Jerry Klein, of Parking Services,  has been named the recipient of the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh October STAR Award.

Klein was nominated by Tom Grogan. Portions of Klein’s nomination follow.

“Observing Jerry over the years, I have always been struck by his “grounded” sense of pragmatism and his helpful and engaging spirit. He has a difficult job that he does in a reasonable and balanced manner. He is kind, thoughtful, resourceful and respectful.

“The Parking Services unit oftentimes does not get the respect and recognition that they receive. We all count on them to ensure the orderly and efficient delivery of services, but many of us are “quick” to be critical (if not hyper-critical) when things don’t turn out exactly like we would wish them to be.

“Jerry Klein (and, for that matter, others) always approaches his work with a quiet and unassuming sense of positive orientation toward doing the greatest and best good for everyone that he comes into contact with. The difficulties of managing all of the many competing needs/interests is something that places extraordinary stress on this key area of functional responsibility. My personal sense is that Jerry always strives to “do right” by those who look to him for the character and quality of the service that he provides.

“In my book, this “quiet and unassuming” record of “steady” and “exemplary” service is in the best tradition of excellence for any who serve key roles as members of the University Staff.

“It is a pleasure to nominate Jerry for this special award, for I know in my heart that everyday is a day when Jerry proves himself to be a “star” performer.”

The CSAC Awards & Recognition Committee submitted this announcement. Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to contribute calendar items, campus announcements and other good news to UW Oshkosh Today.

Michael Parks, technology manager in the College of Nursing, was the recipient of an Outstanding Performance Award at the 2013 Opening Day ceremony.

The University’s Outstanding Performance Award recognizes exemplary members of the classified staff whose activities, accomplishments and service are most deserving of acknowledgement.

Mike Parks is a dedicated and important member of the administrative support team within the College of Nursing. During his time with the college, Parks has increased the number of podcasts available to students and staff, eased frustration through his in-depth knowledge base and network and set in motion ideas for the Learning Lab and Sim Lab, with the goal of increasing the success rate of students. Parks has also been instrumental in implementing many electronic processes that have helped the College more toward a more paperless and sustainable system. He is known for being a leader who goes above and beyond to complete any task and he is dedicated to professionalism in each project he undertakes. This summer, he taught as part of the PreCollege Enrichment Program, which is aimed at helping young students prepare for college. Beyond his service at the University, Parks has participated in many community fundraising activities including walks to raise money for breast cancer research and awareness, the Oshkosh Community Dragonboat Race & Festival and more.

Parks earned his bachelor’s degree in organizational administration and his master’s degree in public administration from UW Oshkosh.

To read more about the Opening Day award recipients, visit UW Oshkosh Today.

Carol Kozlowski, University Conference Coordinator at Gruenhagen Conference Center, was the recipient of an Outstanding Performance Award at the 2013 Opening Day ceremony.

The University’s Outstanding Performance Award recognizes exemplary members of the classified staff whose activities, accomplishments and service are most deserving of acknowledgement.

Carol Kozlowski is responsible for planning and coordinating many major events on the UW Oshkosh campus, a job she approaches with passion, conviction and a true sense of service to guests. Kozlowski has served the needs of an estimated 20,000 guests during her 14 years on campus. She also oversees the hiring, training and ongoing supervision of students who work at Gruenhagen. Kozlowski also leads the Manager on Duty program, which is a point of excellence within UW Oshkosh conferencing operations. Kozlowski has done particularly great work in coordinating the annual Oshkosh Placement Exchange, which brings more than 1,200 attendees to the on-campus conference, and as part of the team that brought Badger Girls State to UW Oshkosh in 2003.

Kozlowski earned her bachelor’s degree in secondary education from UW–Stevens Point.

Barbara Kargus, University Services Program Associate in the Student Success Center,  was the recipient of an Outstanding Performance Award at the 2013 Opening Day ceremony.

The University’s Outstanding Performance Award recognizes exemplary members of the classified staff whose activities, accomplishments and service are most deserving of acknowledgement.

