumping in to save the day. You both rock! 🙂

Caring
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Christina Paguyo, Director of Academic Assessment

Brandon Hronek, Advancement

Hi Brandon,

I just wanted to say thank you for your hard work. I feel like you often have a thankless job and I know it is frustrating sharing the same info over and over, but I appreciate your kindness…and your awesome beard.

Sheffield

Community

Sheffield Johnson, Application Support Specialist, Advancement

Lisa Redfield, Director, Bus Intel & Analytic, Advancement

Lisa Darling….

I just wanted to say THANK YOU so much for all the time you have given me over the years. There are so many times I would have been lost without you. You really know your stuff and you take the time to help me out, which is no small gift because I know how busy you are. You are great at your job and I hope you are really proud of all you do everyday.

Sheffield

Caring
Inclusivity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Sheffield Johnson, Application Support Specialist, Advancement

Tommy Nagle, 

Hey Tommy,

I just wanted to say Thank You for all the help and team work over the years. I really appreciate it. I feel like you are always solving problems and take the extra time to do the leg work to make my job easier. Also…lets not forgot the deodorant incident 😉

Sheffield

Caring
Solution Seeking

Sheffield Johnson, Application Support Specialist, Advancement

Philip Rudyk, Video Media Technician II, Information Technology

Philip has been involved in multiple aspects of the School of Finance‚Äôs shift to a virtual format during the Spring quarter. He helped us figure out a system for recording our virtual webinar panels for the Finance Club, offering technical support as we determined how to best share files, and working on video editing for a polished final product. The video series is being stored in a new and required Canvas program designed to educate all current and future finance students on possible career pathways. He was also generous in offering his time to help train our staff as they came up to speed on additional video editing work. Finally, Philip was instrumental in helping us strategize and create our first ever ThankView video for an internship scholarship campaign. We are grateful for the positive and team-oriented spirit your group exhibits, and we value their partnership on this important and multi-faceted initiative for our school.  Philip and the rest of the Video Media team rock!

Community
Creativity
Solution Seeking

Ann Bowar, Events & External Engagement Manager, Reiman School of Finance

Vincent Aldana, Video Media Technician II, Information Technology

Vincent has been a key player in the Reiman School of Finance‚Äôs shift to a virtual format for events during the Spring quarter. He has been present during each of our virtual webinar panels for the Finance Club, offering technical support during the live events and providing subsequent video editing.  The video series is being stored in a new and required Canvas program designed to educate all current and future finance students on possible career pathways. We are grateful for the positive and team-oriented spirit your group exhibits and value their partnership on this important and multi-faceted initiative for our school.  Vincent and the rest of the Video Media team rock!

Community
Creativity
Solution Seeking

Ann Bowar, Events & External Engagement Manager, Reiman School of Finance

Tremayne Fisher, Video Media Technician III, Information Technology

Tremayne has been an ongoing source of support as the School of Finance has shifted to a virtual format for our events for the Spring quarter. I‚Äôve spoken with Tremayne in the past about possible collaboration on our videotaping efforts, and he is always willing to consider our needs and eager to help.  On this series, he has been involved in figuring out which team members can best help with technical support during the live events and subsequent video editing.  The video series is being stored in a new and required Canvas program designed to educate all current and future finance students on possible career pathways. We are grateful for the positive and team-oriented spirit your group exhibits and value their partnership on this important and multi-faceted initiative for our school.  Tremayne and the rest of the Video Media team rock!

Community
Creativity
Solution Seeking

Ann Bowar, Events & External Engagement Manager, Reiman School of Finance

Brian Camerena, Video Media Lead, Information Technology

Brian responded immediately to my request for help as the School of Finance was trying to figure out how to rapidly shift to virtual events for the Spring quarter.  He quickly pulled in the rest of the Video Media team to provide comprehensive support as we moved forward with live webinar panels. The team contributed technical support during the live events and completed post-event video editing.  The video series is being stored in a new and required Canvas program designed to educate all current and future finance students on possible career pathways. We are grateful for the positive and team-oriented spirit your group exhibits and value their partnership on this important and multi-faceted initiative for our school.  Brian and the rest of the Video Media team rocks!

Community
Creativity
Solution Seeking

Ann Bowar, Events & External Engagement Manager, Reiman School of Finance

Emma Lawless, Associate Director of Graduate Enrollment CRM & Systems

Emma is a pleasure to work with. She never bats an eye at the requests we have and always offers the most comprehensive solution to our challenges. She is amazing with SLATE and always goes above and beyond – anticipating what we may need next.

Caring
Creativity
Solution Seeking

Tali Koziol Thomason, Director of Marketing, Communication, and Events/RSECS

Amanda Fudala, Exec. Director/CES

A BIG THANK YOU for stepping in as Interim Executive Director of the Newman Center during a very demanding and challenging time.  Your incredible contribution, support and dedication is truly appreciated!

Leadership

Diane Roth, Ass’t Director – Events/ Newman Center

Leslie Hasche, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs

Leslie,

You have an amazing ability to see the big picture and to track the details. You lead meetings with focus and are always prepared. Your leadership sets an example for everyone else. You are dedicated, focused, and realistic. You consider who needs to be included and are ethical every step of the way. You seek solutions and create realistic timelines for how to accomplish tremendous strategic goals. You fiercely represent others, and care about the needs of students, faculty and staff every step of the way. YOU ROCK!

Caring
Community
Creativity
Inclusivity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Kate Ross, Director Denver Campus MSW Program

Barb Hurtt, Assistant Professor, Biological Sciences

Barb is doing a great job with her courses this term, but this extra recognition is for her selfless use of her time helping colleagues in the Department quickly learn how to use the many online resources that were necessary to make this term work.  Barb worked through Winter finals and ‘spring break’ and even into the term helping other faculty.

Caring
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Joe Angleson, Chair, Biological Sciences

Julie Morris, Associate Professor, Biological Sciences

Julie is doing a great job with her courses this term, but this extra recognition is for her selfless use of her time helping colleagues in the Department quickly learn how to use the many online resources that were necessary to make this term work.  Julie worked through Winter finals and ‘spring break’ helping other faculty.

Community
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Joe Angleson, Chair, Biological Sciences

Kristin Andrud, Lab Director, Biological Sciences

I heard some positive unsolicited feedback from a student in one of your labs. The student said that your lab on “Microbial murders” was very fun and that he learned a lot. Thank you for all of the work you are doing to create great learning opportunities in these challenging times!

Creativity

Nic Ormes, Associate Dean, NSM

Adrienne Gonzales, Director/CWLC

Nothing has been easy as the first-year language program has transitioned to the CWLC, but our fearless leader has taken it all in stride. She has led us with commitment, intelligence and compassion through this process filled with ambiguity and changes.  Adrienne has managed to protect her faculty and staff from many hassles as she pushed forward and she has managed to make us feel appreciated and valued.  We are excited for our new opportunities ahead. She is an exceptional director and we’d all like her to know that we appreciate her incredible efforts on our behalf.  Our sincere appreciation, Emily, Maha, Miho & Terri-Jo

Leadership

Terri Woellner, Teaching Professor / Languages & Literatures

Stephanie Roberts, Interim Director, Office of International Education

Stephanie has been a courageous, compassionate, and devoted interim leader for the OIE during a time of much uncertainty and change. Her remarkable encouragement and advocacy over the last eight months have guided us through navigating our robust COVID-19 response, strengthened OIE relationships with many partners across the university, and affirmed the value of our unit’s impactful work. As we continue to envision the future of education abroad, Stephanie’s resilience, empathy, and kind spirit will remain an inspiration for her team.

Caring
Community
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Krystal Booker-Reusch, Program Coordinator, Office of International Education

Cherie Stribling, Strategic Sourcing Manager

Cherie rocks because of her can do spirit and her willingness to adapt and work with others. She is someone that I has an infectious positivity, which is so needed right now. She is a true team player and I am grateful to have her on our team!

Caring
Community
Inclusivity
Solution Seeking

Stephanie Greenberg, Procurement Contract Administrator

Kate Rice, Adjunct instructor / Languages & Literatures

Kate is an adjunct instructor whose guidance during the transition to remote teaching made a world of difference in our elementary French program.  She has great ideas, excellent pedagogy and a true love of the profession.  Her willingness to share and to take extra time to help the direction of our program this spring has made an important and impactful improvement to what we do.

Creativity

Terri-Jo Woellner, Teaching Professor / Languages & Literatures

Elizabeth WIllis, Visiting Teaching Professor

Elizabeth has been teaching with us for a few years and she has helped to shape our program in important ways.  Her teaching and her sense of caring for her students, our students!, is exemplary.  We were very fortunate to have had her on our team here at DU!

Caring

Terri-Jo Woellner, Teaching Professor

Kara Traikoff, University Academic Programs

Kara has lead free guided meditations over the past couple months. These meditations benefit many people inside, and outside of the DU community. This opportunity creates exceptional community through Kara’s teaching of mindfulness, and meditation practice.

THANK YOU KARA!

Caring
Community
Inclusivity
Leadership

Anonymous, 

Alex Bauer, Business Coordinator/Registrar

Alex went above and beyond to get this year’s VA yellow ribbon contract signed by the deadline.  His hard work and effort ensured all GSSP students using the GI Bill with 100% eligibility will have unlimited yellow ribbon funding for the 2020-2021 year. He rocks!

Caring
Community

Michelle Fryer, Military Benefits Coordinator/Registrar

Jane Lavery, Office of the Registrar

Jane came up with a great way to track courses that were converted from on-campus to online due to COVID-19 by adding an attribute to the affected classes. The attribute will also allow for us to track, reference, and monitor the transition, as well as make things easier for classroom scheduling.  This attribute will also help certify the school’s military population to receive their education benefits correctly.  Jane Rocks!

Community
Solution Seeking

Michelle Fryer, Military Benefits Coordinator/Registrar

Sarah Watamura, Professor and Chair

You have simply rocked the return to campus planning. Your leadership and responsiveness has been critical in helping all of us figure out how the pieces fit together. When things get stuck and need to be retooled, you help us seek solutions creatively and quickly. Your communication is clear, concise but somehow also portrays that you care. Simply amazing.

Caring
Creativity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Kimberly Bender, Interim Associate Provost for Research

Marquitte Starkey, Deputy General Counsel

Thank you for your unbelievable support providing legal guidance as we plan for internships and clinics. I can always trust that you will be thoughtful, clear, and calm during what has been some very confusing conversations. We are building solutions in real time and I feel more confident and sure when we do it with your input and advice.

