Employee Recognition
Employee Recognition programs honor the dedication, achievements, and impact of faculty and staff across ÒùÆÞÉç.Ìý Through a variety of award and recognition opportunities, ÒùÆÞÉç celebrates individuals whose contributions support excellence in teaching, service, leadership, innovation, and student success.
Each catalog below provides information on available awards, eligibility requirements, nomination processes, and recognition opportunities.Ìý We encourage employees to explore ways to celebrate and recognize the accomplishments of colleagues across the University.
Please reach out to HRTraining@ÒùÆÞÉç.edu with any questions.
Service Awards are presented to eligible employees who have dedicated 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, or 55 years of service to ÒùÆÞÉç. These milestones recognize the commitment, contributions, and lasting impact employees have made to the university community.Ìý
How is my service time calculated?
Service award calculation will be based on actual service with the institution and does not include service time with the State of Ohio.Ìý Employees with service time from the former Medical University of Ohio will be counted.
Which employees at ÒùÆÞÉç are eligible for service awards?
The following Employee Classes are eligible: A1, A2, A7 B1, B2, B5, B6, C1, C2, D1, F1, F2, F3, F4, F5, F9, FF, FM, H1, H2, H3, H4, H5, HA, J1 J2, J8, J9, N1, N2, P1, P2, P3, P4, U1, U2, U8, U9.
When can I expect to receive my service pin?
In December, the Training and Organizational Development team will send service pins to supervisors to honor and celebrate employees who reach service milestones during the current calendar year.
When is the university-wide recognition event for employees celebrating milestone service anniversaries?
The university-wide recognition celebration takes place during the spring semester of the year following an employee's service anniversary.Ìý Employees being honored will receive a personal invitation with additional event details and RSVP information through their university email.
What should I do if I recently changed departments or supervisors, my supervisor did not receive my service pin, or I believe I am eligible for a service pin but did not receive one?
If you have questions about your service pin or believe it was not received, please contact HRtraining@utoledo.edu . We can verify your eligibility and confirm where your service pin was sent.
Who can I contact with additional questions about service awards?
If you have any questions regarding Service Awards, please reach out to the Training and Organizational Development team at HRtraining@utoledo.edu .Ìý We are happy to assist you.
This award is nominee-based to honor and recognize ÒùÆÞÉç employees who have made a significant impact on the University through outstanding dedication and accomplishments; who have contributed to and demonstrated a commitment to the University's core purpose and values; and who demonstrate exceptional leadership and loyalty to The University of Toledo.
Eligibility and Process
Eligibility
The nominee will have the following characteristics:
- Motivates and inspires the people around them to strive for excellence within the ÒùÆÞÉç community; assists others toward achieving professional goals and achievements
- Actively works as a team member who strives to make innovative and improving contributions to ÒùÆÞÉç
- Exhibits loyalty and a high ethical standard to the ÒùÆÞÉç community.Ìý Staff member demonstrates behavior which clearly and consistently reflects the mission statement of ÒùÆÞÉç.
- Eligible nominees must be current full or part time (20 hours or more) ÒùÆÞÉç staff members from any campus who are from AFSCME, CWA, UTPPA, or the Professional Staff Association (non-union employees) with at least two years of service.Ìý Previous award recipients, faculty ,and senior administration are not eligible.
Process
- Complete and submit a nomination form during the nomination period of September 1, 2026 through October 2, 2026.
- A review committee will evaluate all nominations and select the award recipients.Ìý Those chosen will be notified following the review process.
- Five outstanding recipients will be honored with a monetary award and an engraved keepsake in recognition of thier achievements.
2026 Award Recipients
Previous Award Recipients
2025
Jenna VanWinkle
Rubye Wise
Kimberly Blausey
Ken Fry
Josh Krupinski
2024
Joe Battelline
Natalie Bullock
Cathy Flanagan
Mary Ann Schuster
Jennifer Villegas
2023
Kathy Diegel
Tamara Golkiewicz
Craig Jeffries
Aleiah Jones
Jason Sandridge
2022
Mary Aldereman
Tricia Cullop
Jahnee Horn
Cheryl Liebich
Jenifer Zak
ÒùÆÞÉç Medical Center's Shining Star Award recognizes employees who demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to patient care and exemplify the iCARE Standards:
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- Communication - Providing clear, respectful, and compassionate communication with patients, families, and colleagues
- Access - Ensuring timely, efficient, and convenient access to care and information
- Respect - Treating patients and families with dignity while protecting confidentiality
- Excellence - Consistently going above and beyond to deliver exceptional care and service
Award recipients receive:
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- A Shining Star trophy
- Recognition across UTMC electronic communications and media channels
Eligibility
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- Must be a ÒùÆÞÉç Health employee
- Must demonstrate outstanding behavior that reflects the iCARE Standards.
A selection committte review nominations monthly and may recognize up to four employees whose actions best exemplify iCARE values.
AACN Beacon Award for Excellence
The Beacon Award for Excellence, presented by the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN), recognizes exceptional hospital nursing units the achieve high standards in areas like patient outcomes, leadership, staffing, evidence-based practice and a healthy work environment.
The DAISY Award®
ÒùÆÞÉç Medical Center has partnered with The DAISY Foundation to meaningfully celebrate extraordinary, compassionate nurses, capturing those moments unique to nursing that make a profound difference in the lives of patients and those who care for and about them. Each month, a nurse is selected to receive The DAISY Award®.Ìý Additionally, a nurse leader is recognized with a DAISY Award quarterly, and a nursing team is recognized annually.
