Honors
President’s staff awards recognize leadership and teamwork
Ten staff employees received Excellence in Service Awards, and six interdepartmental groups that worked collaboratively to improve services to the university received Bridge Awards at the fourth-annual President’s Recognition Program Awards Ceremony and Showcase held at the Rutgers Student Center October 17.
The event, planned and organized by University Human Resources (UHR), honors individuals and teams on all campuses for their outstanding achievements and contributions to the university. The showcase, which preceded the ceremony, features displays that illustrate work processes, team goals, and outcomes; it is designed to foster the sharing of “best practices” and encourage networking among staff.
Bruce Fehn, interim senior vice president for administration and chief financial officer, opened the ceremony, thanking employees for “keeping Rutgers running smoothly,” and for their support of the university’s missions and goals. Fehn said he was impressed by the number of projects in which employees rededicated efforts to technological solutions for improving Rutgers’ business processes. Tech projects that won awards included a program for conducting background checks on prospective employees and Degree Navigator, an online system that provides students an assessment of their academic progress.
President Richard L. McCormick praised all the nominees for their noteworthy accomplishments and exceptional commitment, creativity, and teamwork. This year, a total of 317 representing 128 units and departments were nominated for recognition, with 30 teams nominated for Bridge Awards and 95 individuals recommended for Excellence in Service Awards. 
McCormick said the President’s Recognition Program was inaugurated four years ago with the purpose of honoring and offering for emulation the most outstanding staff achievements. “Just as important as celebrating the winners is holding you up to your fellow employees as examples,” McCormick said. “Congratulations not simply for what you have achieved, but for providing a model for the rest of the university.”
McCormick also spoke of the importance of staff support in relationship to Rutgers’ new tagline – “Jersey Roots, Global Reach” – a slogan soon to appear on billboards and television spots. “This simple phrase speaks to our commitment as a university to serve the needs of the state of New Jersey and, at the same time, to extend our service and our research to issues and challenges that exist far beyond the state,” McCormick said.
“While recognizing you today for all that you do close to home – on Rutgers’ campuses, in Rutgers’ offices – I truly believe that the work that you do has global reach. A lot of kudos goes to our faculty for their research ... but the dedication of our staff members is absolutely essential,” McCormick said. “The efforts and achievements of our students and faculty are made possible as a result of their tremendous support.”
For a complete list of award recipients and event photographs, visit the UHR website.
UHR presently is accepting nominations for the 2008 Excellence in Service and Bridge Awards. Anyone presently affiliated with Rutgers – faculty, staff, alumni, or students – many nominate staff members for either award.