UNO Names Nikki Hecht Employee of the Month

Nikki Hecht, admissions associate within the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, was recently named UNO’s Employee of the Month for July.

The Celebration Committee surprised Hecht with the award on July 30.

Hecht was nominated by her peers for her dedication to students and her office.

They said, "Nikki is always student-focused and she is willing to go above and beyond to make our students feel welcome at UNO. She consistently supports our military students through the application process by helping them navigate the various application steps and helping them collect the additional paperwork they need to submit.

They continue, "We can count on Nikki to respond right away. Her dependability makes us better because her quick responses help us feel prepared for student inquiries and allow us to follow up with students in a timely manner."

For being nominated as Employee of the Month, Hecht will receive a certificate, lapel pin, hot/cold tumbler, portrait, monetary award, two tickets to a UNO sporting event and use of a designated parking space.

To nominate an employee, complete the nomination form and send it to unohr@unomaha.edu.

2020 Spirit of Service Award Winner

Hecht was also nominated by her peers and selected as the 2020 Spirit of Service Winner. Funded by a former UNO employee, the award acknowledges the contributions the university's office-service employees make to the campus above and beyond their assigned duties. The award will consist of a $1,000 monetary gift.

They said, "she consistently commits to the needs of each student by demystifying the process for them and considering their entire experience, not just their sole interaction or transaction with her. I have seen this be exceptionally meaningful for online students who greatly appreciate knowing they have a personal advocate."

They continue, "Nikki is an example of the culture and spirit of UNO. Every interaction Nikki has is done with joy, kindness, and a willing, caring heart."

Award Qualifications:

• Office-service (hourly paid) staff member who has worked at UNO for at least five years in an office-service capacity.

• Has a record of exemplary performance of assigned job duties.

• Demonstrates service to UNO by expressing university values in such ways as (1) Furthering his or her education and working toward advancement at UNO, or (2) Helping students.

• Demonstrates involvement at UNO as shown, for example, by (1) Working on university committees, (2) Attending and/or participating in non-mandatory campus events, or (3) Being an effective ambassador for UNO.