Community
Solution Seeking

Kimberly Bender, Interim Associate Provost for Research

Tyler Ridgeway, IACUC/IBC Administrator

You have been an incredible team player as we rollback researchers on campus, Your combination of detailed planning and ability to to pivot and adapt means that our entire campus is functioning because of you. Thank you for your problem solving, support of faculty, and your always willing to take on new challenges with professionalism and positivity.

Community
Solution Seeking

Kimberly Bender, Interim Associate Provost for Research

Ces Grant, Senior Specialist, Payments Shared Services

Ces Grant, you rock!!

It has been my absolute pleasure to work with Ces for well over 10 years. She continues to be kind, thoughtful and knowledgeable in any work issue that needs clarification. She is the epitome of helpfulness and her customer service skills are exemplary. I feel so comfortable reaching out to Ces with any issue because she is always so receptive despite how busy she is with her DU workload. I have had several colleagues mimic the same sentiments.  I hope Ces realizes how much she is valued and appreciated by so many!

Keep on Rockin On!

Caring
Community
Solution Seeking

Anonymous, 

Virginia Pitts, Director of University Teaching

Virginia runs the student-faculty partnership program. This program furthers DU’s commitment to the student experience in two ways: first, by pairing individual faculty members with undergraduate student consultants, who work with them for a quarter to help strengthen their teaching. Second, it provides meaningful professional development for those students partners, as they focus on developing their collaborative, consulting, and constructive criticism skills.

Leadership
Solution Seeking

Andrea L Stanton, Associate Professor / Religious Studies

Elizabeth Sperber, Assistant Professor, Political Science

Dr. Sperber has been an extremely supportive member of our department despite being on leave during Winter 2020-Spring 2020. She has stepped up to the plate to help with both academic and non-academic activities, including helping me troubleshoot my strategic plan and helping my family with grocery delivery.  Thank you, Liz!

Caring
Community

Sara Chatfield, Assistant Professor, Political Science

Sheffield Johnson, Application Support Specialist, Advancement

Sheffield Rocks!   She is an excellent trainer and went out of her way to give me the extra time I needed to better understand how to use our Imodules event system.  She really knows her stuff!  She also has a patient and caring way about her.  She also assisted me in finding solutions to the trouble I was experiencing with PioSphere. Thank you Sheffield!

Caring
Solution Seeking

Lora Hacker, Assistant Director

Kannan Muralidharan, Assistant Director of Graduate Enrollment / Office of Graduate Education

Kannan – my fellow RPCV! I think you’re doing a most excellent job keeping up with all the grad app processing this time of year as well as completing pretty big last-minute projects like the online/on-campus data we were needing! I remember it’s always challenging once people start depositing and dealing with all of the oncoming app changes, defers, PROVs (oh how fun!), etc. I think you’re doing a great job keeping up with it all and bringing special situations to our attention so that us on the systems-side are able to troubleshoot and look for new solutions.

I hope you have an awesome weekend and get to relax and enjoy some good weather 🙂

Caring
Creativity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Matt Pickler, Associate Director of Graduate Enrollment CRM and Systems / Office of Graduate Education

Ellen Ahn, Associate Director of Graduate Enrollment / Office of Graduate Education

Ellen – I just wanted to thank you for all that you’ve been doing recently with regards to our graduate apps population and helping coordinate/kick off the Admissions Requirements gathering process. This time of year can be overwhelming and you have done a great job of coordinating all of these important tasks with a low(er than normal) number of staff.  Plus we’re all working remotely, so that adds an additional layer of complexity.

I hope you have a nice/relaxing weekend and I’ll know that you fully rock (or just that we’re better staffed???) when I stop seeing your e-mails being sent out at 8pm haha 🙂

Caring
Creativity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Matt Pickler, Associate Director of Graduate Enrollment CRM and Systems / Office of Graduate Education

Emma Lawless, Associate Director of Graduate Enrollment CRM and Systems / Office of Graduate Education

Emma – you’ve done an incredible job recently with regards to all sorts of last-minute changes and helping think through some great solutions/options for overcoming any technical barriers that might exist. You listen when I’m feeling a bit flustered with different requests and always can offer up some helpful tips (both technical and not) that allow me to mentally approach the problem in a new way or you propose a complete solution yourself that I hadn’t even considered.

I appreciate all of your work taking lead on the Crimson app and the 2U/OPM outline most recently. You are the queen of Slate’s Configurable Joins and I hope to get to a point where I’ve even got 50% of your knowledge in that arena! Keep up the good work and have a nice/relaxing weekend 🙂

Caring
Creativity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Matt Pickler, Associate Director of Graduate Enrollment CRM and Systems / Office of Graduate Education

Brittani McClendon, Sr. Manager, Marketing and Communication / Office of Graduate Education

Brittani – you’ve done an amazing job getting all of the graduate virtual events/visits, Crimson app and Research Showcase site coordinated and off the ground! I don’t think our office would have been able to handle these huge changes without you and I really appreciate your ability to quickly come up with solutions that are simple/elegant and can work for the majority (if not all) units and people’s needs! Having clear and sensible plans like you’re able to come up with allows us on the systems/tech end to be able to more quickly develop what needs to be developed without an additional 20 back-and-forth e-mails 🙂 Also, you somehow are able to get things done with central MarComm at lightning-speed – kudos to that as well!!

Caring
Creativity
Solution Seeking

Matt Pickler, Associate Director of Graduate Enrollment CRM and Systems / Office of Graduate Education

Kent Conway, Daniels Advisement

In my professional experience, Kent is doing an amazing job helping our students during these testing times.  I receive emails from him late into the evenings and some weekends.  He is very proactive and creative in finding solutions for students‚Äô problems.  He is very patient, meticulous, diligent, and professional in meeting students‚Äô needs. He is incredible in his commitment to serving Daniels undergraduate students, especially the International Business Majors. I nominate him wholeheartedly.

Caring
Other – proactive and considerate

H.G. Parsa, International Business

McKenzie Mohler & Kent Conway, Daniels Advisement

In my professional experience, both of them are doing an amazing job helping our students during these testing times.  I receive emails from them late into the evening.  They are very proactive and creative in finding solutions for students‚Äô problems.  They are patient, meticulous, diligent, and professional in meeting students‚Äô needs. They are truly incredible in their commitment to serving Daniels undergraduate students, especially the International Business Majors. I nominate them wholeheartedly.

Caring
Community

H.G. Parsa, KSHM

Evangeline (Gina) Reynolds, Visiting Teaching Assistant Professor, Korbel

Professor Evangeline “Gina” Reynolds has been an outstanding, innovative and attentive teacher and researcher since arriving at Korbel and DU in 2018. OTL just recognized her extraordinary ability to make otherwise intimidating material accessible to our students. In addition, she has received external funding for her work on flipbooks and used those resources to in part to employ our students–both advancing our community’s ability to convey the material and enhancing our students’ experience at DU. She is an incredible asset to our department.

From OTL:

“Reading and writing code can be challenging for newcomers. Dr. Evangeline Reynolds and collaborators have created a novel communication and teaching tool — “code-movies” or “flipbooks” — to help students gain insight into coding for data analysis. This tool presents code step-by-step and side-by-side with intermediate outputs so that code is easier to digest. Preparing to move classes online, Dr. Reynolds, Korbel School of International Studies, created “The R Flipbook Textbook”, a collection of dynamic examples about data manipulation, visualization and analysis for her students. She is currently teaching Data Science in International Relations and Data Visualization. “

Caring
Creativity
Inclusivity
Leadership

Rachel A Epstein, Professor, Associate Dean for Faculty and Research

Greg Storch, Assistant to the Chair

Greg embodies superlative professionalism and intelligence in his job, from the handling of complex budgetary issues that have recently arisen due to the pandemic, to hiring, to complex course listing tasks requiring coordination between multiple parties in CAHSS.  Greg’s combination of robust competency and tactful diplomacy are inspiring.  Thanks, Greg!  You Rock!

Caring
Community
Creativity
Inclusivity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Orna Shaughnessy, Assistant Professor of Japanese

Rebecca Berg, Director, Alumni Engagement GSPP

When the onset of COVID-19 shut down campus and much of the world, many of us (myself included) resulted to the classic fight, flight or freeze response that accompanies any crisis. The weight of the unfolding uncertainty was too much to bare and left many of us immobilized.

In times of crisis, however, true leadership often emerges. Perceptive leaders arise to the challenge and offer their skills to help us better navigate and make sense of the fundamentally altered landscape. Rebecca Berg, Director of Alumni Engagement for the Graduate School of Professional Psychology mobilized her crisis communication background to quickly act and help our alumni engagement team rapidly reorient to the new reality brought on by the coronavirus.

Ernest Shackleton referred to the work of leaders during a time of crisis as “dispensing mental medicine.” Through her confidence and quick reaction, Rebecca has led our team in developing a proactive response to the crisis that has resulted in a series of webinars and offerings that have added tremendous value to our community in enumerable ways. Furthermore, her confidence and calm clarity provide our team with direction amidst ever-increasing uncertainty.

I’m grateful to Rebecca for her leadership and am proud to count her among the cohort of inspiring leaders who are reimagining our work for the new world.

Community
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Brian J. Elizardi, Director of Alumni Engagement, Advancement

Paula Cole, Associate Teaching Professor/Economics

Paula has been playing a major leadership role in curriculum changes that we are going through lately with extreme care toward the issue as well as people involved. Despite some times serious resentment and resistance in the middle of COVID-19 crisis, I admire her creativity and solution seeking skills.

I must make it clear that those characteristics are not observed only for one event and recently. since the day we met, I always observe her caring, creative, inclusive, solution seeking and leadership characteristic toward her community including students, colleagues, and friends. She truly rocks!

Caring
Community
Creativity
Inclusivity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Anonymous, 

Annette Politi, Associate, Customer Service

This quarantine quarter, Annette has been a joyful, helpful voice over the phone for all who are seeking answers from the registrar.  She is never rushed, she listens thoroughly and if she doesn’t know the answer, she makes sure we have a name and phone of the person that should be able to help. 

She is a kind, caring connection for students and staff a like!  Thank you Annette!

