Empower - Recognition and Worlds Ahead Ideas
At FIU our people are everything! Our faculty and staff go above and beyond to provide service excellence for our community – this is what makes us stand out as a Great College to Work For®.
As ambassadors of service excellence, we embrace “Empower” as our e-platform to exchange peer-to-peer recognition and appreciation for one another. This tool will provide our faculty and staff an opportunity to send FIU branded congratulatory messages to their co-workers for a job well done, personal and career milestones, and other custom messages. This is your chance to share gratitude and words of encouragement in real FIU style!
Log in to empower.fiu.edu and get started today.
Service & Recognition Awards
The FIU community gathers each year to honor and recognize distinguished staff and faculty members for their outstanding achievements and years of service.
As valuable members of the FIU family, all faculty and staff play a pivotal role in recognizing fellow colleagues and coworkers for their outstanding achievements. Nominations open each year during the fall. Make sure to check out the HR News & Updates for the opening date.
Nominations for the FIU Recognization Awards are now open! As valuable members of the FIU family, all faculty and staff play a pivotal role in recognizing fellow colleagues and coworkers for their outstanding achievements.
The deadline to submit nominations is Monday, January 31st, 2022 at 11:59 p.m.
Step 1: How to submit your nomination
- Review the award categories and criteria for the next Service & Recognition Awards and determine which award category is most appropriate for your candidate(s). Please note that you may submit nominations for multiple categories and candidates.
- Review the nomination writing tips.
- Draft your nomination using the nomination template.
- To submit your nomination, visit nominate.hr.fiu.edu, follow the submission instructions and then copy and paste your template text.
Step 2: Review award categories & criteria
Your involvement in the nomination process is essential to letting your colleagues know their superior achievements make all the difference in building a stronger and better FIU.
Please note, self-nominations and anonymous nominations will not be considered. Eligibility is not open to the following leadership classifications: university president, provost, deans, and vice presidents.
Categories and Criteria Table
Below are the award categories and criteria for each award. We invite you to review each category before submitting your nomination!
| Award | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Presidential Excellence Award | Supported institutional, strategic, and operational excellence by restructuring processes to improve efficiency, productivity, and quality, and/or implementing critical programs, receiving recognition from peers in the academic community for excellence in research, scholastic, or creative activities. (Full-time faculty, administrative and staff members are eligible for this award category.) |
| President's Access and Equity Award | Demonstrated efforts exceeding one’s mandated job responsibilities that promote the values of diversity and the importance of equity and inclusion at FIU. A demonstrated commitment to enhancing diversity university-wide that fosters a culture of inclusion and belonging on campus and/or within the surrounding community, shown leadership through positive interactions among persons of diverse backgrounds, and lived experiences which illustrate commitment to inclusion of persons within and outside of the institution who are members of traditionally under-represented groups. (Full-time faculty, administrative and staff members are eligible for this award category.) |
| FIU Community Award | Supported the university's mission by promoting high quality teaching, state-of-the-art research and creative activity, or collaborative engagement with our local and global communities during the past year. (Full-time faculty, administrative and staff members are eligible for this award category.) |
| FIU Opportunity Award | Promoted FIU's vision of being a leading urban public research university by contributing outstanding service with a focus on student learning, innovation, and collaboration. (Full-time administrative and staff members are eligible for this award category.) |
| FIU Torch Award | Exemplified FIU's institutional values of truth, freedom, respect, responsibility, and excellence by exhibiting the highest standards of character and ethical behavior. (Full-time faculty, administrative and staff members are eligible for this award category.) |
| FIU Sustainability Award | Promoted FIU's respect for the environment by providing knowledge, education, and modeling ways to achieve climate preservation as well as capitalize on the economic opportunities of the solutions developed. (Full-time faculty, administrative and staff members are eligible for this award category.) |
