Presidential Salute
FIU faculty, staff, students, and external constituents have an opportunity to nominate colleagues and employees for a Presidential Salute. Through this recognition program, President Mark B. Rosenberg honors individuals for their outstanding service on behalf of the university. Do you know someone deserving of a Presidential Salute? Nominate them today!
Nomination Process
The Presidential Salute Task Force will select top nominations on a regular basis. Upon receipt of the selected nominations, President Mark B. Rosenberg will send a Presidential Salute to the university community to express his appreciation for his/her outstanding service to FIU. This notice will be disseminated university-wide via e-mail as a way for the university community to be informed about faculty and staff who are continuing to add value to FIU, and to join in the recognition process.
Tips
Your nomination summary is very important in the decision-making process. We have provided a sample of a strong nomination.
Past Honorees
All past Presidential Salutes are archived in PDF format and publicly available on the President’s website.
See All Past HonoreesReady to Nominate?
Nominate Someone Online
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
Empower - Recognition and Worlds Ahead Ideas
Empower reflects FIU’s commitment to recognize individuals who are dedicated to every day service excellence and “giving their best” in what they do. Here you can take a moment to recognize a colleague for an extraordinary effort or for providing excellent service to our FIU constituents. You can also share a Worlds Ahead idea that could help increase the success of our university. This is a rewarding and inspiring way to share efforts, thankfulness, and thoughts as we work together to achieve and surpass our goals.
To submit an Empower recognition or submit a Worlds Ahead idea log into the Empower site.
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. To that end, the Division of Human Resources invites your nomination(s) for the Service and Recognition Awards.
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.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 his or her mandated job responsibilities to support the goals and objectives of diversity and inclusion. A demonstrated commitment to the spirit of diversity through participation in extracurricular activities and/or formal or informal initiatives at the institutional, community, state, regional, or national level, shown leadership through positive interaction among persons of different cultural backgrounds, and behavior which illustrates commitment to inclusion of persons within 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. (Only 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. He or she is known for service excellence beyond his or her 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. He or she is known for service excellence beyond his or her 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 hired prior to 7/1/2016 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 OnlineRecognition Award Recipients
- 2019 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 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.