Caring
Solution Seeking

Carol Ericson, Academic counselor/LEP

Mary Sue Brown, IT@DU

Thank you for patiently walking me through a ReGroup problem and being so timely at responding to emails. That specific newsletter was a high priority on our list that day and would not have happened without you.

Community
Solution Seeking

Jordan Kellerman, Morgridge Marketing Office

Carly Einstein, Director, Alumni Engagement GSSW

One of the key characteristics that separates the University of Denver from other employers is the intimate and caring society that emerges when we work together to serve members of our community. It is in this effort that we find a common purpose and unite around our shared value to do good in communities large and small.

In my nearly 20 years as a student and staff member in this community, I’ve been greatly impacted by individuals who bravely embrace this ethos and who lead courageously with emotion and passion. One such individual who regularly models the way is Carly Einstein. Her tireless dedication to the community of staff and alumni at GSSW and the university at large is inspiring and worthy of recognition for the “You Rock!” award.

In any situation, Carly brings clarity and levity to the moment, helping us to reconnect with the crucible spirit behind our work and to see past metrics, strategic plans and other business imperatives. At her core, Carly is a caring and empathic person who embodies the spirit of generosity that our community is known the world over for. Individuals like Carly help to crystalize the believe that leadership is not about status, titles or the use of power, but rather an act of caring and vulnerability. Simply put, Carly is the emotional first responder we all need these days. Her daring spirit helps us to stay sane, healthy and connected and I’m grateful for her courage and bravery, especially in times such as these.

Caring
Community
Leadership

Brian J. Elizardi, Director of Alumni Engagement, Advancement

Christina Crow, Executive Functioning Specialist – Learning Effectiveness Program

Christina has worked so hard to transition her services to the virtual world during COVID-19.  She has created so many materials to help not just LEP students, but all DU students, succeed during online learning.  She is dedicated, creative, and thoughtful with solutions to ensure student success.  She goes above and beyond to work with students and to help her co-workers.  I am so proud to work on a team with her!

Caring
Creativity
Inclusivity
Solution Seeking

Sarah Mooney, Academic Counselor – Learning Effectiveness Program

Teddy Rose, Enrollment Manager/University College

Teddy is the best teammate one could ask for.  He is always making himself available to answer questions from colleagues, and has been boosting morale by organizing Trivia Night via Zoom so we can all have some fun together.   Teddy manages to do all this while managing an enormous advising and recruiting workload, and he deserves acknowledgement for all he does!

Caring
Community
Leadership

Peter Twist, Enrollment Manager/University College

Paula Cole, Teaching Associate Professor

In the midst of the pandemic, we are re-designing our introductory curriculum (two 1000-level courses) as a department. This was overdue anyway, but between the “demographic cliff” and now COVID-19 we feel it is imperative to keep our program relevant and fresh for the sake of our and DU’s success.

While this is a department-level collaboration and everyone is participating, without any doubt it would not be moving along successfully without Paula’s willingness to engage her colleagues, do a lot of organizational work behind the scenes, facilitate the discussion and process at meetings, setting up and editing shared documents, and many other tasks. Several of us are playing a key role in driving the effort, but no one deserves more credit for keeping the process going and on-track than Paula.

When we roll out a redesigned set of introductory ECON courses in the fall (one of which will be topic-based to discuss the world’s current challenges from the perspective of economics), it will be in no small part because Paula went above and beyond.

Paula’s drive for us to succeed, and expertise when it comes to course design and teaching economics, speak to her dedication to the success of our students in learning about the world and setting them up to be engaged members of the communities they belong to.

Thank you, Paula!

Community
Creativity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Anonymous, 

Courtney Niebrzydowski, International Travel Risk Management

For most of us at DU, our encounter with coronavirus began in March. For Courtney and the team at I-House, it began in January with evacuations from China. It followed in February with and March with more evacutions of students, faculty and staff from around the world, more phone calls with worried parents, a tremendous amount of communication. Added to this were the concerned questions from faculty and staff about what would happen with summer programs. Courtney managed this slow and steady stream of concern and panic in an environment where her former partner-in-crime, Rick (former retired director of Enterprise Risk Management) retired and a new VP of Internationalization was only beginning to on board. This meant she and her team had to navigating the largest and most challenging international risk terrain our country has seen in nearly a century, and she had to do it during a leadership transition. Not only was she able to manage this challenge, she did it with calm and with an amazing sense of humanity. Several days before DU closed its doors because of the pandemic, Courtney actually came to our building and went office to office to check in with faculty and staff involved in international programs which had an uncertain future. She reached out as a human while she was managing so much!  She is a star!

Caring
Community
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Sandy Johnson, Teaching Professor/JKSIS

Nina Sharma, Interim Executive Director for Project X-ITE

In recent decades, the university has become known for its ethos of doing right by its people. We are led by a community of leaders who believe strongly in putting our constituents first, sometimes to the detriment of our own organizational or personal goals.

One such campus leader who is worthy of recognition for her embodiment of this ethos and personification of the spirit behind the “You Rock” award is Nina Sharma, Interim Executive Director for Project X-ITE. Since Nina arrived on campus, she has demonstrated inclusive leadership that has elevated the university’s approach to producing the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders. She regularly collaborates across divisions, which is no easy feat on this campus. She is adept at bringing others into the fold and selfless in her leadership style, putting students first no matter what.

This leadership style has been display in full force since campus closed due to COVID-19. She has been quick to mobilize campus partners and pivot Project X-ITEs programming to meet the unique needs of learners in this new context. While many are drowning in their own reality of adapting to the new normal, Nina is quick to make herself available to others, physically sharing time on her calendar and emotionally sharing her heart and being a sounding board for colleagues and constituents who need to process and make sense of our new collective reality as it unfolds day by day.

Nina inspires me to be a better leader and to bring more of who I can be to this community. I‚Äôm grateful for her leadership and know the university will join me in saying “You Rock!”

Caring
Community
Creativity
Inclusivity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Brian J. Elizardi, Director of Alumni Engagement, Advacement

Lindsay Adam, Communications Manager/Daniels

Lindsay has done an amazing job moving the Daniels internal communications into a new email marketing tool, which has dramatically improved the quality. She spearheaded this change for Daniels and ensured training happened over the summer to have the student experience be seamless. As she prepares the Debrief and two @Daniels newsletters, she manages countless request each week from numerous constituents across the College. In addition, Lindsay manages the Daniels Business Brief, which goes out to all alumni. Similarly, she takes requests from multiple constituents to get information to our stakeholders. She provides excellent customer service, often writing content for people proactively and getting their feedback. She goes out of her way to make the content interesting and visual. As a result, we have amazing open rates. For perspective, a good open rate in the marketing world is around 23-25%. We have a 65-71% open rate for the Debrief; a 46-54% open rate for the graduate @Daniels and a 38-48% open rate for the undergraduate @Daniels. Lindsay is an amazing colleague; she approaches everything with a positive attitude and a spirit of collaboration. In addition to all the above, I needed extra support after COVID and she stepped up to alter her part-time hours to check in extra days. She is a joy to work with! She definitely ROCKS!

Caring
Community
Creativity
Inclusivity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Kristal Griffith, Senior Director of Communications and Operations

Scott McLagan, Professor of the Practice/Daniels

I cannot imagine the demands on Scotty right now. He’s still carrying his teaching load and made himself available for several last-minute Executive Education offerings to be available to CEOs and executives trying to make crisis decisions during COVID.

He’s an invaluable resource and such an asset to Daniels and DU. He definitely ROCKS!

Caring
Community
Creativity
Inclusivity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Kristal Griffith, Senior Director of Communications and Operations

Amanda Cahal, Director of MBA Global Programs/ Daniels

I cannot imagine the demands on Amanda right now as she continues her teaching load and manages her young children at home too. Yet, she also has made herself available for some Executive Education offerings and did an interview with a freelance writer to help the Daniels communications team with blogs. She is an invaluable resource and such an asset to Daniels and DU. She definitely ROCKS!

Caring
Community
Creativity
Inclusivity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Kristal Griffith, Senior Director of Communications and Operations

Kerry Plemmons, Professor of the Practice/EMBA/Exec Ed

I cannot imagine the demands on Kerry right now. He’s still carrying his teaching load and made himself available for several last-minute Executive Education offerings to be available to CEOs and executives trying to make crisis decisions during COVID. He also did a great job with the Bayern team and he’s still willing to help the Daniels communications team with interviews and blogs. He’s an invaluable resource and such an asset to Daniels and DU. He definitely ROCKS!

Caring
Community
Creativity
Inclusivity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Kristal Griffith, Senior Director of Communications and Operations

David Corsun, Director of the Fritz Knoebel School of Hospitality Management

I can’t imagine how much David has on his plate leading the Fritz faculty, teaching courses and figuring out how Knoebel Events will look like in the coming weeks and months. Despite ALL of that, he has been amazingly responsive to media requests, taking several calls, some on very short notice. He is extremely dedicated and such a kind and compassionate leader. He definitely ROCKS!

Caring
Community
Creativity
Inclusivity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Kristal Griffith, Senior Director of Communications and Operations

Amanda Cahal, Director, Global Programs

Amanda is a role model at Daniels and an inspiration to me. Her professionalism and charisma are admirable. Amanda always delivers insightful and profound content for our participants at Executive Education and is always willing to work on new and exciting endeavors with us. I look up to be more like her on my professional journey.

Caring
Community
Solution Seeking

Camila Angelim, Assistant Director Business Development/Executive Education

Ashley Sherman, Assistant Director of Student Services, RSECS

Ashley, you rock because you have done a great job with the pilot RSECS Ambassador Program! Even with the changes required in the spring quarter I know that your efforts to reach out to potential students and build community at the Ritchie School had an impact. Thank you for your hard work!

Community
Inclusivity
Leadership

Breigh Roszelle, Associate Dean, RSECS

Ashley, Assistant Director/Executive Education

Ashley worked diligently in putting together one of our most successful endeavors, the Accelerate Webinar Series. She is very good at handling last minute tasks with professionalism and creativity. Ashley brings great perspectives to our meetings and is willing to help everyone succeed. She is the glue holding our department together.

Caring
Community
Creativity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Camila Angelim, Assistant Director Business Development/Executive Education

Danette Machisic, Asst Dir, Grad Student Svcs

Thank you Danette for all of your help and support for all of C&I’s and TEP’s students! I appreciate that I can turn to you for any and all questions and odd situations and you are able to help me and my students! Particularly in these crazy times, I really appreciate your leadership and clarity.

