Employee Recognition Week
Employee Recognition Week was November 14-18, 2022. We thoroughly enjoyed the week celebrating employees who make a positive impact on others to help achieve our mission. Every day we focused on an important aspect of excellence and shared ways to recognize fellow Warriors.
Please come back soon to learn more about how we will celebrate Employee Recognition Week in 2023. See below to learn what we did during Employee Recognition Week 2022.
Daily Value Focus:
Monday, November 14, 2022: Warrior Heroes
This day is all about individuals who proactively accept challenges and willingly help others with a "can-do" attitude and an exceptional commitment to service that enables us to achieve the university's mission.
- Leaders
Use this Job Aid to learn more about Warrior Heroes, see examples of how to write a brief description of why they should receive recognition, and determine if you'd like to send a certificate of recognition and/or submit a nomination for an Annual Employee Recognition Award.
Send a certificate of recognition to an individual and/or team any time you'd like.
Celebrate Warrior Heroes today in a way that is meaningful for your team. Share a treat together in a team meeting over stories of how people in your team provide exceptional service. Send thanks from your team to another team for their service to you. Call out people whose service may be less visible to others, but no less appreciated. What other ideas can your team come up with to recognize Heroes in the coming months?
- Learning Resources
- Article: Improving Culture of Celebration in Higher Ed
- Building Personal Power Through Influence (course)
- Culture of Celebration Continuum: We build our culture of recognition, celebration and appreciation in many ways. The "Continuum" depicts opportunities to show appreciation for others along a range of best practices. Some of the most valued forms of recognition have no financial cost, but are the most meaningful to us. Which elements do you use? Are there some that you could add to what you already do? Download a copy of the Culture of Celebration Continuum
- Best Practice Elements: Our reward and recognition strategy purposefully incorporates three elements to build a culture of excellence: encouraging effort, celebrating careers, and rewarding results. Together, these best practice components give us several opportunities to appreciate fellow warriors in meaningful ways to create high levels of job satisfaction and engagement. Download a copy of the Best Practices Elements
- Nominees & Warrior Heroes
A Warrior Hero proactively accepts challenges and willingly helps others with a "can do" attitude and an exceptional commitment to service that enables us to achieve the university's mission. Meet our Warrior Heroes:
Nominees:
Individuals:
- Audra Forsberg (Director, One Card, Parking)
- Karen Gessler (Ed. Specialist, Pharmacy)
- Amanda Jointer (Assoc. Dir., IRB, SPA)
- Erin Katz (Clinical Veterinarian, DLAR, Laboratory Animal Resources)
- Merilyn Merkison (Assoc Dir., Benefits Admin., Total Rewards)
- Deborah Mical (Manager, Housing)
- Alicia O'Connell (Sec. IV, Kinesiology Health & Sports Studies)
- Svetlana Pacifico (Applications Project Leader, C&IT)
- Autumn Shelton (Sec. II, Kinesiology Health & Sports Studies)
- Christopher Williams (Asst. Dir., Edit Services, Marketing)
- Jamie Williams McQueen (Asst. Prof., Clinical, School of Medicine)
Teams:
- Chemistry Staff (nominated by Matthew Allen)
- Physician Assistant Studies Program Faculty & Staff (nominated by Mary Jo Pilat)
- Research Administrative Services, School of Medicine (nominated by Lisa Wisdom)
Today's Warrior Hero
Tonya Whitehead (Associate Director, Office for Teaching & Learning)Tonya was nominated by Carly Lesoski and Sara Kacin who wrote, "Tonya's leadership through the pandemic has been an absolutely essential element of the success of our office's functioning, as well as OTL's ability to support instructors across campus to create quality learning experiences for students.
She has an incredible ability to quickly evaluate situations and come up with the best possible solutions for supporting individual faculty, as well as providing support to departments across campus. She is always willing to help OTL staff members, as well as instructors, to ensure that we're able to act on the university's mission of creating and advancing knowledge while also preparing students to thrive."
Congratulations, Tonya!
Team: Office of Housing and Residential Life On-Call Duty Team
Marc Anderson, Trycennia Dean-Motley, Nikki Dunham, Zia Felder, Brian Fitzgerald, Vincent Hill, Jennifer Johnson, Crys Mobbs, Rodrina Moore, Taylor Ross, Kelly Thacker, and Katie Turner.