| Service Excellence Award (Staff) | This individual possesses the job knowledge, people skills, motivation, and drive for continuous improvement that provide a level of service excellence that exceeds the expectations of FIU customers and colleagues. They are known for service excellence beyond their mandated job responsibilities. Consistently seeks opportunities for collaboration and cross-functional improvements to better serve the university community. (Full time staff members are eligible for this award. Cross-department nominations are highly encouraged.) |
| Service Excellence Award (Administrative) | This individual possesses the job knowledge, people skills, motivation, and drive for continuous improvement that provide a level of service excellence that exceeds the expectations of FIU customers and colleagues. They are known for service excellence beyond their mandated job responsibilities. Consistently seeks opportunities for collaboration and cross-functional improvements to better serve the university community. (Full time administrative employees are eligible for this award. Cross-department nominations are highly encouraged.) |
| Service Excellence Award (Team) | These individuals possess the job knowledge, people skills, motivation, and drive for continuous improvement that provide a level of service excellence that exceeds the expectations of FIU customers and colleagues. They are known for service excellence beyond their mandated job responsibilities. Consistently seek opportunities for collaboration and cross-functional improvements to better serve the University community. (Full time faculty, administrative, and staff members are eligible for this award. Cross-department nominations are highly encouraged.) |
| FIU Safety and Loss Prevention Award | Promoted safety by demonstrating proactive efforts to reduce accidents and promote safety-related initiatives. This individual has reported unsafe work conditions, promoted safe behaviors, a safe environment and a stronger safety culture. They have been instrumental in resolving unsafe work conditions and/or safety deficiencies. (Full-time faculty, staff and administrative employees are eligible for this award. Cross-departmental nominations are highly encouraged.) |
The President’s Access and Equity Committee will review nominations for the President’s Access and Equity Award, and will forward their recommendation to our president for his selection of this year’s honoree. The members of the Operations Committee will review nominations for all other awards, and select the honorees for each award category, with the exception of the Presidential Excellence Award. Finalists for the Presidential Excellence Award will be forwarded to our president for his selection of this year’s honoree.
The honorees for each category will receive a monetary award along with a commemorative token that exemplifies their achievements. In the event there is more than one honoree in an eligible award category, the cash portion is equally divided among the members.
Step 3: Writing tips & template
Nomination Template
In order to submit a nomination, you will need to complete the attached template and then copy and paste your text into the submission box on the nomination website. Please note that the site automatically expires after 24 minutes so it is important to have your nomination pre-written prior to logging into the system.
By following this template you will have a greater chance of providing a strong nomination. The more relevant information you provide, the better chance the committee has of getting to know why your nominee should be considered.
Please click here to access the nomination template: Nomination Template
Nomination Writing Tips
- Review the award criteria carefully.
- Think about the nominee(s) you have selected and describe how they have met the criteria.
- If the nominee(s) has won other awards that the committee should know about, list them.
- Include facts or data that may be shared to show the significant achievements the nominee(s) have made as it pertains to the award criteria – numbers help tell the story!
- Your nominee(s) are the best source of information. Contact them or a supervisor who may be able to provide you with more detailed information.
- Now that you have all the data, you are ready to write your nomination. Be creative and remember that the selection committee may know very little about the nominee(s) – you are going to share as much information about them so they can understand why they deserve this award.
- Start your summary by introducing the nominee to the selection committee. You may want to share information as their job title, their length of service, career history at FIU, etc.
- Share factual information about the nominee(s)’ accomplishments. Remember, you are now painting a picture to the selection committee about the nominee(s) and you must keep it factual, yet keep them engaged in understanding the achievements of the nominee(s).
- Give examples to support your statements about the nominee(s).
- Proofread your essay to make sure there are no misspelled words and if there are any acronyms that not everyone may know about, remember to explain them.
Would you like further assistance writing a strong nomination? Please consider taking a writing workshop at the Center for Excellence in Writing. One-on-one sessions will be provided on a first come, first serve basis. To schedule your appointment, please contact their center at MMC (305) 348-6634 or at BBC (305) 919-4036.
