Staff Participation Achievement Award
The Staff Advisory Council's Staff Recognition Committee has created a new way of spreading that excitement throughout the year with quarterly SPARTA (Staff PARTicipation Achievement) awards. The SPARTA is intended to be a fun, sincere, and personal appreciation of employee effort, recognizing staff who go above and beyond in their work or perform good deeds or acts of kindness. It’s these kinds of contributions that make a big difference in the culture of the university, and we want to lift individuals who are contributing in meaningful ways.
The SPARTA will give a shout-out to our amazing staff who:
- Perform random acts of kindness on campus.
- Spread good vibes throughout their department.
- Have a positive attitude.
- Are ready to accommodate when help is needed.
- Have perfect quarterly attendance.
- Have made fantastic contributions in committee work.
- Have had a superstar moment.
- Have made an impact to their department or colleagues.
- Produce great work over the quarter.
- You tell us!
Your submission will be vetted for inclusion by the SAC's Staff Recognition Committee, so please follow the intention of the award and include only positive, appropriate language. All entries which are deemed appropriate by the Staff Recognition Committee will be showcased on the SAC website, in the Daily, and other locations across campus.
Note
The SAC Staff Recognition Committee reserves the right to reject submissions or edit for length, content or clarity. We will not publicize recognition of a person working outside normal working hours, spending personal funds on behalf of the university, or situations that violate labor law, and professionalism. Submitting parties are responsible for the accuracy of their content.
SPARTA nominations are not the opinions of the university /supervisor and do not indicate successful job performance.
SPARTA Winners
Leah Addison
Leah is the official "Third Floor Positivity Director and Keeper of the Vibe". She does a great job of keeping up team morale. She works hard on all of work and even in stressful situations manages to make you laugh.
Isaac Anayas
Isaac is consistently kind and approachable. He listens and is a pleasure to partner with through our various collaborations.
Sam Baker
I strongly suspect the reason Sam has been so successful in her role since arriving at CWRU is because of how she treats everyone she interacts with. She is visionary and is keen on building strong relationships with students, staff, and faculty alike. I can't wait to see Sam's continued leadership impact our every day!
Malana Bey
Malana keeps the PREP and other departments within the Graduate education office running. Her service and dedication here at CWRU has kept the PREP and HLB program running for years. Her relationship based approach with students has nurtured many relationships within and outside of the school of medicine. There is no question on her passion for education and CWRU.
Christie Borkan
I'm nominating Christie Borkan for a SPARTA award because she is the ideal colleague. Christie has made a lasting impact to her department through her dependability and pleasantness. She's friendly and cares that she can support her coworkers with their Office of Student Services needs, and she is a person who cares how you're doing outside of work as well. I have been so grateful to work with Christie for those reasons since I got to FPB 5 years ago; she's kept my job running smoothly!
Ned Breznai
Ned is one of the best individuals that I have ever met excelling at creative brainstorming. He is always a professional and is the reason I have been able to visualize our marketing materials for our programs. I am truly grateful for the work Ned does and how he approaches it.
Ned Breznai
This is the second year I have been the chair of the University Spirit Committee. From last year to this year there has been an energy shift on the committee and Ned is a big reason why. His excitement for providing opportunities for CWRU staff to show off their spirit is infectious. As a liaison between the Spirit Committee and University Marketing & Communications, Ned has helped amplify BlueCWRU Fridays and spearheaded the recent BlueCWRU t-shirt sales for faculty and staff.
Jason Buitrago
Jason is an exceptional leader who leads by example, constantly teaching and inspiring me to grow as both a professional and a person. His guidance has been invaluable, fostering a strong work ethic in our team while also championing a healthy work-life balance.
Jason’s leadership style is both supportive and motivating, creating an environment where we feel empowered to excel and prioritize our well-being.
Shannon Butcheck
In addition to her current responsibilities, Shannon has taken on the responsibility of leading the Cleveland Health Sciences Library through the upcoming change to the campus library catalog and infrastructure (LSP). This work is a multi-year project and an enormous team effort by all of the campus libraries. Shannon applies her skills, time, expertise, and is a solid leader. She makes and has made meaningful impact to make this implementation happen. #ROCKSTAR
Tyler Cajka
Through every project and initiative, Tyler is always positive and exudes exemplary levels of customer service. A true team player!
Garrett Cole
Garrett is an amazing!! When the Financial Aid and Enrollment Operations teams moved from Yost to NRB/Sears, Garrett was there to assist in any and all issues with setting up our laptops. Since then, anytime we have a computer issue, as soon as he walks through the door, we all completely relax because Garrett is here. He is appreciated tremendously and we don't know what we would have done without him.