Caring
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Kara Duggan, Academic Services Associate/Teaching and Learning Sciences

Nick Cutforth, Department Chair/Professor MCE

You have been an amazing department chair.  You are thoughtful and kind.  You push when necessary and push back when appropriate.  You have led your complicated department to a position of growth and strength.  Thank you for being such a great partner and a great leader.

Caring
Community
Leadership

Karen Riley, Dean MCE

Jordan Coulter, Continuing Education Specialist, Office of the Registrar

Jordan,

Thank you for helping CPD’s course of 300+ enrollments on short notice! This new course required extra time and effort to ensure that account information was correct, duplicates were merged, accounts pushed into the systems, and that students had a seamless experience.

You stayed positive, determined, and persistent throughout the launch. Willing to share your knowledge base and tips, showed technical competency and provided excellent communication skills.

Thanks again for your help in making this launch a total success, You Rock!

Caring
Creativity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Anonymous, 

Isabelle Caputo, Associate Director, Student Rights & Responsibilities

Isabelle Caputo was a co-author of a new, national Model Code of Student Organization Conduct released by Dyad Strategies. The new Model Code will be accessible by all Universities and Colleges. It is the first Model Code designed to assist campuses in adjudicating student organizational conduct while preserving student self-governance. It can be found here: https://www.dyadstrategies.com/news/model-code

Leadership
Solution Seeking
Other – National Leadership

Kristine McCaslin, Student Rights & Responsibilities

Camila Angelim, Assistant Director, Daniels Executive Education

Camila is such an inspiration and rock star. Her client instincts are always spot on and she really cares a lot about her work. Her energy and empathy are a constant bright spot on our team.

Caring
Community
Solution Seeking

Ashley Sodaro, Assistant Director, Daniels Executive Education

The OIE team!, The whole OIE team

I don’t know if I’m allowed to nominate a whole department, but the entire Office of International Education blows me away everyday.  Their commitment to their students, dedication to finding solutions in the midst of COVID-19 complexities, and their energy and excitement to explore new ideas and opportunities is truly inspiring.  I am lucky to work with such a dedicated team of professionals, and the last few months have just highlighted what an incredible group this is.

Caring
Creativity
Inclusivity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Stephanie Roberts, Interim Director

Alex Martinez, Academic Technologist Specialist, OTL

Alex has done over-the-top work with our program by transferring well over 1000 2U asynochrous class videos into Kaltura so our faculty have easy access to them to use on campus in Canvas.  There is NO way we could have made this available to our faculty without Alex!

Thank you Alex for all of your help in this and so many other ways!

YOU ROCK!!

Caring
Community
Creativity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Carol Johnson, Assistant Dean/Faculty Director, MBA@Denver

Jeff Derksen, Manager, Web Support Svcs

Jeff really is an ambassador for the central Marketing Division.

He is the easiest person to work with and always show empathy and care when troubleshooting issues. He is quick, friendly, and has a great sense of humor.

Caring
Community
Solution Seeking

Tali Koziol Thomason, Director of Marketing, Communication, and Event

Amanda Carroll, Business Officer, Campus Life and Inclusive Excellence

Thinking outside the box, strategic, solution oriented, campus engagement, inclusive,  and just plain delightful to work with are just a few of the reasons Amanda Carroll rocks. Her enthusiasm for attending, volunteering, and supporting campus events, faculty lectures, and guest speakers on campus is contagious. She rallies her colleagues for participation, she exemplifies DU Spirit! During meetings and brainstorming sessions, she always provides a unique and inclusive perspective. Amanda is “hands on” and very supportive of her colleagues, always offering to help out when she notices someone feeling stressed or overwhelmed. She goes beyond offering additional help in the work environment, it extends into her colleagues life outside of work. I have seen her take care of a co-workers dog while they were dealing with a family emergency, offer to help someone move, pick-up or take someone to the airport, and the list goes on and on!

We are fortunate to have Amanda at DU and she adds value to the lives of those  that work closely with her.

Amanda Carroll, you rock inside and outside of DU!

Caring
Community
Inclusivity

Anonymous, 

Susan Schulten, Professor, History Department

You rock because you have such a tremendous capacity to help our majors! In guiding this year’s majors through the first class in the capstone, you have been patient, enthusiastic, kind, and knowledgeable. You continue to inspire students even in the most difficult circumstances and I am so grateful for your hard work and unflagging enthusiasm!

Community
Solution Seeking

Carol Helstosky, Chair, History Department

Carol Ericson, Academic Counselor/Learning Effectiveness Program

Carol is an exceptional counselor in the LEP.  She cares deeply for her students and goes above and beyond to find solutions to some very difficult circumstances.

She is positive, upbeat and a shining star in her students’ lives.

I can’t say enough about her enthusiasm, caring and problem solving!

I think Carol is an excellent candidate for this award!!

Caring
Community
Creativity
Inclusivity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Diane Heidel, Academic Counselor/Learning Effectiveness Program

Jen Velarde-Menary, Assistant Director of Marketing

Jen has been a “go-to” person for not just me, but everyone in our department! She is great to brainstorm ideas with and is just the best team member!

Community
Creativity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Justin Holman, Associate Director, Internal Operations

Brianna Johnson, Program Manager/Living & Learning Communities

Brianna,

You are one of the kindest people that I know, and it comes through in everything that you do. Your ability to support and listen to others is unparalleled, and your suggestions and advice are always thoughtful and insightful. On a day to day basis, you find ways to breathe life, creativity, and compassion into the LLCs. The connections that you grow and nurture on campus and in the community are meaningful and truly move our department forward. I can’t express how incredible of a leader you are–you are encouraging, motivational, and always follow up and check in. I could go on and on, but just know that you are appreciated beyond what words can express. THANK YOU for being you. You are integral to the success of these programs and the culture of our office.

Caring
Community
Creativity
Inclusivity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Alex Parsons, Program Coordinator, Living & Learning Communities

Kelly Flaherty, Teaching Associate Professor, Mathematics

One of the most challenging problems in online teaching is how to keep students engaged. More generally, it is difficult during the covid epidemic to keep majors connected to their home departments and to DU. Dr. Flaherty is the organizer of the Math Club, a social and professional club for math undergraduates. She revived the club last year and continues to organize (online) activities during the 2020 Spring quarter. For instance, about 30 students participated in the math trivia game organized 2 weeks ago. This might prove to be an important part of student retention, particularly for  E-STEM students (STEM students from underrepresented groups) that actively participate in the Math Club.

Caring
Community
Inclusivity

Petr Vojtechovsky, Professor and Chair, Mathematics

Nick Galatos, Professor, Mathematics

Prof. Galatos was an early adopter of smart pens at the Department of Mathematics and he had the foresight to suggest smart pens for all math faculty before the covid epidemic hit. This allowed me, the department chair, to act quickly and purchase smart pens for all math faculty. Nearly all math faculty are now using smart pens in their online teaching and it became a crucial tool in our instruction which depends heavily on explanations, drawings, etc. Furthermore, Prof. Galatos has created a very interactive course that incorporates peer-grading and other sound pedagogical practices.

Creativity
Solution Seeking

Petr Vojtechovsky, Professor and Chair, Mathematics

Ryan Talmage, Interim Director/Enterprise Risk Management

Your willingness to quickly fill out all the necessary forms for your summer tuition waiver really helped with tuition bill testing.

Community

Janet Burkhardt, Director/Student Financial Services

Patrick Orr, Sr. Director, Experiential Education

Patrick has stepped up and helped countless faculty, staff and students pivot to working remotely and best utilizing the technology needed and available. He has walked faculty through the Zoom process as well as managed the back-end of many programs/courses just to ensure they are delivered with the best quality. And that is not even part of his job. He is just being helpful. It’s had a huge impact during this time and we all appreciate the support!

Caring
Community
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Kate Dillon, Director, External Relations

The UCOL Student Support Staff, Student Support

All of the Student Support staff have not missed a beat while going remote during this time of uncertainty. They are always super responsive and ready to assist at all times. They Rock! : )

Chris Heriza, Enrollment Manager/ Academic Advisor

Rachel Rogers, Assistant Academic Director

We are lucky to have you on the team.  You continue to prove what an amazing hire you are, and knock it out of the park with Centura 🙂 Thank you!

Leadership
Solution Seeking

Bobbie Jo Kite, Academic Director

Alex Robinson, assistant director of financial aid

You step forward to help students and families as we recruit a class with intensity in these times. You guided dozens of families through weekend virtual visits to address their financial aid questions. You share leadership with your colleagues to find solutions to the relentless hard work. Your significant contributions of calmness and diligence lead us to a happier place as we move ahead. You make DU a good place for students and your colleagues. Thank you!

Caring
Community
Inclusivity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

John Gudvangen, associate vice chancellor and director of financial aid

Housing & Residential Education Team, Housing & Residential Education (CLIE)

Through COVID, they have held their ground and stayed strong and positive having to help students quickly and efficiently move out of the dorms, do room checks, cleaning, answering calls from angry families, and ensuring the health and safety of those students that remain on campus. The HRE Team has proven they are 21st Century Warriors! and they show up day in and day out fearlessly without missing a beat. Thank you for all you have done for our campus and community!

Caring
Community
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Brian Schreckinger, Director, Community Commons (CLIE)

Nathan Rudibaugh, assistant director of financial aid

You lead with calm optimism. In the midst of a storm people trust your patience and your experience. You step forward to solve the difficult changes during these extraordinary times. You take special care with each student and family you encounter. You plow through enormous amounts of work, including the time-consuming and puzzling work of appeals. You jumped into the weekend session for incoming students. There’s so much more. Your competence, wisdom, and hard work make DU a special place to be for our students and for your colleagues.

Caring
Community
Inclusivity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

John Gudvangen, associate vice chancellor and director of financial aid

Theresa Ahrens, Director of Communications

Theresa has always prioritized fostering a team environment on the Communications Team. She demonstrates compassion and caring about not only our professional aspirations but our personal wellbeing. Especially during the coronavirus pandemic, Theresa has stuck up for all members of her team, regardless of where they are on the org chart, advocating for their work and their interests. She works to get us accurate, up-to-date information about university policies that may affect us and is always open, honest, and transparent. I’m so grateful for her!

