Annual Staff Recognition

University Staff Council’s annual Staff Recognition and Excellence Awards honor the extraordinary professional contributions and quality service of University staff whose exemplary work advances 🛰️Telegram飞机号/电报 | +55巴西IP注册 | 成品号 | API接码登录 | 任何设备可用 | 精养1年’s mission and helps fulfill our promise of preparing people to lead extraordinary lives. Faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to nominate an eligible staff member for any on of the seven Annual Recognition & Excellence Awards.

Eligibility

All regular staff members, full-time and part-time (20+ hours per week) are eligible, provided they are on non-probationary status and in good standing with his/her respective department and University at the time of nomination. Previous award recipients are ineligible. Awards will be selected by elected University Staff Council members. To avoid possible conflicts of interest, elected University Staff Council members are not eligible to nominate or be nominated during their terms in office.

Awards and Criteria

In addition to the criteria of each award described below, nominees must have consistently performed in an exemplary manner, exceeded the expectations of their position, and demonstrated commitment to the mission of the University and Loyola's values. Nominees should also embody the following attributes:

Integrity, trust, and ethics
Ambassadorship
Mutual respect and collaboration
Superior service
Professionalism
Pride in work and accountability

Staff Member of the Year Award

To honor and recognize a staff member who has been with the university for at least 1 year and made a significant positive impact within their department and across the University throughout the previous year. This individual has fostered the mission of the University and demonstrated ambassadorship, exceptional leadership, and superior service to the Loyola community (faculty, staff, students & alumni). Over the past year, this individual has demonstrated their willingness to fulfill job-related responsibilities in light of the Jesuit ideals and made a conscious effort of improving their area of the University and the University at large. Staff are ineligible to be nominated for this award if they have been awarded Staff Member of the Year within the last 2 years.

Living the Mission Award (Spirit of St. Ignatius) - NEW!

This award honors a staff member who actively embodies Loyola’s mission of learning, justice, and faith in their daily work. The recipient serves as a mission ambassador by helping colleagues and students encounter Ignatian spirituality, deepen the University’s spirit of excellence in learning experiences, and represent our Ignatian call to justice. They foster a culture of discernment, compassion, and cura personalis within the University community. This award may only be given to a staff member once during their time at the institution.

Kay Egan (Person for Others) Award

To distinguish a staff member with three years or more of University service who has made a significant positive impact within their department during their time at Loyola and has worked to foster the mission of the University. The award recognizes an exemplary colleague who is universally recognized as a resource and co-worker who provides the highest quality of service to the Loyola community (faculty, staff, students & alumni). Staff members can only receive the Kay Egan award once in their time at the institution.

Megs Langdon (Person for Community) Award

To distinguish a staff member with at least 1 year or more University service who has consistently made a significant positive impact beyond Loyola and within the person's larger community. The award recognizes an exemplary colleague who is universally recognized for their community service, including but not limited to: leadership, commitment to social justice, and ability to organize community members. Staff members can only receive the Megs Langdon award once in their time at the institution.

Student Service (Person for Students) Award

To distinguish a staff member who has made an ongoing commitment in providing expert service to our students. The award recognizes an exemplary colleague who has demonstrated initiative and creativity, exceptional individual or team contributions, and continuous improvement in student service. Staff members can only receive the Student Service award once in their time at the institution.

Team Spirit Award

To recognize a department, group, or team of two (2) or more individuals which has made a significant contribution to their department or the University through a new project or initiative that moves the Jesuit mission forward, maintained a harmonious work environment internally and interdepartmentally, and demonstrated a commitment to excellent customer assistance. All members involved should be included in the nomination form, and a department/group/team is ineligible for the Team Spirit award if they have won in the past 2 years.

Rising Star (New Employee) Award

To acknowledge a staff member in their first two years of University service who has made a unique departmental contribution while embracing the Loyola spirit, demonstrated high-quality service, and has a track record of building interdepartmental relationships that lead to continuous improvement. Staff members can only receive the Rising Star award once in their time at the institution.

Award Prizes

Award Name	Prize
Staff Member of the Year	Certificate of Recognition, Letter of Recognition from the President, recognition on University Staff Council website, $1,000 monetary award, one (1) paid day off
Living the Mission (Spirit of St. Ignatius)	Certificate of Recognition, Letter of Recognition from the President, recognition on University Staff Council website, $500 monetary award, one (1) paid day off
Kay Egan (Person for Others)	Certificate of Recognition, Letter of Recognition from the President, recognition on University Staff Council website, $500 monetary award, one (1) paid day off
Megs Landon (Person for Community)	Certificate of Recognition, Letter of Recognition from the President, recognition on University Staff Council website, $500 monetary award, one (1) paid day off
Student Service (Person for Students)	Certificate of Recognition, Letter of Recognition from the President, recognition on University Staff Council website, $500 monetary award, one (1) paid day off
Team Spirit	Certificate of Recognition, Letter of Recognition from the President, recognition on University Staff Council website, Team photo, Ice Cream Social/Continental Breakfast/Pizza Party for team
Rising Star (New Employee)	Certificate of Recognition, Letter of Recognition from the President, recognition on University Staff Council website, $250 monetary award

Nominations

The Loyola community (staff, students, faculty, and administrators) is invited to participate in nominations. All nominations should include specific and current examples of the staff member's achievements and contributions that reflect the principle criteria and attributes mentioned above. To avoid possible conflicts of interest, elected University Staff Council members are not eligible to nominate or be nominated during their terms in office.

Nominations are due April 24, 2026 by 12 p.m. For any questions, please contact USCRecognition@luc.edu.

Selection Process

All nominations will be kept confidential before, during, and after the selection process. Nominations will be reviewed based on criteria and attributes of the nomination. Inquiries and concerns will be forwarded to Chair of Staff Recognition & Excellence Awards Committee.

The Chair of Staff Recognition and Excellence Award Committee will coordinate nominations submitted with elected University Staff Council members for review and selection.

The Chair of University Staff Council will coordinate with Human Resources to verify nominee eligibility. Awardees permanent personnel file will include documentation of the recognition.

2025 Staff Award Winners

Staff Member of the Year

Paulina Dzieza, EdD

Manager, Language Learning Resource Center, Modern Languages & Literatures

Dzieza is honored for transforming language learning at Loyola into an inclusive, joyful, and mission-driven experience.

Kay Egan, Person for Others Award

Ann Hillman (MA '15, MDiv '20)

Director, Campus Ministry, Health Sciences Campus

Hillman is recognized for her compassionate leadership and dedication to student formation and community.

Megs Langdon, Person for Community Award

Bizzy Stephenson, MEd

Community Outreach Program Manager, Community Service and Action

Stephenson is honored for her dedicated leadership in fostering ethical service and strong community partnerships

Student Service, Person for Students Award

Kevin Erickson

Senior Program Manager, School of Environmental Sustainability

Erickson is honored for his exceptional work engaging students in sustainable agriculture, food justice, and hands-on learning that supports local communities.

Team Spirit Award

HSC Wellness Center Team

Teresa Carey, Breona Chatims, Kathleen Janosky, Marcella Kukoc, Anne Luckose, Eva Martin, and Heide Vallez

The Health Sciences Campus Wellness Center team, consisting of Teresa Carey, Breona Chatims, Kathleen Janosky, Marcella Kukoc, Anne Luckose, Eva Martin, and Heide Vallez, is the recipient of the 2025 Team Spirit Award.

Rising Star, New Employee Award

Karla Nazario (MSW '23, BS '21)

Academic Advisor, School of Social Work

Karla Nazario is honored for her work guiding students as they prepare to begin their Master of Social Work education.