"This team did an amazing job dealing with the additional workload that came from the COVID-19 quarantine and isolation protocols…We had over 2300 students decide to live on campus, even with a more contagious Delta variant of COVID-19 spreading in community living. Many members of this team exposed themselves on a daily basis to this virus by moving COVID-19 positive (or assumed positive) students into quarantine/isolation spaces, delivering food and escorting students for COVID-19 testing. Zoom sessions and other programs were conducted so students would not feel so isolated and alone. ..All of this work was done with a high level of courage as the vaccine was not yet available. This team created a great partnership with the Campus Health Center to make a positive impact for the WSU Community."
Congratulations to the Office of Housing and Residential Life On-Call Duty Team!
Tuesday, November 15, 2022: Warrior Excellence
Celebrate Individuals and teams who consistently achieve the highest quality outcomes by going above and beyond the expected and demonstrate an unparalleled work ethic with exceptional character.
- Leaders
Use this Job Aid to learn more about Warrior Excellence, see examples of how to write a brief description of why they should receive recognition, and determine if you'd like to send a certificate of recognition and/or submit a nomination for an Annual Employee Recognition Award.
Send a certificate of recognition to an individual and/or team any time you'd like.
Celebrate excellence in performance today with a "spotlight" on someone in your team who went above and beyond to achieve an individual/team goal. Take an "excellence walk" together to enjoy your success. Start a friendly excellence "GIF war" to send the best compliments back and forth; as the team leader, start the "volleying!"
- Learning Resources
- Nominees & Warriors with Excellence
A Warrior with Excellence consistently achieves the highest quality outcomes by going above and beyond the expected and demonstrates an unparalleled work ethic with exceptional character. Meet today's Warriors with Excellence:
Nominees:
Individuals:
- Tricia Koufes (Mgr., Dean's Office, Graduate School)
- Terri Stubblefield (Mgr., Admissions & Records, School of Social Work)
- Anabela Trifan (Sr. Grant Contract Admin., School of Social Work)
- Sharon Tse (Consultant, OED, Human Resources)
Teams:
- College of Engineering Research Support (nominated by Lauren Orleman)
Today's Warrior with Excellence
Ligia Pamfilie (Global Learning Design Coordinator, Office for Teaching & Learning)
In her nomination Carly Lesoski wrote, "Ligia has made an incredibly deep impact on teaching here at WSU. In consultations I've had with faculty who know her, they regularly sing her praises and talk about the tangible, positive impact she has made on their teaching…She has a deep interest in helping faculty to create courses that are culturally responsive and accessible for all learners…Within the OTL, Ligia is considered by many to be a mentor. Ligia consistently goes above and beyond to help instructors to be successful and, in turn, to ensure the success of WSU students. I cannot think of anyone more deserving of the Warrior Excellence honor."
Congratulations, Ligia!
Team: University Libraries
The University Libraries team was nominated by Virginia Thomas who wrote, "In my career, I have had the pleasure of working with many excellent librarians, supervisors, clerks and technicians at different universities, but the University Libraries team is extraordinary. They never take 'No' or 'Can't' for an answer. They have figured out creative ways to make things work: Contactless Book Circulation, Remote Reference Services, Virtual Research Presentations, Digital Access to Print-Only Resources, Safe, Socially-Distanced Work and Study Environments. They volunteered to come to work on campus even before vaccines were available. They enabled the Libraries to re-open to support WSU students and faculty. Ultimately, they made it possible to once again welcome members of the community to use the Libraries, safely. That is Warrior Impact!"
Congratulations to the University Libraries Team!
Wednesday, November 16, 2022: Warrior Trailblazers
Recognize individuals and teams today who create outstanding innovation that positively impacts the Wayne State community by demonstrating the courage to implement new things that result in improved processes and a better customer experience.
- Leaders
Use this Job Aid to learn more about Warrior Trailblazers, see examples of how to write a brief description of why they should receive recognition, and determine if you'd like to send a certificate of recognition and/or submit a nomination for an Annual Employee Recognition Award.
Send a certificate of recognition to an individual and/or team any time you'd like.
