California State University, Northridge honored more than 500 staff members for their years of service and outstanding contributions to the university at the 49th annual Staff Service and Recognition of Excellence Awards on June 2.
“It’s a pleasure to be here today to recognize colleagues who have reached milestones with the university and to celebrate with those who have distinguished themselves by their outstanding contributions,” said President Dianne F. Harrison to attendees. “Today we are here to celebrate sustained, loyal dedication to our university.”
Harrison recognized Barbara Hlinka, associate director of the Office of Institutional Research, with the Presidential Award. The award honors an individual who has left an “indelible positive mark” on the university, contributes to improved processes and demonstrates alignment with the mission, vision, values and goals of the university.
Hlinka has been the “unsung hero” of the Office of Institutional Research since the late 1990s. She works collaboratively with a wide array of departments to provide accurate and timely data that informs the campus of “where we have been and how we should move forward,” said Harrison. Although never in the spotlight, Hlinka’s nominators say she makes a positive difference on campus every day.
The Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award went to Franklin Ellis, coordinator of residential student success and leadership in the Department of Residential Life, who has been applauded for demonstrating respect for all people. The award is reserved for employees who practice, promote and value efforts to support diversity, inclusion and respect for everyone’s values and opinions.
The CSUN Merit Award recipients were Ken Rappe, executive assistant to the dean of the David Nazarian College of Business and Economics; Kathleen Pohl, the dean’s assistant in the College of Engineering and Computer Science; Griselda Corona ’09 (Liberal Studies) the administrative coordinator in the Department of Chicana/o Studies; Ryan Conlogue, help center lead in the Division of Information Technology; Michelle Kilmnick ’99 (Communication Studies) academic personnel and compensation analyst in the Office of Faculty Affairs; and Emil Henry’97 (Computer Science) manager of technical services in the College of Engineering and Computer Science.
The CSUN Alumni Relations Award went to Daniela Cross ’08 (Recreation and Tourism Management), M.S. ’10 (Recreation and Tourism Management)
assistant to the general manager of Associated Students, who has helped build bridges with former student government officers. This award is given to an employee who develops initiatives and or enhances existing programs that encourage successful collaborative relationships with alumni and a greater alumni connectedness that results in achievement of university goals and objectives.
The Jolene Koester Team Award, which recognizes outstanding team achievements and is presented annually to a team that has collaborated effectively on a project, process or other significant initiative that has brought positive changes, was awarded to the MyCSUNtablet Initiative. It was launched in fall 2013 as a partnership between the Divisions of Academic Affairs and Information Technology with the intent of increasing student engagement and learning and decreasing the cost of instructional materials. Since adoption, the tablets have transformed classrooms into active learning spaces.
Harrison also presented certificates to the 20 participants in the inaugural CSUN Shine from Within Program. A highlight of the awards celebration was the recognition of employees who have served CSUN for 40 years.
“These four people were hired in 1975 and have provided loyal, dedicated and continuous service for the last four decades,” said Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Harry Hellenbrand, who presented framed Matadors jerseys with their name and number “40” to the recipients. The honorees were Cynthia Demuth, admissions and records; Selma Mayhew, admissions and records; Georgia Reed, office of human resources; and Cindy Trigg’04 (Chicana/o Studies) the David Nazarian College of Business and Economics.
CSUN staff also received recognition for five, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 years of service. For a complete list of the honorees, please visit the Office of Human Resources.