Melissa Banta, center, accepts her Culture of Sustainability Award during the Employee Excellence Awards in Barton Hall.

President’s Awards for Employee Excellence honor staff

Nineteen individuals and three teams received President’s Awards for Employee Excellence – including a new award, Culture of Sustainability – during a celebration held Nov. 15 in Barton Hall and online.

More than 100 nominations were received, recognizing 150 employees whose work crosses the university in the areas of building care, employee well-being, student services, financial affairs, information technology, and various colleges and academic units.

President Martha E. Pollack spoke at the event, acknowledging awardees and nominees for going the extra mile to make a difference in the Cornell community.

Nominations have increased over the past decade as the 10-year-old program has expanded and adapted to align with university priorities and initiatives. This year, in partnership with the Office of Sustainability, the Excellence Awards incorporated a sixth category, Culture of Sustainability. Others include Mission Possible, Thoughtful Leader, Game Changer, One Cornell and Culture of Belonging.

Trustee Ezra Cornell ’70 attended on behalf of the Cornell Board of Trustees to announce the four employees chosen for the Trustee Award. Established in 2019, this award was developed in collaboration with the board to provide recognition to additional nominees who demonstrate overall excellence.

In addition to Pollack and other university leaders, staff from CIT, Cornell Dining and Facilities and Campus Services participated in the event.

A full listing of nominees and awardees can be found on the Employee Excellence Awards webpage. Nominations for the next award cycle will open in spring 2023.

Ashley Fazio is director of communications for the Division of Human Resources.

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Rebecca Valli