Step 4: Access the nomination site
Ready to nominate?
Nominate Someone OnlineService & Recognition Awards Highlights
Service & Recognition Awards Programs
2021 Service & Recognition Awards
- Recognition Awards Celebration – Award Recipient Highlights
- Service Awards Celebration, Honoring 5 Year Service Recipients
- Service Awards Celebration, Honoring 10 Year Service Recipients
- Service Awards Celebration, Honoring 15 Year Service Recipients
- Service Awards Celebration, Honoring 20 & 25 Year Service Recipients
- Service Awards Celebration, Honoring 30-45 Year Service Recipients
- 2021 Virtual Recognition Award Ceremony
2020 Service & Recognition Awards
- Recognition Awards – 2020 Service Recipients
- Recognition Awards Recipient Images
- Service Awards Celebration, Honoring 5-15 Year Service Recipients
- Service Awards Celebration, Honoring 20 & 25 Year Service Recipients
- Service Awards Celebration, Honoring 30-45 Year Service Recipients
- Recognition Award Celebration – Award Recipient Highlight
- Recognition Awards Celebration 2020
2019 Service & Recognition Awards
Archive of Service & Recognition Awards
2018 Service & Recognition Awards
2017 Service & Recognition Awards
2016 Service & Recognition Awards
2014 Service & Recognition Awards
HR Relations
Trudy Fernandez, Director of HR Relations
Modesto A. Maidique Campus | PC-224
Telephone: (305) 348-0101
Fax: (305) 348-0549
Email: hrrel@fiu.edu
Student Employee of the Year (SEOTY)
Each year, FIU joins colleges and universities nation-wide to celebrate “Student Employment Week”. The university takes great pride in preparing our nation‘s workforce by providing quality education and the opportunity for students to apply classroom learning on the job. Nearly two-thirds of today‘s college students hold part- or full-time jobs while in school and it is for this reason that FIU recognizes and awards these students. During “Student Employment Week”, celebrated the second full week of April, the university will sponsor several events recognizing our student employees, and at the end of the week, we will award four finalists and the recipient of the “SEOTY” Student Employee of the Year Award.
SEOTY 2019
Award Recipients
Student Employee of The Year
Erykah Jackson – Exploratory Advising Center
Chartwells Student Employee of the Year
Dejourae Williams – Chartwells
Best Decorated Office
FIU Foundation
First Runner Up
Luisana Zambrano – Office of Research and Economic Development
Second Runner Up
Chavelys Hernandez – Financial Aid/America Reads
Third Runner Up
Lacey Simpson – STEM Transformation Institute
Fourth Runner Up
Isaac Ghobrial – Honors College
Honorable Mentions
Amanda Dahl – Library Operations
Cari Graybill – College of Nursing and Health Sciences
Cristina Gonzalez – Office of Research and Economic Development
Estefany Cabrera – Recreation Services
Gabrielle Harripersad – FIU Embrace
Ilan Timmerman – StartUp FIU
Jorge Loo – College of Engineering and Computing
Katherine de Jesus – Division of External Relations
Laura Sbabo – Children’s Creative Learning Center
Natalie Alonso – Honors College
Nathaly Guervara – Library Operations
Nicole Valle – StartUp FIU
Quenteria Warren – Office of the Registrar
Sabrina Bocaranda Soto – Center for Academic Success
Safia Natalya Boodoosingh – Office of the Registrar
SEOTY 2017
Award Recipients
Student Employee of The Year
Michael DesRosiers – College of Medicine
Social Media Contest Winner
Kamoy Marston – Human Resources
Best Decorated Office
Children’s Creative Learning Center
First Runner Up
Alexis Lopez – Women’s Center
Second Runner Up
Itzel Basualdo – Human Resources
Third Runner Up
Jessica McRee-Krim – Center for Academic Success
Honorable Mentions
Olivia Tercero – America Reads Program
Rodrigo Fonseca – Green Library
Gabriela Ruiz – Advancement
Jackson Fadely – Honors College
SEOTY 2016
Award Recipients
Student Employee of The Year
Bianca Gutierrez – Annual Giving
