Faculty Senate/Staff Advisory Council 2019 Banquet Highlights

On Thursday, April 4, 2019, the Faculty Senate and Staff Advisory Council held it’s annual banquet.

During the dinner, this year’s Employee of the Year Award, Staff Advisory Council Award, Spirit of Service Award and Advisor of the Year Award recipients were recognized.

Recipients Include:

Employee of the Year Award
Kirsten Omoto, Assistant Veterans Coordinator in the Office of Military and Veterans Affairs

Staff Advisory Council Award
Keristiena Dodge, Project Specialist in the Service Learning Academy

Spirit of Service Award
Sarah Kole, Housing Operations Coordinator, University Housing

Advisor of the Year Award
Annesha Mitra, Director of Advising in the College of Business Administration
Gina Johanningsmeier, Advisor/Advising Coordinator in the College of Information Science and Technology

Employee of the Year Award

Kirsten Omoto was named Employee of the Year at the Faculty Senate/Staff Advisory Council Banquet. Her hard work, kindness and dedication to student veterans helped earn her the award.

Her peers said, "Kirsten is an 8 year member of the Nebraska National Guard. When new soldiers come through our office, she takes additional time to not only explain how financial and support serivces work on the school's end, but also what to expect in terms of education benefits and opportunities with the National Guard. These students attach to Kirsten and she supports them in a critical time as they learn to balance their responsibilities as a member of the National Guard and as a student."

They continued, "Kirsten is not only knowledgeable of her position, she takes every opportunity to imporve, seeking out low-cost and free training and professinal development opportunities. Kirsten has been through the standard 40 hour training as a School Certifying Official, marking her competent at the technical portion of her position, and she excels in her role by continuing her education through VA webinars and participation in regional task forces."

Congratulations Kirsten!

About the Employee of the Year Award

The Employee of the Year is selected by the Chancellor from the 12 Employees of the Month from the previous calendar year (January-December). The recipient of this award demonstrates outstanding interpersonal skills, a deep understanding of his/her job, and an ability to adapt to any situation.

Staff Advisory Council Award

Keristiena Dodge was presented the Staff Advisory Council Award at the Faculty Senate/Staff Advisory Council Banquet. She was honored for her leadership within her office and her impact on and around campus.

"Keristiena truly believes in creating a positive campus environment for students." her co-workers explain, "She has collaborated on the Engaged Scholar Transcript for the past several years to think through how to best structure a program that acknowledges student engagement at UNO. Additionally, she provided leadership for a group of IS&T students as an internal community partner for a graduate-level service learning course. She met with the students at least weekly and was alway spatient and clear while providing guidance to the group."

They continued, "Keristiena's heart is deeply connected to the metropolitan mission and community engagement at UNO and she has taken on the nearly impossible task of evaluating community engagement impacts. She has invited engagement professionals to participate in a committee that gathered data on community engagement efforts at UNO, categorized it, and is finalizing an online system to input the activities and map them."

Congratulations Keristiena!

About the Staff Advisory Council Award

Any faculty or staff member is eligible for the recognition. This award recognizes a UNO employee who has been integral with UNO’s culture/mission and current momentum. Often, recipients will have a long career of dedication to UNO or have recently been a part of something major at UNO (or both). SAC strives to recognize the best of the best with this award!

Spirit of Service Award

Sarah Kole was honored with the Spirit of Service Award at the Faculty Senate/Staff Advisory Council Banquet. She was given the award for her organizational skills and flexibility.

In charge of the application process for two of those 6 dorms, Sarah works hard to make sure that the students understand the process and are provided with all of the information they need for on campus housing. Not only is she in charge of their application process, but Sarah has also helped develop and implement the university’s new RoomSync system that helps match those students to their new roommates.

Aside from dealing with the hectic workload of the campus housing process, Sarah is also a certified Gallop Strengths Coach. Taking time out of her busy schedule, she meets individually with each Resident Assistant and RHA member to discuss their strengths and to teach them how to use those strengths in the classroom, work and in everyday life.

Congratulations Sarah!

About the Spirit of Service Award

The Spirit of Service Award recognizes an Office/Service employee who provides services that strengthen the community and improve the lives of others. The recipient of this award demonstrates a commitment to UNO by helping students, furthering his/her own education, and/or working toward advancement.

Advisor of the Year Award

Gina Johanningsmeier was one of two people awarded the Advisor of the Year Award. Gina was given the honor for her care to CIS&T students as well as the love of her job.

Deepak Khazanchi, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs in the College of Information Science and Technology says,

“Given the complexities associated with undergraduate academic advising in our college, Gina supports our students with empathy and understanding. He relationship with our students go much beyond traditional responsibilities of advising. She works with students one on one to make them feel comfortable in the college and helps through manage stressful times. Gina is always engaged and cheerful in her work. She has brought a number of campus educational opportunities to the college and helped create new programs to enhance retention. Her peers and faculty hold Gina in high regard and she exemplifies the spirit of the college’s effort to let “no student go unassisted or unchallenged” during their educational experience.”

Congratulations Gina!

Aneesha Mitra was also awarded with the Advisor of the Year Award. She was honored with the award for her professionalism and support to students within the College of Business Administration.

Her peers say, "Annesha's unwavering commitment to serve and support students and peers, her keen awareness of the value of teamwork, her professionalism and inclusiveness, her careful attention to details, and her insatiable desire to find creative solutions are characteristics that Annesha displays every day and that exemplify a truly exceptional academic advisor."

Congratulations Aneesha!

About the Advisor of the Year Award

The Academic Advisor of the Year Award recognizes professional academic advisors for their exceptional service to students, their colleagues and/or the university. Candidates are chosen for their contribution and service, advocacy and collaboration, and initiative and attitude.