Nominee's Name: Parijat Sengupta Datta
Nominee's Unit: Human Resources
Criteria: Above & Beyond

Customer Service Example:

Since Parijat Sengupta Datta had set up my recall appointment, when UCPath notified me that because of accounting issues, my medical insurance as a retiree would not continue, I turned to Parijat Datta for help. Parijat Datta immediately understood the importance of my issue, the fact that I was very stressed about it, and then proceeded to do a fantastic job of taking care of my problem. During this stressful period, I was offered help, advice, and support. Parijat Datta’s approach was methodical and careful, and at the same time taught me to have patience with our system. In the end it was suggested that I call RASC to confirm that all was well. I did that, and happily they confirmed that my coverage will continue without interruption. I joined the faculty in 1964, and in the past 60 years, I can’t remember receiving service on this level. Not only did Parijat Datta demonstrate knowledge and good sense, my personal concerns were dealt with in a logical and supportive manner. We are fortunate to have Parijat Datta at UC.

Nominee's Name: Christy Weldon
Nominee's Unit: Human Resources
Criteria: Problem Solver

Customer Service Example:

Christy has been instrumental in helping the Physics Department update our job descriptions in the Job Builder system. She also provided exceptionally quick turnaround on changes to the recent offer letter for the new staff member supporting the 111 Lab. Thank you, Christy!

Nominee's Name: Dan Matsuoka
Nominee's Unit: Computer Support
Criteria: Above & Beyond

Customer Service Example:

This is a MASSIVE shout out to Dan, as he helps me get everything updated on the ERSO Hub, and it is no small task! Things have been a little chaotic this year or so, and requests for updates have been small and intermittent. However, this last month, I've been able to really sit down and work on a bunch of updates. The 'novel' of requested updates I sent him with additional requests coming in behind the initial one resulted in a lot of work for him. Again, I know he is very busy with other more pressing duties for our organization, but he really goes above and beyond in helping ensure our Hub is update to date for everyone. He handles these requests so expeditiously, it's truly mind boggling. Even with the laundry list of requested updates, he managed to process everything within a few business hours and subsequent requests were made even sooner. I feel like I tell him all the time, but he truly is a rock star, and I am so glad that I get to work with him. Undoubtedly a stellar, committed, team player who always manages to do more for us even when we don't realize it. The Hub could not exist without him, so this salute is to recognize all of his hard work. Thank you so much, Dan, for everything - all the time!

Nominee's Name: Catie Anders
Nominee's Unit: Research
Criteria: Team Player

Customer Service Example:

I want to give a shout out to Catie who was such a great support during a recent DARPA submission! Not only was she working on one of her own PI's DARPA submissions, she took the time to assist me. I can't thank her enough for her patience, guidance, and DARPA tips.

Nominee's Name: TK Chen
Nominee's Unit: Computer Support
Criteria: Above & Beyond

Customer Service Example:

I nominate TK Chen for his extraordinary commitment and persistence during a recent critical production server outage. When the server housing the ERSO Intranet experienced a severe, non-obvious technical issue, TK immediately took ownership of the incident. He worked relentlessly, dedicating countless extra hours day and night, to diagnose the root cause and implement a fix. His timely and exhaustive effort was instrumental in minimizing the service disruption to the entire ERSO community and staff. Thank you, TK, for your selfless dedication to our organization's operational continuity.

Nominee's Name: Sarah Gaugler
Nominee's Unit: Research
Criteria: Above & Beyond

Customer Service Example:

Sarah is truly a gem to be working with! Whether it’s taking time away from her own portfolio to help resolve challenges or offering a listening ear during stressful times, she leads with empathy, integrity, and an unshakable commitment to the team's success. Her proactive communication, problem-solving mindset, and ability to empower each team member has created an environment where people feel valued, supported, and motivated to do their best work. Sarah has truly gone above and beyond to ensure others have the support they need to be successful in their own RA duties.

Nominee's Name: Judy Tam
Nominee's Unit: Research
Criteria: Above & Beyond

Customer Service Example:

A central office asked to see a job aid on how RAs are managing the Industrial Alliance Program awards. None existed and so I asked Judy Tam if she would create this. She rose to the occasion and produced a thorough job aid to assist those who are new to the task as well as staff in central offices to understand the full cycle and special handling these awards require. This job aid is now posted on the Hub. Thank you Judy for taking this on.

Nominee's Name: Michelle Hanke
Nominee's Unit: Research
Criteria: Problem Solver

Customer Service Example:

Michelle is consistently one step ahead in anticipating what this PI will need in grant and annual report preparation, in budget projections, and in budget reconciliation, ensuring that costs are allocated to the correct categories. This has been especially important in these tense times, when funding is so uncertain. It is pleasure to work with her. She is a true professional.

