Diversity and Teamwork Award Nominations Deadline is Sept. 11
Awards are among top honors given Duke employees
Friday, August 14, 2009
Durham, NC -- Do you have a note or letter from a boss or co-worker expressing appreciation for your efforts?
Many people keep these posted on bulletin boards or tucked away in desks as reminders of the difference they make at work.
Now imagine the impact of nominating a faculty or staff member for a Teamwork or Diversity award, among the most prestigious honors given to employees at Duke. Duke is accepting nominations for these 2009 Blue Ribbon Awards through Sept. 11.
“These awards honor people who exemplify the core values of our institution,” said Kyle Cavanaugh, vice president of Human Resources.
Colleen Grochowski, associate dean for curriculum development in the School of Medicine, was part of the 35-member Duke Reaccreditation Compliance Team that won the Blue Ribbon Teamwork award last year.
“I was absolutely blown away by receiving the award,” she said. “It was such an unexpected surprise -- truly an honor -- to receive the award. To this day I keep the letter in my desk to serve as a reminder that our work really mattered.”
This year, as in the past, Duke will select one winner from the University and one winner from the Health System for each of the Teamwork and Diversity awards. Winners and nominators will be honored at the Blue Ribbon Awards luncheon Nov. 4.
“Recognition is a significant driver of employee commitment and productivity,” Cavanaugh said. “Nominating an individual or a group, especially during a time of budgetary constraint, reinforces how much you value their work and commitment to the institution.”
Even if the person or team you nominate doesn’t win the award, they will still receive a presentation-quality binder with nominations and letters of recommendation.
Charles Becker, professor of Economics received the 2008 Diversity Award for his successful efforts to bring the American Economic Association’s Summer Minority Program to campus. “I was delighted and humbled and honored,” he said. He used the monetary award to increase his contribution to the local United Way through the university contribution program, “and I continue to work with the 195 students I had – sort of like a permanent mentor,” he said.
Any staff or faculty member can nominate someone for the Diversity Award, or nominate a team for the Teamwork Award. Nominations are due by Sept. 11. All forms and requirements are listed on the Human Resources website at http://www.hr.duke.edu/recognition/blue-ribbon.html.