Barb Kargus has served UW Oshkosh with care, dedication and professionalism since 1985. The caring heart and soul of the University’s Counseling Center, which houses many programs, starts with Kargus. She is a patient and kind student-focused customer service provider who strives to get the right answers for each of the students she encounters. Kargus is responsible for overseeing a team of students, providing orientation to new employees, scheduling, identifying at-risk students, organizing budget paper work, assisting in the coordination of outreach materials and much, much more — many times in the midst of high-stress situations within the Counseling Center. Kargus has developed significant technical skills in her ever expanding role. She manages the electronic medical records database, which includes training staff, coordinating upgrades, creating forms and generating statistical reports. Additionally, Kargus is the chair for the Quality Circle of Student Affairs, the co-chair for the Awards and Recognition Committee and has previously served as a Classified Staff Team Building and Personal Development Program and Classified Staff Advisory Council member.

To read more about the Opening Day award recipients, visit UW Oshkosh Today.

Dawn Abraham, research grants manager in the division of administrative services, was the recipient of an Outstanding Performance Award at the 2013 Opening Day ceremony.

The University’s Outstanding Performance Award recognizes exemplary members of the classified staff whose activities, accomplishments and service are most deserving of acknowledgement.

During her 15 years at UW Oshkosh, Dawn Abraham’s role has crossed into all departments and academic areas. In her role, she provides assistance, guidance and essential information to those who are in the process of writing and submitting research grants to various governmental agencies with the goal of simply helping people. Abraham provides exceptional service to everyone she comes in contact with through her knowledge of complex federal regulations, fiscal guidelines, attention to detail and follow-up. Her hope is to make complex processes less painful for those she works with. Abraham has served on many committees and teams including search and screen committees, the Intranet Task Force, the External Grants Expansion Team and was a Classified Staff Day presenter for many years. Within the community, Abraham volunteers as a photographer for Aurora Medical Center and was one of the artists to design a nutcracker for the community-wide public art project.

Abraham earned her bachelor’s degree in business from Northern Michigan University and her master’s degree in business from Silver Lake College.

To read more about the Opening Day award recipients, visit UW Oshkosh Today.

Cynthia Fruhwirth, assistant director of academic advising, Undergraduate Advising Resource Center, was the recipient of an Outstanding Service Award at the 2013 Opening Day ceremony.

UW Oshkosh has many nonteaching faculty and academic staff members whose contributions enhance the University’s overall academic environment and support our educational goals. The Outstanding Service Award recognizes excellence of service that touches each member of the University community.

With the University for more than 16 years, Cindy Fruhwirth is dedicated to student success. Most notably, Fruhwirth put UW Oshkosh on the map with the top-notch Peer Advising Liaisons (PALs) program, which she created and grew. The PALs program provides walk-in support and answers to questions about general education, degrees, campus policies and more for students by students. The success of the program led to her election as the national Academic Advising Association’s Peer Advising Commission Chair. Additionally, Fruhwirth has worked extensively with her team of pre-business advisers and the College of Business to build strong relationships and improve the student experience. Fruhwirth has served on the Senate of Academic Staff’s executive board, on the team responsible for developing and implementing the Titan Transfer Center and on several other campus-wide committees.

Fruhwirth earned her bachelor’s degree in marketing and commercial art from UW Oshkosh.

To read more about the Opening Day award recipients, visit UW Oshkosh Today.

Marty Strand, assistant director for dining operations at Reeve Memorial Union, was the recipient of an Outstanding Service Award at the 2013 Opening Day ceremony.

UW Oshkosh has many nonteaching faculty and academic staff members whose contributions enhance the University’s overall academic environment and support our educational goals. The Outstanding Service Award recognizes excellence of service that touches each member of the University community.

Strand is known for his dedication to students, faculty, staff and campus guests at UW Oshkosh. He oversees nine campus dining locations, which serve nearly 5,000 meals per day. He is customer service-focused and has even developed the nickname among students as “Uncle Marty” because of his student-centered approach. Strand is a key player in the University’s new student orientation program, Odyssey, and frequently speaks to classes in the environmental studies program about food service operations. Strand is dedicated to the sustainability efforts on campus; he serves on the Sustainability Council, Fair Trade Committee and Campus Energy Team. He has helped develop the Sustainability Adviser program and worked on the Feed the Beast Campaign to bring food waste to the biodigester. Strand is also certified by the National Association of College Auxiliary Services and is involved with Fall Fest on the Fox, the Dragonboat Race and Festival and Homecoming. In the greater community, Strand is behind the weekly fish fries at St. Raphael’s Catholic Church.