Jeremy Cole
Jeremy is the glue that holds our office - and the state of computing for University General - together. He is a natural leader and it is clear he cares deeply about the people he interacts with, with his ultimate goal being to create a positive environment.
Bill Coller
To say that Bill is the glue that keeps the ship afloat is an understatement. Bill's genuine and kind approach makes him a wonderful colleague. He is creative in finding solutions, and is always thinking about making a positive impact on both his fellow colleagues and students. We are fortunate to call Bill a member of our CWRU family.
J.P. Cooney
To say that every time I leave a conversation with J.P. with genuine positive feelings is an
understatement. J.P. is one of the most self-aware and kind colleagues in my career. He keeps customer service at the forefront of his every day, and values the importance of a strong team. CWRU is lucky to have J.P. as a staff member!
Linda Day
Linda is a bridge between the old and the new. She has a depth of knowledge reaching back decades at CWRU and is always looking for ways to move forward, refine processes, and embrace new ideas while being patient and approachable by students and staff. She is the glue that holds our department together.
Christian Essman
Christian is a visionary and is always keen on lifting those around him! I am always inspired when working with Christian!
Diane Feckanin
Diane is someone I can reach out to for pretty much any question. No matter if it is time
approval, P-Card/D-Card usage or audits, T&E reimbursements or simply to get a room number in Wolstein Hall, she either has the answer or knows who does. I appreciate her tremendously and know she has my back!
Morgan Gougler
Morgan is ultimate team player and works diligently to not only complete her task efficiently but also looks for ways to improve process and procedures. She seeks out professional development opportunities within the department and division. Most recent examples is overseeing our community service project, 2nd & 7 reading program. In addition, she was accepted into the CWRU women's leadership program. Both are examples of her commitment of continued growth.
Dedra Hanna Adams
I'm nominating Dedra Hanna Adams for a SPARTA award because she is an asset to our
school. I've never had Dedra unable or unwilling to help me with a task, and she is committed to helping our students at every turn. Dedra is in the Office of Student Services and she helps to create a welcoming space where you can trust in the work she does and in her genuine care for people, with focus on various DEI committees. Dedra is an enthusiastic coworker that I'm so glad to have gotten to work with.
Peggy Harris
I am currently pursuing a PhD in the School of Nursing and have yet to encounter an individual as dedicated and compassionate as Peggy Harris. Since her integration into our team, she has consistently enhanced our work environment. Peggy has assisted me in resolving various challenges associated with our study, notably in the areas of optimizing our shipping processes for dispatching devices to participants, refining our collection and tracking methods for biological specimens.
Peggy Harris
When the team interviewed her, she told us that the students on her previous team would call her "lab mom" and as the undergrad RA working with her in the past three months, she lives up to this title. She's accountable, meticulous and witty. I'm glad that we have her on our team.
Peggy Harris
I am honored to nominate Peggy Harris for this recognition. She represents the qualities of an outstanding team member, significantly impacting our department with her positivity and collaboration. From her start, Peggy has proactively fostered teamwork, encouraging open dialogue in meetings and offering help to colleagues facing challenges. Her positive demeanor creates trust, making everyone feel safe to share ideas. Peggy is reliable, consistently meeting deadlines and demonstrating integrity.
Peggy Harris
Peggy Harris continuously brings a positive attitude and warming presence to the FPB
environment. Her random acts of kindness are the small acts that matter in times of difficulty or stress. She has always been a student, faculty, and peer advocate. She will not give up on you. Peggy's contributions have strengthened collaboration efforts, study productivity, and overall team morale.
Emily Hastings
Emily is such a positive force on our team - always willing to lend a helping hand or offer an ear to listen! I have only been at CWRU for a year and Emily patiently and kindly answered even the silliest of questions that I had when I first started. Every team needs an Emily!!
Pierra Heard
Pierra is consistently the first to step up and help out colleagues across the School of Medicine!
Pierra Heard
Pierra always goes above and beyond the students she works with. She is also a very
supportive team mate and always there to help!
Logan Jacklin
Logan has had an exemplary year! Her performance is consistently exceeding expectations and her outcomes are excellent. She approaches colleagues with a people-first mentality and it pays off immense dividends.
Leah Jeunnette
If I had the ability to clone Leah, I would! She is consistently open to trying new initiatives and keeps her staff and students as a guiding principle in her every day work. Leah is a true CWRU rockstar!
Mary Kimble
Mary is so kind to everyone no matter their role at CWRU. She is constantly calling for
collaboration amongst all of the schools to bring support into all recruitment initiatives. Mary shows up ready to accommodate, excited and ready to work.
Catherine King
Catherine does great work at the library and is open to pitching in on special projects. Catherine is SPARTASTIC!
