A group of UNK employees tabbed Campus Heroes received the University of Nebraska Board of Regents KUDOS award August 16.
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.
The Campus Heroes were recognized for their work in leading UNK’s effort to help with recovery efforts, housing and other needs related to the July floods that overtook Kearney and left hundreds of area residents and travelers needing housing, food and other assistance.
UNK employees recognized as KUDOS award winners and representing the greater UNK community included: Tyler Ellyson, Communications and Marketing; Brenda Marker, Facilities Planning and Management; George Holman, Residence Life; Jim Davis, Police and Parking Services; Ted Eichholz, Emergency Operations; and Michael Fleming, Sodexo Dining Services.
“I could not be prouder of my colleagues for their community spirit, genuine kindness and for representing UNK so well,” said Chancellor Doug Kristensen. “They are modest, however. They say they did what Nebraskans do. They helped those who needed it.”
Difficult times, Kristensen said, can bring out the best in people, and that has been the case in recent weeks at UNK.
UNK’s communications team, residence hall and facilities staffs, police force, Sodexo and emergency operations team helped meet the challenges.
“They invested hours of time and energy, in many cases leaving their own homes and families, to make it possible for more than 300 people to take refuge in residence halls for several days while flood waters receded,” said Kristensen.
In addition to providing housing, transportation and serving more than 1,400 meals to flood victims, UNK reacted quickly to host wedding receptions that had to be relocated from area hotels. The university also provided temporary office space to hotel staff in Kearney.
The @UNKearney Campus Heros are honored by the Board of Regents With a Kudos resolution. These individuals represented all the staff, faculty and students who volunteered and made us all proud during the recent floods @u_nebraska @UNKAlumni pic.twitter.com/B31EH4CjfZ
— Doug Kristensen (@KristensenDoug) August 16, 2019
Some of our best honored with @u_nebraska KUDOS award for their work in July flood recovery efforts and assistance @unKearney @unkreslife @1unkpolice1 Great group of #CampusHeroes Thank you. pic.twitter.com/1C24uieIeF
— Todd Gottula (@GottulaTodd) August 16, 2019
