The Outstanding Staff Awards are presented annually, with finalists and winners being recognized at the Spring General Meeting. The event recognizing finalists and winners was held on Wednesday, June 29, 2022 at the UCR Alumni and Visitors Center. 

Submissions were open from May 11 and closed on Friday, June 3, 2022 at 12 noon. Read the article and view the gallery from the 2022 event. All gallery photos by Carlos Puma of Puma Images.

Nominations are closed for 2021-2022


The awards consist of:

Staff Who Make a Difference Award

Who it's for: Four (4) staff members representing (one staff member for each) the following UCR employment groups: Service, Administrative, Technical, and Professional.

Learn more about the Staff Who Make a Difference Award

2022 winners:

  • Technical: Mike Bonetti, UCR Palm Desert Center
  • Service: Francisco Herandez, Facilities Services
  • Administrative: Alice Chavez, Chicano Student Programs & Undocumented Student Programs
  • Professional: Cortney Crooms, Enrollment Services - Finance & Administrative Services Team (F.A.S.T.)

People Helping People Award

Who it's for: One (1) staff member selected based on community service.

Learn more about the People Helping People Award

2022 winner: Alex Cortez, CNAS: Evolution, Ecology, and Organismal Biology/Botany & Plant Sciences

Tartan Soul Award

Who it's for: One (1) individual selected based on strengths in any/all of the four (4) Tartan Soul criteria areas (i.e. excellence, accountability, integrity, respect).

Learn more about the Tartan Soul Award

2022 winner: Susan Komura, CHASS Art/History of Art

Diversity Award

Who it's for: One (1) staff member selected based on above & beyond the commitment to diversity in the UCR community.

Learn more about the Diversity Award

2022 winner: Melbert Sebayan, University Communications

Mary Johnson Outstanding Retiree Award

Who it's for: Each year, this award will be given to those retired staff who have demonstrated a high level of volunteer service to the campus and surrounding communities and participation in campus activities/programs while in retirement.

Learn more about the Mary Johnson Outstanding Retiree Award

2022 winner: Sheryl Hayes, formerly of Financial Aid

Volunteer of the Year Award

The Volunteer of the Year Award is presented annually to an exceptional Staff Assembly volunteer. Individuals are nominated by other volunteers and Staff Assembly Executive Board members. The Executive Board reviews and discusses the relative contributions of each candidate before selecting a winner.

Learn more about the Volunteer of the Year Award

2022 winner: Dante Kruise, UCR Basic Needs

Need more information?

Contact Brianna Morales 
Director of Involvement and Recognition
E-mail:
brianna.morales@ucr.edu
Tel: (951) 827-3187