Gina Garden, marketing coordinator at UNK’s Museum of Nebraska Art, received the University of Nebraska Board of Regents KUDOS award Tuesday.
KUDOS awards recognize university staff for their professional expertise, service and “superior dedication” to UNK and University of Nebraska. It is the university’s top staff award.
“Gina is the epitome of efficiency, creativity, grace and dedication,” said Audrey Kauders, director and curator of the museum. “MONA is fortunate to have counted her as a staff member.”
She has been a member of the MONA staff since 2000, including the past five years in a full-time capacity.
Garden’s responsibilities include designing all MONA publications and print materials; serving as the museum’s public face through print, broadcast and social media; coordinating online presence via the museum’s website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and MONA app; maintaining a database of collection images; serving as staff liaison with the MONA Guild; and representing the Museum on community collaboration groups.
In addition, she coordinates MONA’s biennial fundraiser, “Spirit: A Celebration of Art in the Heartland” – a very important, highly visible endeavor that has become known as one of the premier art events in the state, said Kauders. It typically features more than 150 artworks by 50-70 artists with Nebraska connections, and culminates with a gala dinner and art auction welcoming 450 guests from across the state.
Kauders described Garden as a “gem” who is equally respected and liked by her colleagues, members of the museum’s board of directors, volunteers and the significant number of individuals with whom she interacts.
Garden was recognized and given the KUDOS award at the Board of Regents meeting, which was attended by UNK Chancellor Doug Kristensen, NU President Hank Bounds, her husband, Joe, and their daughters Emily and Abby, both of Lincoln.
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