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.
View photos from the 2016 Libraries Staff Awards.
Celebrating Excellence: UH Libraries 2015 Staff Awards
University of Houston Libraries honored outstanding librarians and staff at an awards ceremony this month, held at the Rockwell Pavilion. Dean Dana Rooks commended the entire staff of the Libraries at the annual event, stating that it is her favorite day of the year. With her retirement swiftly approaching, this is also Dean Rooks’ last Staff Awards.
Dean Dana Rooks speaks at the UH Libraries 2015 Staff Awards.
The recipient of the Dean’s Library Advocate Award is Cathy Horn, associate professor in the College of Education. 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 went to Acquisitions, a team that has demonstrated exceptional creativity, collegiality and hospitality in collaborating with other units. Team members are Mary Rico, Yesenia Umana, Kelli Getz, Gloria Robinson-Citizen, Lisa Lomas, Jeannie Pham, Dahn Bang, Mike Thompson, Judith Parsons and Erin Lew.
Christie Peters received the Trailblazer Award for Leading Organization Change, for her critical work in developing new services for data management, helping to expand the Libraries’ digital repositories, and integrating the Libraries more fully into research activities on campus.
The John P. McGovern Rookie of the Year Award winner is Mauricio Lazo. Although new to the organization, Lazo has helped strengthen the Libraries brand by providing creative and technical expertise in numerous multimedia projects.
The Student Achievement Award recipients are Kaylie Kahlich (Music Library) and Alex Segura (Metadata and Digitization Services), both demonstrating superior performance and accomplishments in the course of their duties. The McGovern Outstanding Student Award went to Sara Craig, an employee in Special Collections.
Cindy Romero was honored with the Staff Achievement Award for her consistently exemplary work and friendly demeanor while onboarding new employees. Esmeralda Fisher received the Staff Achievement Award for establishing new communications strategies and revitalizing existing channels. The McGovern Outstanding Staff Award recipient is Marcus Elizondo, whose expertise in systems and excellent customer service have strengthened the performance of his department and the Libraries.
The Librarian Achievement Award recipients are Alex Simons and Lee Hilyer. Simons is known for building strong relationships with her colleagues throughout the Libraries, and has made significant contributions to a number of public services projects. Hilyer’s service-oriented professionalism and practical insights make him a valued asset to the Libraries. Jackie Bronicki received the McGovern Outstanding Librarian Award for providing expertise in statistics and analysis, and for managing ambitious, large-scale projects in collections assessment.
The 2015 Staff Awards event was brought to fruition through the efforts of Marissa Aiello, Gillian Bautista, Kelsey Brett, Esmeralda Fisher, Kristine Greive, Stacey Lavender, Stephanie Lewin-Lane, Hayley Moreno, Andy Nguyen, Santi Thompson and Carolyn Meanley.