Caring
Community
Leadership

Anonymous, 

Karen Shaw, Planned Giving Development Director

Karen epitomizes the Pioneer spirit. She is a natural leader, charismatic, knowledgeable and decisive. She steps in wherever she is needed, finding creative solutions to different challenges. Karen is incredibly caring, and always stands up for the under represented. She helped secure donations for the food pantry, quietly collecting food donations and delivering them to the pantry. She’s a fearless feminist, calling out inequities and standing up for females at all times. She builds community within and outside of the University, supporting and nurturing those communities. Karen spent countless hours outside of work mentoring, teaching and encouraging me to navigate the complexities of higher education. I have learned a great deal from Karen, and she continues to inspire me with her passionate empathy and professional excellence.

Caring
Community
Inclusivity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Valerie Appelbaum, Development Director, STEM

Casey Kite, Executive Assistant to the Vice-Provosts/ Office of the Provost

Casey. Thank you for all of your help with scheduling and flexibility you demonstrate with the various projects we in HRIC have been a part of. It is really appreciated and always patient with changes to meetings, projects, etc., whether it has been around Faculty on-boarding, or this new You Rock! Award. Thank you!

Community
Other – Service

Ken Pinnock, Director People Development/HRIC

Josie White, Athletics

Thanks for your engaging presence and proactive leadership as we navigate COVID-19!

Caring
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Julie Campbell, Athletics

Angel Field, Athletics

Thanks for your support!  You go above and beyond to promote Athletics every day!  You also are a great friend and colleague.

Caring
Community
Creativity
Leadership

Julie Campbell, Athletics

Jeanie Tischler, Assistant to the Director – School of Art & Art History

Jeanie is truly an instrumental member of SAAH. She grows our community by being an open door to help us all with the processes that are necessary to keep the department running. She cares for every staff member’s success and well-being and demonstrates this daily through the information she shares and availability to meet with SAAH staff when we have questions. She also cares deeply about DU’s students and especially our SAAH student workers, making sure they are doing well and feel supported in their roles. Jeanie puts in so much hard work, and I would really like her to know what a valuable member of our team she is.

Caring
Community
Inclusivity
Leadership

Nessa Kerr, University Art Collections Manager/SAAH

Erica Elvove, Graduate School of Social Work, Institute for Human-Animal Connection

Erica goes above and beyond to facilitate conversations that support transparency and connection. Now more than ever, good

communication is what keeps us grounded and makes us effective as we navigate constantly shifting realities. Erica is always available to help us assess these emerging contexts and encourages us to keep diverse perspectives in focus.

Caring
Community
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Erin Flynn, Graduate School of Social Work, Institute for Human-Animal Connection

Lorne Fultonberg, Writer/MarComm

Lorne is a fabulous partner for Daniels in MarComm. He is a terrific writer and always covers any Daniels-related people or events with excellence. We always know his stories will be compelling and accurate. He’s easy to collaborate with and available for questions and additional emails. We really value our partnership with Lorne and think he’s a wonderful asset to Daniels and DU. The University is lucky to have such a talented writer and colleague on staff!

Community
Creativity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Kristal Griffith, Senior Director of Communications and Operations

Nicole Militello, Senior Media Relations Specialist/MarComm

I can’t imagine how many calls Nicole is getting from the media these days, but I know it’s a huge number! She’s getting DU placed in media outlets across the nation, which is a huge benefit to the University. She’s worked so seamlessly with me and Daniels to coordinate on media requests when needed. She also has been kind to reply to non-media requests as I needed help with our media monitoring system. Nicole is responsive and so delightful to work with.  I appreciate her professionalism and extra effort!

Community
Creativity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Kristal Griffith, Senior Director of Communications and Operations

Jon Stone, Media Relations Manager/MarComm

I can’t imagine how many calls Jon is getting from the media these days, but I know it’s a huge number! He’s getting DU placed in media outlets across the nation, which is a huge benefit to the University. He’s worked so seamlessly with me and Daniels to coordinate on media requests when needed. I know he’s juggling work with his kids at home, being a full-time teacher and dad too. Yet, he’s responsive and always available for a quick phone call or email. I appreciate his professionalism and effort!

Community
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Kristal Griffith, Senior Director of Communications and Operations

Camila Angelim, Assistant Director of Business Development/Executive Education/Daniels

Camila is amazingly positive and upbeat every time I see her in meetings. She worked with her team to very quickly get several webinars up and running for C-suite individuals as COVID-19 hit. I see her often post on social media about the events Executive Education is offering. Despite being remote for weeks, she is  responsive, engaged and looking gorgeous on her social media videos! She’s an asset to Daniels and DU!

Caring
Community
Creativity
Inclusivity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Kristal Griffith, Senior Director of Communications and Operations

Maimalle Her, Financial Aid Advisor, Financial Aid

You’re a rock star because you began your tenure at DU in a hectic time for our office and division, and that was before COVID-19! You’ve adapted flawlessly to remote work, and always ensure you check in, whether it’s to further your understanding of complex situations or to understand the overarching rationale in our profession and our work. Thank you for your tenacity, excellent memory, and exceptionally positive attitude!

Caring
Creativity
Solution Seeking

Roger Lane, Assistant Director, Financial Aid

Ashley Sodaro, Assistant Director/Executive Education/Daniels

Ashley worked with her team to very quickly get several webinars up and running for C-suite individuals as COVID-19 hit. She did an amazing job marketing these, often getting more than 300 attendees on each zoom webinar. I do not know how she juggles everything she does, while also being a full-time mom now with daycares closed. Yet, she’s responsive and engaged, somehow doing both well. She’s an asset to Daniels and DU!

Caring
Community
Creativity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Kristal Griffith, Senior Director of Communications and Operations

Shawn Reid, Athletics and Recreation

Thank you for your leadership over the last few months. These are difficult times and your positive attitude and commitment to our department has been amazing.

Remember, life is not about the set backs, its about the comebacks.

Leadership

Jesse Badder, Associate Dirctor of RWC Programs / Athletics and Recreation

Amy Rask, Athletics and Recreation

Amy – Thank you for your dedication to providing our students with healthy activities to do during the COVID 19 crisis. Your work is outstanding and I cant wait to see what you come up with in the future.

Caring

Jesse Badder, Associate Dirctor of RWC Porgrams / Athletics and Recreation

Janet Yenter, Assit. VC, Alumni Engagement/ Advancement

Janet is a consistent steady hand in our ongoing fast-paced and often hectic Engagement world. Her leadership is always consistent, supportive, and encouraging. I couldn’t imagine our team’s success without her and am thankful everyday for her selflessness and dedication to our work.

Community
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Anonymous, 

Daniels Office of Communication, Marketing, and Admissions Team, Daniels Office of Communication and Marketing

Your entire team is always behind the scene moving things forward and managing the processes and systems that most of us never see. You represent our students, Daniels, and the University quite well!

Community
Creativity
Inclusivity
Leadership

Karen Gross, EA to the Dean, Daniels

Ashely Sodaro, Ass Director, Executive Education

Ashley is working tirelessly to be the amazing teammate that she always is as well as providing new and impactful content for our alumni and business community through Exec Ed’s new webinar series. She is always involved, available and doing so with a small child at home to care for as well! She rocks!

Community
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Kate Dillon, Director, External Relations

Roger Lane, assistant director of financial aid

You rock because you accomplish volumes of work, because you care about the important details more than anyone, because you solve problems, because you have stepped in during these most challenging times to lead your colleagues in addressing the overwhelming email volume while somehow still handling all the other tasks we must accomplish. You rock because you care about families and students and because you’re a good steward of the University’s resources. Thank you!

Caring
Leadership
Solution Seeking

John Gudvangen, associate vice chancellor and director of financial aid

Lisa Westendorf, Office of Financial Aid

You did an amazing job creating a website and communication plan for CARES Act awards in a very short amount of time.  Great work!

Creativity
Solution Seeking

Janet Burkhardt, DIrector/Student FInancial Services

Lisa Westendorf, associate director of financial aid, communications

In a regular month in spring you manage hundreds of communications to tens of thousands of prospective and current students. You solve technical problems from the large to the small. You always think of ways to make it clearer to students and families how they can navigate the world of college affordability including all the current graduate and undergraduate students as well as the many more prospective students. You think of things and solve problems before most of us knew it would be a problem, and you take on the monumental challenges of our new environment with professionalism and skill. Thank you!

Caring
Community
Creativity
Inclusivity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

John Gudvangen, associate vice chancellor and director of financial aid

Karen Woodrum, associate director financial aid, systems

Even when week and after week is filled with a plateful of emergency projects that need solutions, you find a way to make it work. Because of your work thousands of students get their aid awards, federal aid is disbursed., we recruit a class in a challenging environment, we create new aid award programs and new distribution methods of emergency funds all because you manage the onslaught of projects to implement every new idea during these difficult days and you keep the regular trains running at the same time. Thank you!

Creativity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

John Gudvangen, associate vice chancellor and director of financial aid

Lindsay Anderson, Executive Director, Regional Advancement & Volunteer Engagement

Lindsay is an amazing and enthusiastic colleague who continues to show up time and time again for her team and the larger Advancement Communtiy! Her vision and clear direction in supporting our on and off-campus partners and regional staff is something to behold. Lindsay always says “how can I help” and then gets to it! She is an amazing human being to be around and contributes at every level to the success of the DU community! You TOTALLY ROCK! Thank you for who you are!

Caring
Community
Leadership

Anonymous, 

Kaitlin Wallace, assistant director of financial aid

You lead the advising team with your upbeat outlook and assignments even in the face of the daunting workload and seemingly insurmountable tasks. You jump in to help, you think of new ways to get things done, you reflect and grow, and you help all of us learn. You prepare the numbers and you produce volumes of work yourself. You’re thoughtful and caring about others, and you help students and families every day to make a DU education possible. Thank you!

Caring
Community
Leadership
Solution Seeking

John Gudvangen, associate vice chancellor and director of financial aid

Jim Kramer, Athletics

Thanks for all your hard work, long hours and endless budget scenarios.

Thanks for helping us stay competitive.