Kathy Lee
In less than one year, Kathy Lee has demonstrated a strong willingness to establish positive working relationships and to meet every student, staff, and faculty with high levels of understanding and respect. A true partner at CWRU!
Kyra Lobdell
Consistently sees the positive in people and values the importance of relationships! CWRU is lucky to have Kyra as a dedicated staff member!
Owen Lockhart
For the last several years, Owen Lockhart has been the bedrock of the Biology Department. From maintaining the Biology lab spaces during the COVID-19 lockdowns, the DeGrace Hall flood over winter break in 2022, to the construction and moving into the new Biology Teaching Labs in the Dental Research Building, Owen has performed with determination and aplomb. He has met all of these challenges with uncommon good cheer.
Shaelin Maresco
Shae is curious and creative and is always thinking about the team dynamic. She remembers details that makes her fellow colleagues feel heard.
Alyssa Marynowski
Alyssa is the best enrollment marketing partner I could ever ask for! She is creative and values the importance of marketing our entire School of Medicine as a mechanism to lift all the various academic programs. She is kind, understanding, and effective. I always leave a meeting with Alyssa in a positive mood!
Rachael Mason
Professional at all times. She is accommodating and brings a positive work environment
Emily Mayock
Since my arrival to CWRU, Emily's leadership has been pivotal in maximizing the work our marketing and communications team executes every day. She has her eyes set on the big picture while treating every person she encounters with respect and understanding. I am grateful for your leadership, Emily.
Emily Mayock
Emily is simply outstanding. I'm not sure if she's ever been recognized before, but she is an incredible leader. She's empathetic and kind, leads with an understanding approach, is keen on details and making sure things are done right the first time. But she's also funny and brings a sense of joy to her team. During the VP transition in UMC, Emily also stepped up and took lead on many aspects of the department, showing outstanding qualities of leadership.
Jeremy Naab
I’m honored to nominate Jeremy Naab, whose deep knowledge and constant willingness to help have been invaluable to the University. Jeremy consistently supports colleagues, answering with patience and a positive attitude, no matter the complexity. His commitment to sharing expertise and fostering skills across the university makes him an exceptional coworker. I couldn’t have asked for a better teammate during my time in the Registrar’s Office. He is a much valued colleague.
Wesley Schaub
Wes spreads good vibes through out UAS with his weekly baked goods and great sense of humor. When he doesn't have student appointments, his office door is always open and he is generous with his time to answer colleagues' questions whether they are related to work or gardening. From my point of view, Wes has a wealth of knowledge that our office is fortunate to have to better our support our students.
Carey Skinner Moss
Carey (they/she) is the biggest cheerleader for every single person they work with. If you looked up a definition of "commitment" or "hard work" in the theoretical CWRU dictionary, you'd find a picture of Carey. They go above and beyond to champion their coworkers; they produce phenomenal work and streamlined processes; they are a bubbly ray of sunshine in every room they enter. Anyone at CWRU would be lucky to know and work with Carey.
Rachel Stegemann
Rachel has been an outstanding supervisor and team member this year. She is always willing to help whenever needed and always answers questions anyone may have. She is quick to volunteer for events outside of our office when needed, such as Late Night Breakfast at the end of each semester. Rachel's passion for supporting students is evident in everything she does.
Theresa Szczepanik
Theresa is a true example of a colleague partner that makes our university stronger every day. Her attention to detail is phenomenal and her approach to working with colleagues is
consistently strong. She aims to build bridges every where she goes. Thank you for everything you do Theresa!
Pamela Wearsch
I am honored to nominate Pam for this award. Her dedication to the Pathology Department is unmatched, as she consistently goes above and beyond to support our team and drive the department's growth. Pam is also a dedicated mother, balancing her responsibilities with grace and resilience. Pam's work ethic and passion have genuinely inspired me, pushing me to strive for greater excellence both in and outside of the office.
Heather Willis
Heather consistently goes above and beyond for our office and students. As the lead for the Spirit Committee, Heather embodies school spirit and tries to ensure that everyone she comes in contact with does as well. Her positive attitude and innovative ways of thinking have brought a great perspective to the Office of Student Activities' Leadership, making her an invaluable asset. She works tirelessly to ensure that the Class Officer Collective is working towards becoming the best it can be.
Heather Willis
I am thrilled to nominate Heather Willis for the SPARTA award. Through her outstanding work with the Spirit Committee, Heather has been instrumental in fostering enthusiasm and school pride across campus. She creates an inclusive, welcoming environment, thoughtfully considering diverse identities in every event. Her positive attitude, support for others, and dedication to the Spartan community make her a model of school spirit. Her efforts have truly enriched our campus culture.