Five employees were selected to receive the University’s 2022 Outstanding Staff Awards from a pool of numerous nominations.
The employees were honored by University of Toledo President Gregory Postel on Thursday morning at a private ceremony to recognize their significant impact to the University through outstanding dedication
From left, Jahnee Horn, Cheryl Liebich, University of Toledo President Gregory Postel, Mary Alderman and Jenifer Zak.
and accomplishments; a demonstrated commitment to the University’s core purpose; and exceptional leadership and loyalty to the University.
Mary Alderman, administrative assistant 1 in the Department of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry. She retired in 2012 then returned to UToledo in 2017.
“Our mission and goals revolve around the students and their ability to not only get into the college but also do well and graduate on time. This is only possible with good administrative assistants that can greet the student, answer their questions, know where to point them for answers and help the faculty with the administration of classes that the faculty need to teach, helping with ordering for research-active faculty, allowing for labs to run efficiently, and taking care of every little thing that always pops up in a timely manner.”
“She is an encouraging, kind person who is always willing to help others and goes the extra mile. For eight months she was covering two administrative positions and she does both extremely well; she assumed that dual role with professionalism and determination. A true leader encourages and leads by example, like her.”
“Her efforts to help faculty and students in both departments represent a special type of leadership that goes beyond the needs of the individual and prioritizes the needs of the whole organization. Throughout the entire year, Mary has demonstrated patience, perseverance and class.”
Tricia Cullop, head women’s basketball coach in Athletics since 2008.
“As a coach, Cullop brings the best out of her student-athletes. She is a tireless worker who demonstrates servant leadership in everything she does. She has stayed true to her values and continues to personally give her most valuable resource to promote the University — her time. She bleeds blue and gold.”
Posing with her team and staff, Tricia Cullop, head women’s basketball coach, holds her Outstanding Staff Award. Cullop could not attend the private ceremony.
“She remains a constant advocate for women in sports and leadership overseeing multiple committees for the NCAA and WBCA. She develops leaders of tomorrow through her student-athletes and the team’s community service outreach with programs such as Connecting Kids to Meals, Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure and the Rockets for the Cure game.”
Jahnee Horn, assistant director of admission, diversity and access in the department of Undergraduate Admissions. She started as a student worker and in 2018 was hired as a recruitment officer 2 in the Department of Undergraduate Admissions.
“Jahnee exemplifies what it means to advocate for prospective and current students at UToledo. She has implemented numerous strategies to not only recruit underrepresented student populations but also make all underrepresented student populations feel like they have a place on our campus.”
“She holds an aspirational work ethic and commitment to excellence in challenging the people around her to be better for the benefit of our current and future students. Her leadership is provided through genuine mentorship and positive coaching that expands to many departments outside of the division of enrollment management across campus.”
Cheryl Liebich, administrative secretary 1 in Food and Nutritional Services. She has worked at the University since 1980.
“Simply put, Cheryl puts our patients and customers first. It doesn’t matter who they are or their role, Cheryl does everything in her power to provide them with an exceptional experience. She takes time to hear what our customers are saying, validates what they need, is polite and helpful wherever needed and then executes the deliverables at a very high level.”
“Though Cheryl may not have a ‘title,’ it’s clear that the work she performs is so much more important to the people we serve. Far too often we overlook the impact that our frontline peers have, not only in the day-to-day operations but also the reputation of UToledo in the community. Cheryl is a leader who strives to show everyone how great UToledo and UTMC really are.”
Jenifer Zak, administrative secretary 2 in the Department of Cell and Cancer Biology. She started as a sales clerk 1 in the bookstore in 1982.
“Her loyalty and high standards shine on a daily basis. Jenny is truly committed to improving the human condition by her care and concern for our students. She makes a difference in their life by always being available to them during not only their difficult times but also available to celebrate their successes along the way. She puts them at ease from day one and cheers them on all the way through to their graduation and still continues to stay in contact with them as they move into their new careers. What a great example she sets for the University.”