Strand earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from UW Oshkosh.

To read more about the Opening Day award recipients, visit UW Oshkosh Today.

Timothy Paulsen, geology professor, was the recipient of the Edward M. Penson Distinguished Teaching award at the 2013 Opening Day ceremonies at UW Oshkosh.

Edward M. Penson Distinguished Teaching Award recipients are selected based on their teaching excellence, service, professional commitment and scholarly growth. A committee of faculty, students and staff determines who will receive the honor.

A true teaching gem, Timothy Paulsen has been teaching at the University since 1999. His passion and enthusiasm for geology serves to inspire students and makes him an outstanding educator. He believes in integrating materials from his research into the classroom to help students learn and discover. Since his arrival at UW Oshkosh in 1999, Paulsen has published 31 refereed scientific papers and has co-authored 46 abstracts at national and international conferences. He collaborates with scientists from an array of national and international institutions as well as with students at UW Oshkosh. Paulsen serves as the director of the capstone geology class, which is an intense, six-week field immersion course taught each summer in Utah, Wyoming and Nevada. Public outreach through lectures and media engagements is also important to Paulsen. He is the adviser for Sigma Gamma Epsilon and is involved with the geology department in his role as undergraduate student adviser.

Paulsen earned his bachelor’s degree in geology and geophysics from UW–Madison and his doctorate in geology from the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign.

To read more about the Opening Day award recipients, visit UW Oshkosh Today.

Jayalakshmi Jambunathan, nursing professor, was twice recognized at the 2013 Opening Day ceremony at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh.

She was recognized with both a Edward M. Penson Distinguished Teaching Award and a Barbara G. Sniffen Faculty Governance Service Award.

Edward M. Penson Distinguished Teaching Award recipients are selected based on their teaching excellence, service, professional commitment and scholarly growth. A committee of faculty, students and staff determines who will receive the honor. The Barbara G. Sniffen Faculty Governance Service Award recognizes faculty members who have exceptional University service records.

A highly valued faculty member at UW Oshkosh since 1987, Jambunathan excels in teaching, scholarship and service to the University and community. She is involved in numerous scholarly activities that support her teaching to both undergraduate and graduate students. She has taught in the traditional and accelerated undergraduate program and currently teaches in the MSN and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs. Jambunathan has been an adviser to numerous graduate student theses, clinical papers and doctoral student capstone projects. She enthusiastically makes time to learn technological innovations to use in her teaching. Committed to enhancing international relationships between UW Oshkosh and universities in India, she has authored and co-authored several successful grants to either bring nurse educators from India to the College of Nursing as collaborative faculty or set up intensive community health clinicals with several agencies in India. She was a co-principal on a Robert Wood Johnson grant on Innovations in Nursing Education. Jambunathan regularly publishes and presents research on a variety of topics related to her specialty of mental health and in nursing education. She has also co-authored papers with graduate students. Jambunathan has served in various roles with the Eta Pi chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International and is an active member of the Midwest Nursing Research Society on the research section advisory committee and the Wisconsin Nurses Association Research Committee. She also serves as a research consultant at Winnebago Mental Health Institute.

At the College level, she is the director of Research and Evaluation. She also chairs the Research and Professional Development Committee, the College of Nursing Personnel Committee, the Promotions Committee and the Evaluation Committee. She is also a member of several other committees. At the University level, she has been involved with several search and screen committees, the Endowed Professorship Committee, the Biodigester Research Committee, the Graduate Council, Salary Equity Review Committee and many more committees.

Jambunathan earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from UW Oshkosh, her master’s degree in nursing with an emphasis in primary health care from UW Oshkosh and her doctorate in nursing from UW–Milwaukee.

To read more about the Opening Day award recipients, visit UW Oshkosh Today.