Inclusivity
Solution Seeking

Melissa Kutcher, Athletics

Daniel Doerr, Director of Graduate Enrollment/JKSIS

Daniel Doerr arrived at the Korbel School a few short years ago in the midst of an enrollment crisis, with declining class sizes and little staffing to correct the situation. Undaunted, Daniel jumped into the task of streamlining of admission and outreach procedures to build up our incoming classes–perhaps the core task of our institution to “keep the lights on.” His dedication, steady-hand, and work ethic have been indispensable for keeping up the Korbel School’s momentum. Daniel works long hours, personally communicates with hundreds of prospective students, engages with faculty for outreach, and does his own deep analyses of enrollment trends. We are deeply fortunate to have Daniel and I am personally grateful for his kindness and sense of humor–it is no wonder prospective students are so responsive to him! Because Daniel “rocks,” the Korbel School also “rocks!”

Caring
Community
Creativity
Inclusivity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Oliver Kaplan, Associate Professor/JKSIS

Alicia Kirkeby, Director of Alumni Engagement/JKSIS

Alicia Kirkeby rocks, and she is also one of the Korbel school’s “rocks,” since she is true pro with deep experience we can always count on her. We have alumni all over the world, and she does a great job keeping in touch and maintaining personal relationships with them. She shares news from the school with our alumni community and plans events for them in the U.S. and around the world (she has even connected me with former students around the world). She has also long assisted with large-scale events at the Korbel school, including the annual Korbel Dinner, and as such she is represents a key part of our institutional memory and provides level-headed advice. Alicia also always has a pleasant, welcoming demeanor–no wonder she is loved by our notable alums such as General George Casey and Secretary of State Madeleine Albright as well as by our most recent grads. In short, Alicia is an indispensable part of the Korbel and DU community. For all of these reasons, she isn’t just a rock, she’s a gem!

Caring
Community
Inclusivity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Oliver Kaplan, Associate Professor/JKSIS

Stuart Halsall, Athletics

Thanks for the long hours and tireless work!!

Caring
Community
Creativity
Solution Seeking

Melissa Kutcher, Athletics

Karlton Creech, Athletics

Thanks for your tremendous leadership and for the communication, training and transparency.

Thanks for providing hope and encouragement that we’ll all soon be back to doing the things we love.

Caring
Community
Creativity
Inclusivity
Solution Seeking

Melissa Kutcher, Athletics

Julie Campbell, Athletics

Thanks for your fantastic leadership and taking such great care of our student-athletes!!

Caring

Melissa Kutcher, Athletics

Jimmy Pratt, Athletics

Thanks for your engagement,  creativity, patience and innovation during this time.

I’m so thankful and blessed to have two tremendous assistant coaches.

Inclusivity

Melissa Kutcher, Athletics

Linas Gaveika, 

Thanks for your engagement,  creativity, patience and innovation during this time.

I’m so thankful and blessed to have two tremendous assistant coaches.

Inclusivity

Melissa Kutcher, Athletics

Erica Larson, Assistant Professor/Biology

Erica has had a simply phenomenal year, with at least six peer-reviewed publications (!) and two major NSF grants: NSF RoL (DEB/IOS) as PI and an NSF IOS grant as Co-PI.  She is also a terrific colleague and mentor to students.

Creativity
Other – Scholarship

Anonymous, 

Angel Field, Athletics

Thanks for all your support the last few weeks in helping us recruit this fall’s class. The video, webinar, and coaches’ calls have all made a difference and are greatly appreciated.

You Rock!!

 

Todd Rinehart, Vice Chancellor for Enrollment

Lisa Westendorf, Financial Aid

I wanted to send you a second “You Rock” because I was so impressed with the webpage you created for CARES. Wow!!! So  impressive, and you even included an FAQ section. You thought of everything!! Very well organized, efficient, well-written, and super impressive – especially considering you developed that in just a couple days.

Many thanks!

 

Todd Rinehart, Vice Chancellor for Enrollment

Leslie Brunelli, Financial Affairs

Many thanks for your incredible contributions during this crisis. I know you have been working crazy hours to analyze our budgets and to make key decisions to ensure DU’s financial viability. Further, the departments you manage have been running seamlessly and efficiently – they keep DU running! Thanks to you and all of your team for being there for the DU community during this time of need. You rock!

Todd Rinehart, Vice Chancellor for Enrollment

Corinne Lengsfeld, Provost’s office

I can’t thank you enough for your leadership, efforts, and keen intelligence during this crisis. You have been a tireless, fearless, and inspiring leader. No one else I’d rather be in the trenches with during challenging times!! DU will always remember your contributions and caring approach! Many thanks!

Todd Rinehart, Vice Chancellor for Enrollment

Nathan Rudibaugh, Financial Aid

Nathan, thanks for all your extra efforts and leadership, especially with the advisors in Mary’s absence. I also know you’ve been involved in other ad hoc projects that have been thrown our way, and I appreciate your contributions. And many thanks for your work serving prospective families. You, Kaitlin, Roger, Alex, and others on the advising team have been rocking it!

Todd Rinehart, Vice Chancellor for Enrollment

Kaitlin Wallace, Financial Aid

Kaitlin, thanks for all you’ve been doing in recent weeks, especially with Mary out. I know you and Nathan have provided additional leadership in her absence. I also know you’ve helped with a number of projects, including the room/board reversals last month. And many thanks for helping all the prospective families!

Todd Rinehart, Vice Chancellor for Enrollment

Roger Lane, Financial Aid

Thanks for your extra efforts during the period we’ve been working from home, especially in recent weeks with Mary gone. Your leadership and willingness to take on more is appreciated!

Todd Rinehart, Vice Chancellor for Enrollment

Gohar Tovbis, Information Technology

Gohar – You are a huge asset to the University and IT@DU. During these unprecedented times, you have shown amazing leadership. Your rock because you and your teams have quickly responded to this crisis by helping with the following: reports for the Provost office from Canvas and Banner to make sure all courses that need to be online are published in canvas, creating a page for the adjusted grade opt in/opt out for students, help with the room and board refunds to students, create an application for CARES act and more. Thank you for all the work you do and you absolutely ROCK!!!

Creativity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Rohini Ananthakrishnan, Information Technology

Michael Kerwin, Associate Professor/Geography & the Environment

Mike,

The effort you put forth to continue teaching your course while battling illness is beyond commendable – it is laudable! Your full commitment to your students is what makes you an exceptional instructor and colleague.

You Rock!!

Caring
Creativity
Other – Commitment to students

Michael Keables, Chair/Geography & the Environment

Elisha Allen, Program Coordinator

Sees the big picture and consistently works hard to fulfill the University College mission. Also, very good listener 🙂

Caring
Community
Solution Seeking

Bobbie Kite, Assistant Dean

Josh Davies, Director of IT MCE

Setting up an zoom system for the CADREI group, which supports deans of education across the entire country.

Caring
Solution Seeking

Karen Riley, Dean MCE

Elaine Belansky, CRSHE Director/MCE

Thinking about our students and getting their feedback and insight on how to structure our courses.

Caring
Creativity
Inclusivity
Solution Seeking

Karen Riley, Dean MCE

Kate Dillon, Director of External Relations, Daniels

Kate, like many DU employees, is attempting to work a full-time job, while also being a full-time parent. Yet, she’s engaged, on numerous zoom calls, and lining up CEOs for VOE and other needs at Daniels. She’s helpful, responsive and a total asset to Daniels and DU. We’re lucky to have colleagues like Kate!

Caring
Community
Creativity
Inclusivity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Kristal Griffith, Senior Director of Communications and Operations

Bryce Kirchhausen, Program Director for the Denver MBA, Daniels

Bryce, like many DU employees, is attempting to work a full-time job, while also being a full-time parent. Yet, he’s engaged, on numerous zoom calls, handling prospective student interviews and juggling so, so many things. He does it with grace and a smile. DU is lucky to have him!

Caring
Community
Inclusivity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Kristal Griffith, Senior Director of Communications and Operations

Jaleesa McIntosh, Assistant Director of Events at Daniels

Jaleesa, like many DU employees right now, is attempting to juggle a full-time job with full-time parenting and teaching. And yet, she is engaged, on numerous zoom calls, keeping up with events throughout the College and attempting to figure out new event platforms at DU. Her dedication and commitment are admirable.

Caring
Creativity
Solution Seeking

Kristal Griffith, Senior Director of Communications and Operations

H.G. Parsa, Professor of Hospitality Management

Parsa has taken numerous media calls on short notice to share his expertise in hospitality management.  He makes himself available on short notice to many outlets and has fostered good relationships with those media contacts. These requests are on top of his other coursework and research, so it’s greatly appreciated. He’s representing Daniels and DU so well in the Denver metro and across the nation. 

Thank you, Parsa!

Community
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Kristal Griffith, Senior Director of Communications and Operations

Mac Clouse, Professor of Finance

Mac has taken numerous media calls on short notice to share his expertise on the economy. The DU media team is turning to him and so am I and he’s been available on short notice to do numerous interviews. These requests are on top of his other coursework and research, so it’s greatly appreciated. He’s representing Daniels and DU so well in the community.

Thank you, Mac!

Community
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Kristal Griffith, Senior Director of Communications and Operations

Jack Strauss, Professor of Finance

Jack has taken numerous media calls on short notice to share his expertise on the economy. The DU media team is turning to him and so am I and he’s been available on short notice to do numerous interviews. These requests are on top of his other coursework and research, so it’s greatly appreciated. He’s representing Daniels and DU so well in the community.

Thank you, Jack!

Community
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Kristal Griffith, Senior Director of Communications and Operations

Karen Shaw, Director of Development, Planned Giving/Advancement

Karen goes above and beyond as a colleague by serving as an informal mentor and coach to so many of us on the advancement team.  Karen makes her self available as a resource on planned giving, offers advice and guidance and provides encouragement to her fellow fundraisers.  She is so generous with her time and truly wants to help her colleagues.  I have benefited a great deal from her coaching and am a better fundraiser because of her.  I am so appreciative of her assistance, especially since I know this type of support isn’t directly reflected in her metrics.  Karen is a leader whom I admire and is most deserving of the You Rock award.

Leadership

Mona Spitz, Director of Development/ Advancement

Dave Thomas, LEP

Dave rocks because he always puts his students first! Students who have graduated in the past few years still reach out to Dave to check in, provide updates, and let him know how much his guidance and mentorship meant during their time at DU.  And there have been several! The work Dave does is meaningful and he is an amazing asset for the university and its students.