Do a problem-solving activity with your team to brainstorm solutions to a current problem; don't edit initial ideas look for an ideal state or "what could be" and then identify boundaries or barriers to overcome to make it happen. Reward and recognize learning and effort that puts someone and/or your team on the path to innovation and creativity even through mistakes. Ask your team how they would like to be recognized for innovation and then put out a challenge that will earn the desired (valued) recognition when aspects of the challenge are met.
- Learning Resources
- Building Innovation Cultures and Leaders (course)
- Creating a Collaborative Workgroup (5 min video)
- The Art and Skill of Collaborative Leadership (book)
- Developing a Team of Creative Gurus (course)
- Nominees & Warrior Trailblazers
A Warrior Trailblazer creates outstanding innovation that positively impacts the Wayne State community by demonstrating the courage to implement new things that result in improved processes and a better customer experience. Meet today's Warrior Trailblazer:
Nominees:
Individuals:
- Trycennia Dean-Motley (Asst. Dir., Housing & Dining Operations, Office of Housing & Residential Life(
- Pearlanne Pollard (Executive Asst., to the AVP & CHRO, Human Resources)
- Michelle Schnell (Bus. Proc. Improv. Proj. Mgr., HR Analytics & Reporting, Human Resources)
Teams:
- Nurse Anesthesia Faculty Team (nominated by Mary Walczyk)
- Social Justice Action Committee (SJAC) Career Development Team
Today's Warrior Trailblazer
Krystal Tosch (Web Accessibility Coord., Marketing & Communications)Krystal was nominated by Sara Kacin who wrote, "After working in the Office for Teaching & Learning (OTL) Krystal transitioned to a role in Marketing, shared with the OTL, that is the first of its kind at WSU: Accessibility Coordinator. In this role, she puts her instructional design and accessibility expertise to work to design and facilitate accessibility training for faculty and staff across campus. Her passion and drive for this topic have impacted various aspects of campus, including public-facing websites, teaching practices, and internal documentation, such as OTL guides. She is a leader in the OTL on Accessibility and supports us all to develop the skills necessary to implement best practices and to guide faculty in doing the same. Krystal's ability to implement new and equitable practices to improve student and customer experiences make her an excellent candidate for the Warrior Trailblazers award."
Congratulations, Krystal!
Thursday, November 17, 2022: Warriors Who Care
This day focuses on individuals and teams who make a positive difference in the lives of others by valuing all people, demonstrating empathy, concern/care, and supporting others to create a culture of spirit and belonging that helps to set WSU apart.
- Leaders
Use this Job Aid to learn more about Warriors Who Care, see examples of how to write a brief description of why they should receive recognition, and determine if you'd like to send a certificate of recognition and/or submit a nomination for an Annual Employee Recognition Award.
Send a certificate of recognition to an individual and/or team any time you'd like.
Empathy involves being able to understand how others feel and demonstrating compassion toward them. Don't just "stand in someone else's shoes," walk with them! Do something together as a team today to get to know each other better. Join forces for a shared cause. Buddy up as a pair or triad to job shadow for an hour or a day. Come back together to discuss what you learned from each other.
- Staff
Visit the Culture of Care website to send a Care Note to a fellow Warrior and find tips and tools with fun ways you can build a culture of celebration.
For some people, empathy comes more naturally, but there are things anyone can do to improve. Find out 1 thing that you didn't know about someone today. Be a "radical listener" monitor yourself in an upcoming conversation are you truly present with that person? Identify one habit that you could adjust to ensure that you are listening to others, not just hearing them.
- Learning Resources
- Tribute to Those We've Lost
Please join us in remembering WSU Warriors who we've lost during the last year.
- Nominees & Warriors Who Care
Warriors Who Care make a positive difference in the lives of others by valuing all people, demonstrating empathy, concern/care, and support others to create a culture of spirit and belonging that helps to set WSU apart.