Nominee's Name: Lauren Wolf
Nominee's Unit: Research
Criteria: Team Player

Customer Service Example:

I’d like to give a big shoutout to Lauren Wolf for doing an amazing job covering for me while I was out! She truly went above and beyond to keep things running smoothly, and I can’t thank her enough. Whether it was handling day-to-day tasks or jumping in to solve last-minute issues she handled everything like it was her own desk of work. I really appreciate her support and teamwork—it meant a lot to know things were being taken care of and I could relax and enjoy time off. I Salute you Lauren Wolf!!

Nominee's Name: Richard Stibravy
Nominee's Unit: Purchasing
Criteria: Demonstrates Commitment

Customer Service Example:

Richard was recently very quick to respond to a purchasing issue. He was prompt in his response, initiated an update to the order, and gave the vendor instructions on a vendor question. He showed his dedication to customer service by acting quickly. This kind of service is appreciated by the research team. It truly makes our lives easier. Thank you, Richard!

Nominee's Name: Christina Hamilton
Nominee's Unit: Research
Criteria: Demonstrates Commitment

Customer Service Example:

I am happy to nominate Christina Hamilton for a Staff Salute! While she has only been with ERSO since December, she has already stepped up to take the lead on the Projection Template - implementing updates, changes, feedback, etc. from other ERSO RAs and creating a more robust tool for everyone's use. She has also provided (and continues to provide) input to make the RA master training document more rounded and comprehensive for future RAs onboarded to ERSO, and she has already requested to be a part of the ERSO Hub Committee to further better this organization. She truly demonstrates commitment, being a problem solver, and anticipating needs for not just her PIs, but for her fellow colleagues and the organization as a whole. ERSO is incredibly lucky to have her!

Nominee's Name: Catherine Anders
Nominee's Unit: Research
Criteria: Team Player

Customer Service Example:

Catie had to put together a DARPA proposal together for the first time. (This is the most complicated proposal possible with a budget spreadsheet that has reduced many an experienced RA to tears!). To make matters more complicated, she had to compile the budgets and other documents from several often noncommunicative co-PIs and a sick lead PI. In addition, the budgets involved equipment fabrications that included a ridiculous number of items and vendor quotes. Through all that, Catie remained cheerful and patient, diligently following through on her requests and making sure understood what was needed when. She did a beautiful job compiling a very complex proposal despite the odds being stacked against her.

Nominee's Name: Stacy Ruvalcaba
Nominee's Unit: Shipping & Receiving
Criteria: Demonstrates Commitment

Customer Service Example:

I would like to nominate Stacy for recognition of her outstanding accomplishments and contributions to the Berkeley Equipment Management team. Stacy has truly gone above and beyond in her role, demonstrating exceptional commitment and being a true team player throughout her work. One of Stacy’s most impressive achievements this year has been her direct impact on reducing our equipment management backlog. She has significantly reduced the entries on the ERSO BETS 500 Report by 8% YTD. This is especially noteworthy given the scale of the report, which typically contains over 600 entries and continues to grow as new equipment is added. Stacy's ability to manage and reduce this backlog while maintaining high-quality work exemplifies her dedication to the team and her commitment to improving the efficiency and effectiveness of our operations. Her efforts not only reflect her strong technical abilities but also her proactive approach and dedication to continuous improvement, making a lasting impact on the team’s success. Stacy has gone beyond the call of duty and has proven herself to be an invaluable asset to the department.

Names of People on the Team: Gina Banton and Maria Odezynskyj
Team Unit: Other
Which Operating Principle did this team embody? We are accountable to each other

The Graduate Division notified ERSO about urgent actions that needed to be addressed in order to not putting graduate student funding at risk. This last minute urgent request created havoc and required that several people meet and determine what actions were needed. After hunting down hard to get details, Gina determined that many SCTs were needed. Maria was asked to assist and without hesitation she jumped right in. Gina and Maria partnered to get this work done in speedy fashion and without any complaints. A big thanks to both of them!

Names of People on the Team: Amy Frithsen, Angela Brito Baldwin, Brian Bratton, Cathy Nguyen, and Weixing Ou
Team Unit: Research
Which Operating Principle did this team embody? We include and excel together

While Brian Bratton was out on leave for 3 months, Amy, Angela, Cathy, and Weixing all stepped up and helped cover Brian's portfolio taking on his work and handling it as it was their own. Folks volunteered to take anywhere between 1-7 PIs so it didn't all fall to the one designated back up person. Brian spent a lot of time putting together detailed information on each PI's portfolio, shared all the financial dashboard reports, and met individually with each person before he was out. Each member of the team handled the questions from PIs and assisted with various outstanding items during the 3 months Brian was out, all while simultaneously managing their own portfolios! Everyone collaborated with one another in the team chat and was forthcoming with their time and effort to ensure Brian's entire portfolio was in good standing when he came back. It makes such a difference when everyone pitches in and helps each other out, and I cannot express my gratitude enough - many hands make light work, and it truly did. Thanks, BTE - YOU ALL ROCK!