Outstanding Advisor Award
Established in 1986, the Outstanding Advisor Award recognizes faculty and staff who exemplify excellence in academic advising.Ìý Through meaningful guidance and support, outstanding advisors help students develop educational plans, enrich their academic experiences, and achieve their personal and professional goals.Ìý This award reflects ÒùÆÞÉç's commitment to the critical role advising plays in student success.
Outstanding Research and Scholarship Award
ÒùÆÞÉç will recognize those faculty members selected as Outstanding Researchers and Scholarly Activity at the Outstanding Faculty and Adviser Awards Ceremony.Ìý The award will recognize the quality and contributions of faculty research, scholarship and creative activity undertaken while a faculty member at ÒùÆÞÉç.Ìý The Outstanding Research and Scholarship Award recognizes outstanding research, scholarship, and creative activity across the spectrum of disciplines on this multi-campus university.Ìý
Rathbun Outreach and Engagement Award
The Edith Rathbun Outreach and Engagement Excellence Award recognizes ÒùÆÞÉç faculty members who demonstrate exceptional community outreach and engaged scholarship.Ìý Recipients exemplify meaningful partnerships with community organizations and constituents, using their disciplinary expertise to advance student learning, research, professional service, and positive community impact.Ìý Through collaborative, mutually beneficial engagement, award recipients embody The ÒùÆÞÉç's commitment to applying academic knowledge to address real-world challenges and improve the human condition.
This award is made possible through the generosity of Edith Rathbun, a 1934 graduate of Scott High School, whose endowment honors faculty whose outreach and engagement efforts make a lasting difference for both the University and the broader community.
MAC Outstanding Faculty Award for Student Success
The Mid-American Conference (MAC) Outstanding Faculty Award for Student Success recognizes faculty members who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to supporting student achievement, engagement, and overall success.Ìý This prestigious award honors full-time faculty who go above and beyond to foster student learning, mentorship, retention, and academic excellence.Ìý Each MAC institution selects one outstanding faculty nominee annually, with one individual ultimately recognized as the conference-wide recipient of the MAC Outstanding Faculty Award for Student Success.
The award celebrates faculty who make a meaningful and lasting impact on students through their dedication, innovation, and unwavering commitment to student success. The conference-wide recipient is recognized during the MAC Basketball Championship and honored at the MAC Honors Dinner.
Outstanding Teacher Award
The Outstanding Teacher Award recognizes full-time faculty members who inspire, motivate, and challenge students to achieve their highest potential.Ìý Recipients exemplify excellence in teaching through their ability to engage students, foster meaningful learning experiences, and create a lasting impact both inside and outside the classroom.Ìý These exceptional educators help students grow academically, professionally, and personally while cultivating an environment that encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and success.
Distinguished University Lecturer
The title of Distinguished University Lecturer is the highest permanent honor ÒùÆÞÉç can bestow upon a lecturer.Ìý This prestigious recognition celebrates lecturers who have demonstrated exceptional excellence in teaching, advanced student learning, supported student success, and shown a deep commitment to the University's educational mission.
Recipients have earned distinction as educators through their sustained impact on students, dedication to instructional excellence, and contributions to the academic community.Ìý Appointment as a Distinguished University Lecturer is a lifelong honor, with the title retained indefinitely, including after retirement from The University of Toledo.
Professor Emeritus
The title of Professor Emeritus is a distinguished honor bestowed upon retired faculty members in recognition of their dedicated service and lasting contributions to The ÒùÆÞÉç.Ìý Nominated by their faculty colleagues and approved by the Board of Trustees, emeritus recipients are recognized for their commitment to teaching, scholarship, service, and the advancement of the University throughout their careers.
This honorary designation serves as a lasting tribute to faculty members whose work has made a meaningful and enduring impact on students, their disciplines, and the University community.
Frank E. Horton Outstanding Professional Staff Association Award
The Frank Horton Professional Staff Achievement Award recognizes a current member of ÒùÆÞÉç Professional Staff Association (PSA) who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to supporting, advocating for, and advancing the interests of professional staff.Ìý Recipients exemplify leadership, service, and engagement through their contributions to the University community and their dedication to enhancing the professional staff experience.
Award recipients are recognized for their involvement in initiatives that strengthen communication, collaboration, and professional development across the University, while promoting pride in and support for ÒùÆÞÉç's mission and values.Ìý Their efforts may include service on University committees, participation in PSA activities, engagement in campus and community initiatives, and advocacy on behalf of professional staff.
Named in honor of former ÒùÆÞÉç President Frank Horton, whose leadership was instrumental in establishing the Professional Staff Association as an officially recognized campus organization in 1992, this award celebrates individuals who embody the PSA's mission of service, communication, and support for professional staff.
Alice H. Skeens Outstanding Woman Award
The Alice H. Skeens Award recognizes an individual who exemplifies outstanding leadership, service, and advocacy while making meaningful contributions to ÒùÆÞÉç community.Ìý Established in 1987 as the Outstanding Woman Award and renamed in 2011 to honor Dr. Alice H. Skeens, the award celebrates those who demonstrate a commitment to supporting and empowering others through service, mentorship, and engagement.
Dr. Skeens dedicated nearly five decades of service to ÒùÆÞÉç as a professor, administrator, advisor, and academic leader.Ìý A passionate advocate for students, employees, and women, she was actively involved in numerous campus initiatives and organizations and remained a steadfast supporter of the University Women's Commission (UWC).Ìý Her legacy of leadership, scholarship, and service continues through this award, which honors individuals who embody her commitment to excellence and contribute positively to the University community.