Nominees
Individuals
- Dawn Aziz (Director, OED, Human Resources)
- Cecelia Dawson (Supv., Facilities Support, Admin & Finance, C&IT)
- Julie Crego (Interim HR Dir., Human Resources)
- Amanda Palma (Acad. Services Officer II, College of Nursing)
- Pearlanne Pollard (Executive Asst., to the AVP & CHRO, Human Resources)
Teams
- PHOENIX and CRSC Team at IBio (nominated by Phillip Levy)
Today's Warriors Who Care
Trycennia Dean-Motley (Assist. Dir., Housing & Dining Services)
Trycennia meets with students on a regular basis and is always willing to offer and help connect those students with support; whether it be another person on campus, financial resources, or information that will help them in the future. If Trycennia says that she will do something or follow up with another office/person for a student, she can be depended upon to do so in a timely manner. When Trycennia meets with students, she is flexible and willing to listen to their experiences, challenges, and does not judge them instead showing her genuine care and concern. Trycennia works tirelessly to find resources for students so that they can continue at Wayne State and by her doing this, she has helped students feel that they matter, are cared for, and belong. Trycennia also has helped to continue to maintain important collaborative relationships with other campus offices and is truly a Warrior who Cares about others
Congratulations, Trycennia!
Team: School of Social Work Advising Team
Naelah Burks, Geoffrey Jones, Lawrence Robinson, Vanessa Gualtieri, and Andre Iadipaolo
Nominator Anwar Najor-Durack wrote, "The advising and student support team in the School of Social Work includes our academic advisors, writing coach and student organizations liaison. What is truly exceptional about each of them is how ready and willing they are to assist and support our students, prospective students, faculty and staff! They are available to meet with students in person or virtually depending on student needs. They volunteer to attend all kinds of events that support student development and social activities (too many to mention) in person and virtual student development events! Each member takes a lead, and the others support - quickly stepping in and helping when needed without being asked…They truly care and quickly lend a hand to WSU students and employees as well as the surrounding community members. They are an outstanding team and worthy of this award."
Congratulations to the School of Social Work Advising Team!
Friday, November 18, 2022: Warrior Leadership
Say thank you to individuals who provide outstanding leadership in achieving results through others by motivating them, recognizing their talents, and inspiring them to accomplish goals. Leaders also demonstrate the university's values in the pursuit of personal and professional growth.
- Leaders
Use this Job Aid to learn more about Warrior Leadership, see examples of how to write a brief description of why they should receive recognition, and determine if you'd like to send a certificate of recognition and/or submit a nomination for an Annual Employee Recognition Award.
Send a certificate of recognition to an individual and/or team any time you'd like.
Take a moment today to recognize someone who has had a positive influence on you and/or your team. Include a brief discussion with your team on aspects of leadership that they embody. Ask them to share one person in their lives whom they consider an exceptional leader and why (could be fictional, living or not, personal or professional). Share insights together.
- Learning Resources
- Influencing Through Positive Leadership (course)
- Language Tips For Influencing (3 min video)
- Kindness in Leadership (book)
- Women in Leadership: Moving Beyond Gender Roles as a Leader (course)
- Leadership: The Multiplier Effect (book)
- Five Ways to Build Trust and Safety in Hybrid Teams (article)
- What Psychological Safety Looks Like in a Hyrbid Workplace (article)
- Nominees & Warrior Leaders
A Warrior Leader provides outstanding leadership in achieving exceptional results by motivating individuals, recognizing their talents, and inspiring them to accomplish goals. A Warrior Leader demonstrates the university's values in the pursuit of personal and professional growth.
Nominees
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Navjot Bains (Assignment Coord., Housing, Business Operations)
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Carolyn Hafner (Assoc. VP & CHRO, Human Resources)
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Christa Raju (Director, Publications & Design, Mkt. & Communications)
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Juan Richardson (Sr. Dir., Infrastructure & Oper., C&IT)
Today's Warrior Leader
Aliqae Geraci (Director, University Libraries)
Aliqae was nominated by Dan Golodner who wrote, "Aliqae began her work as director the moment that COVID hit our campus. In that time, she has demonstrated kindness towards the staff in dealing with the pandemic, and leadership to guide our return to campus before all other students and faculty... Among many other initiatives, she has led the Reuther Library staff and the WSU Libraries to select a new digital collections platform migration process; worked with C&IT to identify a diversified model for digital storage and preservation, overseen the redesign and reopening of the reading room with FP&M to provide an improved space for the growth of our collections, started new committees to drive facilities, exhibits and events at the Reuther Library, renewed and strengthened the partnership, and secured investment with the Walter and May Reuther Memorial fund. Aliqae Geraci is a leader who exemplifies what a Wayne State Warrior can do and is making our WSU community a better place."
Congratulations, Aliqae!
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"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." ― Maya Angelou