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Congratulations to all the recipients of the 2010 Staff Recognition and Excellence Awards!

Staff Member of the Year:  Nicole Chmela, Ministry at WTC

“I have seen her reach across campus to extend a hand to colleagues in various schools and departments.  I have witnessed the great work she has done assisting students as they follow their hearts and passions.”

“She isn’t content to leave things as they are, she continually asks how we can go deeper.  She doesn’t get caught up in the 'more' of our society, but rather is concerned with how we help students have more meaningful experiences while here at Loyola.”

“She holds fast the element of justice of the Jesuit tradition.  She is committed to ensuring that students broaden their perspective so as to consider the implications of their actions on those on the margins.  She is active in supporting initiatives that bring the WTC into the discussion of issues that affect our brothers and sisters around the world.”

“There can be no doubt that she approaches all she does with a servant’s heart.  Her concern is not for herself, but rather for those around her.  She seeks not ways to get herself into the spotlight, but rather ways to celebrate the accomplishments of others.  She is a shining example to us all and a gift to our community.”

Kay Egan Award (Person for Others):  Jane Neufeld, Dean of Students/Student Development

“As a lead member of the Behavioral Concerns Team, Jane exemplifies what it means to be 'a person for others.'  She does her job with utmost competence and skill, but also brings a tremendous amount of care and concern to her job.  No student is treated like a number.  Rather, each student is treated with the dignity and respect he or she deserves.  And, she extends the same care and concern to everyone she encounters – faculty, staff, students, or alumni – and especially to those she supervises.  Jane can be tough when she needs to be, but she does it with a velvet glove.  She also exemplifies the 'care of the whole person' – striving to see that the individual’s physical, social, emotional and spiritual needs are being met.  And, at the same time she insures the safety and security of the Loyola community as a whole.”

Student Service Award (Person for Students):  Alex See, Quinlan School of Business

“With at least 1200 advising appointments in a given year, three times as many emails, and phone calls from current students, prospective students, and parents, Alex works tirelessly to provide expert academic advice to help business students have a successful undergraduate experience at Loyola.

Alex's eagerness to help students does not stop with his department.  He regularly helps out with university events such as Parents Weekend, Founders Dinner, Finals Breakfasts, Opening night for Mens BB season, singing in the choir and cantoring for various Masses at Madonna Della Strada.  Many faculty regularly reach out to him when they have a classroom or student issue to be resolved.  He is quick to help anyone and everyone who either asks for help or just appears to need help.  He is a person for others and in particular our 1500 students in the School of Business.  He is truly deserving of a Staff Recognition Award as Person for Students.”

Rising Star Award:  Brendan Shea, University Marketing & Communications

“Brendan personifies everything Loyola looks for in an employee:  he is talented, hardworking, driven and dedicated to helping others.  As UMC’s sole copywriter, he touches almost every communication piece the University distributes from television and radio scripts to many of our print materials.  Brendan is a leader who stood out from day one and someone who is able to inspire others with new and creative ways to think.”

Team Spirit Award:  Student Activities & Greek Affairs

“The Student Activities and Greek Affairs Office has made tremendous strides in the past two years to become a cohesive, highly functioning, and high performing team.  Their work over the past year in trying to streamline all of the processes has resulted in better service to students.  Further, their work in taking the lead on the coordination of Welcome Week and the first ever Spirit Week exhibits their professionalism, creativity, and desire to collaborate across departmental and divisional lines.

This Department, in many ways, exemplifies what it means to work harmoniously.  They support one another's work and the work of other colleagues.  They are always ready and willing to serve as a resource.  They clearly enjoy one another, their work, and the students of Loyola.  Their creative spirit and sense of fun are contagious.  I can think of no other 'team' more deserving of this award.”