UH Librarians and Staff Recognized for Excellence
University of Houston Libraries honored librarians and staff for outstanding performance at an awards ceremony this month, held at the Rockwell Pavilion. Dean Lisa German addressed the gathering with a message of appreciation for the exemplary service, collaboration, and dedication shown by the recipients of the 2016 awards.
Dean Lisa German with the Outstanding Group Award recipients.
The Dean’s Library Advocate Award was presented to Paula Myrick Short, senior vice president for academic affairs and provost. This award recognizes a University of Houston employee who has worked closely with the Libraries during the past year, and who has made a significant contribution to the success of the Libraries.
The Outstanding Group Award recognizes a group that has made an impactful contribution to its overall success. Marissa Aiello, Kelsey Brett, Melody Condron, Lisa Martin, and Porcia Vaughn of the Walk and Learn microgrant committee received this award for their work in promoting health and workplace wellness.
Nora Dethloff received the Trailblazer Award for Leading Organization Change, for her work in spearheading multiple new projects, including a new reserves system and an open hold service that increased item request and delivery.
The John P. McGovern Rookie of the Year Award winner is Melody Condron, who, in a short time frame, has made significant contributions to her department and the library.
The Student Achievement Award recipients are Hortensia Barrios (Information and Access Services) and Maria Ferreira (Special Collections), both demonstrating superior performance and accomplishments. The McGovern Outstanding Student Award went to Thao Nguyen (Information and Access Services), who has demonstrated high performance, commitment, and a pleasant, upbeat attitude in the course of her duties.
Greg Yerke was honored with the Staff Achievement Award for providing excellent customer service and collaboration in Special Collections. Abra Schnur received the Staff Achievement Award for bringing innovative ideas and a collaborative spirit to every work situation. The McGovern Outstanding Staff Award recipient is Matt Richardson, whose project management skills, thoroughness and collegiality have contributed to substantial changes and improvements in Special Collections.
The Librarian Achievement Award recipients are Jesse Sharpe and Josh Been. Sharpe is a dedicated and distinguished liaison who welcomes collaboration and looks for new ways to work with professors, librarians, and students. Been, known for his interdisciplinary collaboration, has significantly changed not only his department, but the perception of what libraries are and what they can do for users across campus.
Mary Manning received the McGovern Outstanding Librarian Award for providing leadership and advocacy in Special Collections. She has expanded outreach efforts, brought in new collections, and collaborated with various groups to promote and increase access of historical university materials.
Microgrant recipients were also recognized at the event. The 2015-2016 teams included LinkedIn at the Library, Walk and Learn for Wellness, Information and Access Services Student Empowerment Project, and African American Read-In.
The 2016 Staff Awards was brought to fruition through the efforts of Rebecca Arizmendi, Kelsey Brett, Wenli Gao, Anne Gaynor, Chris Holthe, Mauricio Lazo, Stephanie Lewin-Lane, Carolyn Meanley, Susan Ryan, Bethany Scott, and Jyoti Vyas.