Five employees were selected to receive the University’s 2023 Outstanding Staff Awards from a pool of exceptional staff nominations.
These five employees were honored by University of Toledo President Gregory Postel on Dec. 7 at a private ceremony to recognize their significant impact to the University through outstanding dedication and accomplishments; a demonstrated commitment to the University’s core purpose; and through exceptional leadership and loyalty to the University.
The University of Toledo’s 2023 Outstanding Staff Award winners, from left, Kathy Diegel, Aleiah Jones, UToledo President Gregory Postel, Jason Sandridge, Craig Jeffries and Tamara Golkiewicz.
The winners are:
Kathy Diegel, associate director of enterprise business systems in the department of IT personnel. She started in 1984 as a programmer analyst 2 in computer services department.
“She has provided knowledge that helps us to support all the systems that accomplish the UToledo mission and goals. Kathy is open and honest, and always there to assist us, but also not afraid to give constructive criticism. In doing these, she also serves as a great example of ‘how’ to be a good manager and foster a supportive team environment.”
“Kathy has spent her career exemplifying the criteria for this award. Kathy’s leadership, mentorship and hard work constantly improve the performance of everyone she works with. She actively cultivates leaders, helping me and other managers become the type of leaders we wish to be. Throughout our unit, she has always strived to make people excel and advance up the ladder. Leadership is not a title. It is action and attitude, and she promotes those actions and attitudes in everyone she encounters.”
Tamara Golkiewicz, secretary 2 for geography in the College of Arts and Letters. She has worked at the University since 2005.
“Her adaptability and commitment to maintaining the high standards she sets make her an indispensable asset to the university. Her unwavering dedication to excellence and her ability to address day-to-day challenges with ease and grace has made it clear that she is fully committed to the organization’s success.”
“Tammy is one of the most committed, passionate and hardest working staff members I have observed or interacted with. Despite the growing demands of her position, and additional responsibilities, she continues to provide a high level of service and support to all aspects of operations, various degrees programs and related faculty and student activities that exist within two administrative units.”
Craig Jeffries, administrative assistant 1 for the Department of Psychology in the College of Arts and Letters. He started in 2008 as a secretary 1 in University Counseling Center.
“Craig is a constant and his steady presence and unwavering commitment to supporting our students and faculty has provided a much-needed source of stability in not only our clinic and program, but in our department. His willingness to take on and learn so many different tasks that support the operation of our department is a clear testament to his work as a team member invested in the UToledo community.”
Aleiah Jones, associate director in the Office of Multicultural Student Success. She worked as a graduate assistant before joining UToledo in 2013.
“Aleiah is a positive role model to our campus community and is committed to creating an inclusive, welcoming and positive campus culture. She has shown dedication to our students by leading the ‘Rockets Matter,’ a campaign to walk alongside students and assist them in prioritizing mental health.”
“Aleiah has worked endlessly to improve the human condition by giving back to her community in various ways. She is consistently dedicated to empowering the next generation of women, students and community members.”
Jason Sandridge, services supervisor for food and nutritional services at UTMC. He joined the Food and nutrition services in 2014 as a food service worker.
“I feel Jason represents the very best of UToledo and UTMC. As a third-generation employee of UTMC, Jason had a big reputation to live up to. Starting in dietary in 2014, Jason immediately set himself apart as a peer leader with his team, helping and guiding wherever and whenever needed. The motivation, commitment and flat-out great attitude Jason shows toward The University of Toledo is amongst the very best that we have to offer.”
“I see the amazing leadership Jason’s provides to his frontline staff daily. Jason does not shy away from the hard conversations, nor does he forget to recognize the team he is leading and the contributions to the operation. Jason also listens to the team and makes appropriate decisions for the business based on their feedback, allowing growth and engagement from his peers.”