First Runner Up
Eric Duran – Housing and Residential Life
Second Runner Up
Lily Peterson – Housing and Residential Life
Third Runner Up
Andres Castellanos – FIU Foundation
Fourth Runner Up
TruLe’sia Newberry – Womens Center SA
SEOTY 2015
Award Recepients
Student Employee of the Year
Boris Gilles – Housing and Residential Life
First Runner Up
Kirby Brennan – Applied Research Center
Second Runner Up
Sasha Espinola – Office of International Student & Scholar Services
Third Runner Up
Tamika Duffus – Housing and Residential Life
Fourth Runner Up
Ramon Rodriguez-Paredes – Parking and Transportation
SEOTY 2014
Award Recepients
Student Employee of the Year
Shantell Rolle – Chaplin School of Hospitality Management & Chemistry Department
First Runner Up
Sebastian Fresquet – Donor Relations
Second Runner Up
Yisel Rivera – HR Relations
Third Runner Up
Alexandra Catena – Housing and Residential Life
SEOTY 2013
Award Recepients
Student Employee of the Year
Belkys Yzquierdo – Office of Education Abroad
First Runner Up
Natalie Marques – College of Medicine – Immunology
Second Runner Up
Ana Perez – FIU Foundation
Third Runner Up
Julio Acosta – School of Nursing
Fourth Runner Up (tied)
Lourdes Talavera – University Health Services
Jia Zhu – School of Hospitality & Tourism Management
SEOTY 2012
Award Recepients
Student Employee of the Year
Zackari Abeyta – Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine
First Runner Up
Zahra Arbabi Aski – Campus Life
Second Runner Up
Amanda Garcia – External Relations
Third Runner Up
Theresa Ladaga – University Advancement/Annual Giving
Fourth Runner Up
Jocelyn Cardenas – Student Financial Services
SEOTY 2011
Award Recepients
Video: Student Employee of The Year 2011
SEOTY 2010
Award Recepients
Video: Student Employee of The Year 2010
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I nominate a student employee?
A university wide communication will be sent out about three months prior to the event that contains a link that will allow supervisors to nominate student employees in their department.
Who can I nominate?
The students must meet the following criteria:
- Degree-seeking part-time/full-time student enrolled and employed in a student-level position on/off campus.
- Undergraduate/Graduate students employed as Student Assistants or Federal Work Study.
- Employed by the department for a minimum of 3 months.
Who is not eligible for nominations?
- Graduate, Teaching or Research Assistants with a UGS contract are not eligible.
- Temporary or benefit earning employees.
When will the event take place?
The nation-wide event takes place the 2nd full week of April. The ceremony will be the Friday of that week.
Appreciation Events
At FIU, we seize every opportunity to say “thanks” to our amazing faculty, staff, and retirees who make a Worlds Ahead difference! We revel in your innovative ideas, passion, and contributions. Your unwavering dedication in service to our students and community is what makes FIU a great place to work. For that, we thank YOU!
What better way is there to applaud and recognize your relentless efforts? At our signature appreciation events, of course. Join us as we come together to celebrate in FIU style! We hope to see you there!
HR Relations
Trudy Fernandez, Director of HR Relations
Modesto A. Maidique Campus | PC-224
Telephone: (305) 348-0101
Fax: (305) 348-0549
Email: hrrel@fiu.edu
Faculty, Staff & Family Spring Picnic
A treasured tradition at FIU, the annual spring picnic connects our FIU faculty and staff outside of the work environment and brings together family and friends for a day of food, games, and memories.
Highlights of this annual event include:
- Outdoor games
- Lunch & fun foods
- Crafts
- FIU faculty, staff & retirees art exhibition
- Olympic Health Village
- Kids-Safety Zone
- Petting zoo and pony rides
- Face painting
- Entertainment
- Door prizes
- and so much more!