Caring
Community
Inclusivity

Jess Neumann, Assistant Director, Academic Innovation

Tonnett Luedtke, Executive Director, Academic Resources, CLIE

Tonnett is incredible! She has been so caring of staff through this unique time of our lives, checking in with us and sending surprise postcards to our home. Tonnett has done such an impressive job of managing her different roles in multiple departments. She stepped in to lead the LEP when most of our leadership moved on and has done a tremendous job in helping us keep things together and running smoothly for our students during the current chaos…I don’t think there are enough words to describe how grateful I am for her leadership, thoughtfulness, openness, and sense of humor. You rock, Tonnett!!

Caring
Community
Creativity
Inclusivity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Jes Stroope, Academic Counselor, Learning Effectiveness Program

Gloria Miller, 

Gloria has worked tirelessly to move her class to an effective and efficient online learning experience. From the start of the quarter, Gloria was a little nervous about the switch to online but I have seen her work incredibly hard to make a meaningful experience for her students. When we meet, I am consistently impressed by how proficient Gloria is with the new technologies and processes. Her feedback is a consistent help to me as an instructional designer and her ability to connect with students regardless of distance is an inspiration.

Caring
Inclusivity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Lindsay Brunhofer, 

Paula Bickel, OGE

The JDP Program Manager has a lot to learn in the best of times, but trying to learn a new job at a distance is even more challenging.  You have been so generous with your time and knowledge to help me get established in my new job.  You rock!

Caring
Community
Leadership

Rhonda Eaker, DU/Iliff Joint PhD in the Study of Religion

Kaitlin Wallace, Assistant Director, Graduate Financial Aid

Kaitlin, you ROCK because you are always so helpful.  Even in our current remote work environment, you are prompt and cheerful in your responses to my many requests.  Our students are so appreciative!  I know how much work I create for you and that I am undoubtedly your ‚Äòfavorite‚Äô graduate departmental contact 🙂 The work you do is so important and you are GREAT at it!  I could not do my job without you!

Caring
Community

Jennifer, Director, Student Financial Management, SCOL

Andrea Gross, Assoc Director of Enrollment/ University College

Andrea is such a team player and really stepped up recently to help with some ongoing initiatives including the Virtual Veteran’s Lounge, a Master Teacher workshop on COVID-19, and support of the University College Tactical team. I can’t imagine that she has a free minute in her day, but she is a great team player and always makes time to help others and put students first.

Community
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Allison O’Grady, Asst Director of Teaching and Learning/University College

Jes Stroope, LEP Academic Counselor

Jes has continued to show her leadership in LEP during this remote time. She has continued to figure out ways to assess our students’ progress during this quarter with the LEP post-assessment survey that she helped create (she and other colleagues also created the initial assessment). She is also currently creating a survey to send to our students to assess their thoughts related to on-line learning and the LEP program format in the virtual world. Jes practices teamwork by allowing her colleagues to share their input with these surveys/assessments. Finally, Jes helps keeps us all laughing and engaged outside of our work day by planning and hosting social Zoom time together.  She and other colleagues facilitated these gatherings while we were in the “real world” but she has continued to make that a priority during this shelter in place time too. You Rock, Jes!

Caring
Community
Creativity
Inclusivity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Jen Wilson, LEP Academic Counselor

Sarah Mooney, LEP Academic Counselor

Sarah has gone above and beyond to make the remote world a place where our LEP students still feel connected to our program. From the start of this remote work, she and some other colleagues made adjustments to the LEP Canvas Page (which she was a part of creating) to give students additional resources to navigate on-line learning. This page has been a useful tool for students and LEP counselors alike. Further, she has kept the LEP weekly social hour going each Friday to allow our students that want that social engagement with their LEP peers to continue. She joins the group each week and has games and activities planned. Sarah has also figured out how to get our LEP mentors involved with this process so they can continue to build their leadership skills during this remote time. You rock Sarah!

Caring
Community
Creativity
Inclusivity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Jen Wilson, LEP Academic Counselor

Christy Statema, Undergraduate Enrollment

Christy has gone above and beyond over the past 2 months in leading enrollment initiatives to help us meet our enrollment goals. Christy has helped moderate daily virtual events, worked late, adjusted her personal schedule, and even drove all over town looking for supplies at home depot and other places to help us support students in a virtual space. Firsthand, I’ve witnessed her growth in flexibility, adjusting mid-flight, stepping outside of her comfort zone, and sacrificing for DU and the team. All this, without one complaint!

Christy, you are truly a dynamic person and I appreciate the joy and passion your bring to this important work. YOU ROCK!

Caring
Community
Creativity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Allana Forte, Undergraduate Enrollment

Allison O’Grady, Senior Instructional Support/University of Denver

As a brand new adjunct professor at University College I was a little overwhelmed by learning the University system, Canvas, teaching online techniques, etc.  Allison was with me every step of the way helping me learn, coaching and supporting me, and modeling what a great colleague should be.  Although I have not met a single person from University College in person since I’ve become an adjunct, Allison makes me feel a part of a team!

Caring
Community
Creativity
Inclusivity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Ann Morgan, Adjunct/Environmental Policy & Management

Todd Rinehart, VC Undergraduate Enrollment

Todd leads the UG Enrollment Division with thoughtful and inspirational leadership. A lot has changed over the past 2 months, but Todd’s positive attitude remains. Despite many obstacles, UG Enrollment is defying the odds because of Todd’s guidance, recommendations, support and continued adjustments on both the fin aid and admission side of the house – he is a nationally recognized thought-leader, caring co-worker, resourceful and strategic enrollment manager, a loyal friend. He remains flexible yet resilient as our plans have to change mid-flight.

Todd, in the words of your favorite song, I’m so grateful that you Don’t Stop Believing! Thanks for being a rockstar for our Division. YOU ROCK!

Caring
Community
Leadership

Allana Forte, Undergraduate Enrollment

John Gudvangen, Associate Vice Chancellor of UG Enrollment

John has led and managed his team to adjust mid-flight, create policy, support current and prospective students in the face of many challenges and adversity. His commitment to DU, students, partners, and his team is unparalleled. A true pleasure to work with, John is caring, passionate, and a dynamic leader who inspires me. John, thanks for being a rockstar! You ROCK!

Caring
Community
Inclusivity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Allana Forte, Undergraduate Enrollment

Shanna Pomager, Undergraduate Enrollment

Shanna has gone above and beyond in her role as Director of Visit Programs to transition us to a virtual space. With over 20 programs this month, Shanna has led, managed, and produced programming to ensure all prospective students have the opportunity to “visit” campus. Her leadership, flexibility, and commitment to DU and our team should be recognized!  Shanna, you rock!

Caring
Community
Creativity
Inclusivity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Allana, Undergraduate Enrollment

Darren Moitzfield, Enterprise Application Services

Darren,

YOU ROCK!!

Thank you so much for the constant stream of business insight and technical guidance. As we moved to a work from home model, our methods of transferring knowledge and supporting one another within our team has greatly changed.  I want to recognize that you have made this transition incredibly painless with your support and knowledge. The recent system projects I have implemented in the past few weeks to help benefit the University and Shared Services were realized due to your input and guidance. I sincerely appreciate you having my back, and I am very happy to have a manager that enables me to learn so much.

Leadership

Bradley Machan, Enterprise Application Services

Jane Lavery, Scheduling and Catalog Coordinator

Thank you for all of your work and support with scheduling over at MCE. I really appreciate being able to call you for help with all aspects of the C&I and TEP schedule, from contact hours to classrooms.

Community
Leadership

Kara Duggan, Academic Services Associate/Teaching and Learning Sciences

Kristal Griffith, Senior Director of Communications, Daniels College of Business

Kristal always goes above and beyond, but COVID has made that statement even truer. She is level-headed when dealing with crisis communications, still checks in with her team throughout the chaos, and genuinely cares (and it shows) about how everyone is doing AND the work we’re producing. I know how busy she always is, and I marvel at how her work product never suffers regardless of how much she has on her plate.

Caring
Community
Leadership
Other – Dedication

Randi Eskanos, Director of Marketing, Daniels College of Business

Sarah Johnson/Chris Wera, Health & Counseling Center

Sarah (SJ) and Chris (CJ) spent countless hours getting our health and counseling center “on line” within a short period of time. They went out of their way with phone calls, texts, zoom meetings and emails making sure that everyone was set up and comfortable with our on line platform. They also did all of this with a great “we can do it” attitude which created an overall sense of calmness for the HCC staff. Because of their incredible dedication and commitment to “making it work” the HCC is continuing to provide a wide range of services to our students. They ROCK!!

Solution Seeking

Chaney Cook, Health & Counseling Center

Amanda Fudala, Interim ED NCOA and ED of CES

Amanda has demonstrated extraordinary leadership to our NCPA team. No only is she running her own CES team, and acting as interim for NCPA’s ED position, which would already be a huge and incredible task, but now she is doing so under the extra difficult circumstances related to COVID impacts. From the first day she ran a team meeting, we all were extremely excited about her leadership style. Amanda is a person who ensures every person on the room has the space to be heard and speak. She critically thinks through processes and rather than dictating solutions, asks thoughtful questions to guide team members toward making sure the discussions have hit all important points. Amanda created a work environment, fairly immediately, wherein we all felt trusted to be the experts in our field, and felt supported and safe to speak up and have real dialog without fear of being ridiculed of harshly judged. Amanda also approaches all interactions with a level-headed calm demeanor that inspires a sense of grounded confidence in a team. She recognizes hard work and accomplishment where due, and brings out the best in us! I am so grateful to be lead by Amanda for our interim time, and especially during the COVID impacts. I hope that whomever we find as a new ED carries many of the same qualities of leadership style, our team has thrived and stepped up in a new way by being given the space and inspiration to do so that her leadership provides. Thank you Amanda!!! DU is lucky to have you!!

Leadership

Meagan Kilcoyne, Assoc. director of Development, NCPA

Garret Glass, Asst. Director of Production Services, Newman Center

While I am sure when Garret became President of the Staff Advisory Council, he knew it would mean extra workload,  However, he could never have anticipated the current situation. 

When SAC members were concerned about the future of DU and their jobs, he arranged for Interim Provost Corrine Lengsfeld to speak to SAC members via Zoom.  He has been available to answer all questions and calm our nerves.  He was also instrumental in pushing forward the new leave sharing policy.  We are lucky to have him as President during these troubled times.

Caring
Community
Leadership

Anonymous, 

Jannelle Medina, Administrative asst. NCPA

During this difficult time when all staff are pivoting work due to COVID, many of our grants were at risk and needed to be negotiated, all while a new set of grants were due in our regular heavy grant app season. Additionally, we found a CARES grant to apply for for COVID relief. That all resulted in a time when my position was responsible for completion of around 6 large grants in one week. The work load was very intense, and Jannelle really stepped up to help with narrative creation and work that was well above and beyond her job description to help get the grants completed and out the door on time. Jannelle is often going above her duties as assigned to help the team with heavy work loads. This is especially important to us while we are in search of a new ED and now that our business operations officer is out on maternity leave. Jannelle rocks and deserves serious kudos!!

Community

Anonymous, 

Cindy Cragg, Academic Director & Asst Teaching Prof/Communication Management

Cindy has been a leader in the AVP’s initiatives to provide greater support to chairs and unit directors.  As a member of the Chair Advisory Board, she brings a positive attitude, great ideas, an appreciation for the ideas and contributions of others, and a willingness to roll up her sleeves to get stuff done. Her efforts have already made DU better for chairs and unit directors. She totally rocks!

Caring
Community
Inclusivity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Anonymous, 

Carol Helstosky, Department chair/History

As much as anyone can be, you have been on top of the crisis. Department faculty, staff, and students really appreciate your clear and prompt communication. I love that you keep your virtual door open with weekly (online) coffee hours for faculty and a weekly (online) informal get-together for majors. You let us know what we need to do by when, and keep us thinking ahead to anticipate problems, but more important, you always make us feel like valued, cared-for human beings.

Caring
Community
Inclusivity
Leadership

Anonymous, 

Craig Harrer, Director, Ricks Center For Gifted Children

As we dispersed to shelter in our homes, Craig created ways to wrap his arms around the children, families and teachers of Ricks. He quickly and responsively helped teachers seamlessly develop high quality distance learning, while always keeping the emotional welfare of children at the center of all decision making,  He has tirelessly worked to support the varied needs of each child, family and teacher. His love, support and guidance have helped us all weather the challenges while finding strength and resiliency.  Thanks to Craig, and all of those inspired by his leadership, we will come back from this with renewed appreciation for the value of what we do, how we do it, and most importantly, what we mean to each other.

Caring
Community
Creativity
Inclusivity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Suzanne Pollard, Pedagogical coach

Dr. Terri Davis, GSPP PsyD Director

Dr. Davis is an amazing professional role model and supervisor.  She supports an entire department of students, staff and faculty. She is exactly the type of person and professional we all strive to be.  She is caring but direct, which is a true talent that few people possess. She is an excellent problem solver and one of the hardest workers I know!  She always holds the interest of the community at the forefront of her mind.  She challenges us all to be the best humans and professionals we can be.  I am thankful to know her.

Caring
Community
Creativity
Inclusivity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Kathryn Barrs, Clinic Director-Sturm Center; GSPP

Julie Hanna-Smith, MS, LMFT, Director-Clinical Operations; GSPP

Julie Hanna-Smith rocks for leading an entire department of student therapists and supervisors in the development of a clinical telehealth program in response to COVID-19.  She has done this with amazing organizational and leadership skills.  This will help so many clients who have limited resources and will support the community during this stressful time.  She has managed an incredible amount of work with grace and exceptional time-management skills.  I feel honored to work with her and to see her leadership skills shine during this time! Julie ROCKS!

Caring
Community
Creativity
Inclusivity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Kathryn Barrs, Clinic Director-Sturm Center; GSPP

Richard Colby, Writing Program

As the Assistant Director of First Year Writing, Richard seamlessly guided us through the challenges of shifting our courses online. He typed up extensive notes, a sort of How-to Guide, for how to teach digital ethnographies in online environments. While Doug Hesse remains, of course, our solid leader, Richard stepped up to the plate to assist us.

Community
Creativity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

David Daniels, Writing Program

Steven McDonald, Associate Professor and Chair / Theatre

Exemplary care, focus, and creative problem-solving during normal circumstances; EXTRAORDINARY care, focus, and creative problem-solving during the pandemic. Generosity, humility, grace, good humor, clear-eyed perseverance, reliability, courage. Our department, our students, our community are very fortunate to have Steven as chair right now.

Caring
Community
Creativity
Inclusivity
Leadership
Solution Seeking

Anonymous, 

Ann Bowar, coordinator / Reiman School of Finance

I would like to give a big shout out to Ann, our department coordinator specializing in student engagement/events/alumni & company relations.  Ann, You Rock!

During this unprecedented pandemic period, Ann has put in great efforts and is very creative in building a virtual community among the department, students, faculty, alumni, and industry experts. During the short transition to everything online and wfh, Ann came up with the idea and has pulled the collective strings to roll out a virtual platform so that students can connect to faculty, alumni and industry expert to get assistance and advice, and for all to connect with each other. We have weekly virtual engagement activities / events, including “DU Stay Connected Webinar” panels, “Career pathway” panels.  Each week, alumni and industry experts join as panelists to share their expertise and advice. Faculty join as moderator to facilitate the conversation and provide their insights.  Here are a few recent webinar events: “Thinking independently in this market”,  “Small Business Decision-Making during the Current Health and Financial Crisis”,    “Equity Analysis Panel”,  “Corporate finance panel”.  

I also would like to give a big shout out to all faculty in Reiman School of Finance and our student Finance club for all the hard work and collective efforts!  Thank you!

Community
Creativity
Solution Seeking

Tracy Xu, associate professor / Finance

Julie Hanna Smith, Director, Clinical Operations/GSPP

She is always immediately available to answer student questions and to listen to their their personal and clinical experiences working with clients and progressing through the program.

She created training materials and an entire manual, with others, that students and supervisors were able to use for telehealth in just a couple of weeks.

She is student-centered and continuously provides leadership for the entire department.

Terri Davis, PsyD Program Director/GSPP

Emma Lawless

Staff, Associate Director of Graduate Enrollment CRM & Systems

Emma is a pleasure to work with. She never bats an eye at the requests we have and always offers the most comprehensive solution to our challenges. She is amazing with SLATE and always goes above and beyond – anticipating what we may need next.

Tali Koziol Thomason

Director of Marketing, Communication, and Events/RSECS

Amanda Fudala

Staff, Exec. Director/CES

A BIG THANK YOU for stepping in as Interim Executive Director of the Newman Center during a very demanding and challenging time. Your incredible contribution, support and dedication is truly appreciated!

Diane Roth

Ass’t Director – Events/ Newman Center

Leslie Hasche

Faculty, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs

Leslie,
You have an amazing ability to see the big picture and to track the details. You lead meetings with focus and are always prepared. Your leadership sets an example for everyone else. You are dedicated, focused, and realistic. You consider who needs to be included and are ethical every step of the way. You seek solutions and create realistic timelines for how to accomplish tremendous strategic goals. You fiercely represent others, and care about the needs of students, faculty and staff every step of the way. YOU ROCK!

Kate Ross

Director Denver Campus MSW Program

Barb Hurtt

Faculty, Assistant Professor, Biological Sciences

Barb is doing a great job with her courses this term, but this extra recognition is for her selfless use of her time helping colleagues in the Department quickly learn how to use the many online resources that were necessary to make this term work. Barb worked through Winter finals and ‘spring break’ and even into the term helping other faculty.

Joe Angleson

Chair, Biological Sciences

Julie Morris

Faculty, Associate Professor, Biological Sciences

Julie is doing a great job with her courses this term, but this extra recognition is for her selfless use of her time helping colleagues in the Department quickly learn how to use the many online resources that were necessary to make this term work. Julie worked through Winter finals and ‘spring break’ helping other faculty.

Joe Angleson

Chair, Biological Sciences

Kristin Andrud

Staff, Lab Director, Biological Sciences

I heard some positive unsolicited feedback from a student in one of your labs. The student said that your lab on “Microbial murders” was very fun and that he learned a lot. Thank you for all of the work you are doing to create great learning opportunities in these challenging times!

Nic Ormes

Associate Dean, NSM

Adrienne Gonzales

Administrator, Director/CWLC

Nothing has been easy as the first-year language program has transitioned to the CWLC, but our fearless leader has taken it all in stride. She has led us with commitment, intelligence and compassion through this process filled with ambiguity and changes. Adrienne has managed to protect her faculty and staff from many hassles as she pushed forward and she has managed to make us feel appreciated and valued. We are excited for our new opportunities ahead. She is an exceptional director and we’d all like her to know that we appreciate her incredible efforts on our behalf. Our sincere appreciation, Emily, Maha, Miho & Terri-Jo

Terri Woellner

Teaching Professor / Languages & Literatures

Stephanie Roberts

Staff, Interim Director, Office of International Education

Stephanie has been a courageous, compassionate, and devoted interim leader for the OIE during a time of much uncertainty and change. Her remarkable encouragement and advocacy over the last eight months have guided us through navigating our robust COVID-19 response, strengthened OIE relationships with many partners across the university, and affirmed the value of our unit’s impactful work. As we continue to envision the future of education abroad, Stephanie’s resilience, empathy, and kind spirit will remain an inspiration for her team.

Krystal Booker-Reusch

Program Coordinator, Office of International Education

Cherie Stribling

Staff, Strategic Sourcing Manager

Cherie rocks because of her can do spirit and her willingness to adapt and work with others. She is someone that I has an infectious positivity, which is so needed right now. She is a true team player and I am grateful to have her on our team!

Stephanie Greenberg

Procurement Contract Administrator

Kate Rice

Faculty, Adjunct instructor / Languages & Literatures

Kate is an adjunct instructor whose guidance during the transition to remote teaching made a world of difference in our elementary French program. She has great ideas, excellent pedagogy and a true love of the profession. Her willingness to share and to take extra time to help the direction of our program this spring has made an important and impactful improvement to what we do.

Terri-Jo Woellner

Teaching Professor / Languages & Literatures

Elizabeth WIllis

Faculty, Visiting Teaching Professor

Elizabeth has been teaching with us for a few years and she has helped to shape our program in important ways. Her teaching and her sense of caring for her students, our students!, is exemplary. We were very fortunate to have had her on our team here at DU!

Terri-Jo Woellner

Teaching Professor

Kara Traikoff

Faculty, University Academic Programs

Kara has lead free guided meditations over the past couple months. These meditations benefit many people inside, and outside of the DU community. This opportunity creates exceptional community through Kara’s teaching of mindfulness, and meditation practice.

THANK YOU KARA!

Anonymous