Held annually during the month of April, this is yet another opportunity to show our gratitude to our amazing people. Stay connected and follow us on Facebook for more information about this and other great faculty/staff/retiree special occasions.
Event Photo Gallery
FIU Homecoming
Homecoming Week is a special time of the year when our FIU family and friends come together to celebrate our Panther pride! As President Mark B. Rosenberg has shared, “Homecoming is about the memories and hopes of our university family. It is a time to celebrate the unity of our community and the many positive elements of our ideally located university.”
Join us at our next Homecoming celebration and showcase your Panther pride – Catch the spirit! Every fall semester, join us for a week of celebrations and exciting events that unite our students, faculty, staff, retirees, alumni and community.
Spirit Decorating Competition
The university community is encouraged to “Unleash the Spirit” by decorating their work areas with Panther items and FIU Blue and Gold.
There are three (3) categories that will be judged and recognized separately:
1) Gold Spirit – Entries comprised of more than one department, such as an entire college or division. (e.g. College of Arts, Sciences & Education, Division of Human Resources, etc.)
2) Blue Spirit – Individual departments or offices (e.g. Payroll, Custodial Services, etc.)
3) Door – This category will focus entirely on the best decorated door around our campuses.
2016 Winning Teams
- Gold: College of Communication, Architecture + The Arts
- Blue: Office of Residential Life
- Door: Office of Regional Academic Locations & Institutional Development
Watch a video of all the 2016 entries.
2015 Winning Teams
- Gold: College of Education
- Blue: Children’s Creative Learning Center and Student Health Services
- Door: Office of Financial Planning
Watch a video of all the 2015 entries.
2014 Winning Teams
- First: College of Education
- Second: Student Health Services
- Third: External Relations & Housing
Spirit Hashtag Competition
You got this, Panthers! Show off your unit’s Blue & Gold spirit via social media! Post, share, tweet and “selfie” throughout FIU Homecoming.
2016 Spirit Hashtag Winner
#FIUHCLibraries – FIU Libraries
2015 Spirit Hashtag Winner
#FIUHCHRL – Housing & Residential Life
FIU Faculty/Staff Homecoming King & Queen
Nominate and vote for your pick of this year’s Homecoming Faculty/Staff King & Queen! Winners will earn royal bragging rights with this fun-spirited peer recognition opportunity.
2016 Homecoming Faculty/Staff King & Queen
Cindy Lopez, Enrollment Processing Associate, Transfer and Transition Services
William Perez, Police Service Technician, Library Operations
2015 Homecoming Faculty/Staff King & Queen
Eva Frank, Instructor, College of Education
Charlie Blackwell, HVAC Refrigeration Mechanic, Facilities Management
2014 Homecoming Founding Faculty/Staff King & Queen
Brenezza DaParre Garcia, Assistant Vice President, Institutional Relations
Tim D. Birrittella, Senior Instructor, COB Department of Marketing and Logistics
Panthers Got Talent
2015 Panther’s Got Talent Winner
Brittany Boyd, Graduate Teaching Assistant for the Department of Psychology – Jaya Nicole, when going by her artist name – blew the judges away with her vocal performance of “Pearl Kinda Girl” and took the winning title for Panthers Got Talent Faculty/Staff Solo Division.
FIU Retiree Reunion
In addition, the FIU Ambassador Award is presented to a retiree who offers outstanding dedication, effort and energy to the university and South Florida community. The award recognizes their commitment of time and service to others on a volunteer basis.
Congratulations to our founding FIU Ambassador Award recipient Katherine “Kathy” Schauers! Kathy retired from the College of Education in 2007 after 33 years.
President's Holiday Celebration
During the holiday season, President Mark B. Rosenberg brings our university together to celebrate our accomplishments, as well as, thank our amazing faculty and staff for their contributions. Through the outpouring generosity of work-force, the annual holiday toy drive generates a bountiful collection of toys to bring merriment and good cheer to children in our community during this special time of year.