Eight staff members celebrated their nominations for the university-wide Employee Excellence Awards during a luncheon in their honor on March 13. The awards recognize achievements of staff who excel in their roles, both in skills and performance. Carol Merkur, director of business operations in the Department of Clinical Sciences, won the management excellence category.

Merkur’s nomination letter noted her creation of a comprehensive onboarding process for new hires, promotion of sustainability with electronic dossiers, support of staff in professionalization opportunities, and her spearheading of a system that assists faculty in their research storage needs. Dean Lorin D. Warnick Ph.D. '94 presented her with the award.

The Management Excellence Award is bestowed on Cornell supervisors, managers, or directors who demonstrate a high level of commitment and dedication to their employees and the Cornell workplace. Nominees must model leadership for their team, show a strong work ethic, prioritize professional development for self and staff, and support an inclusive work environment.

“Carol’s intrinsic motivation, problem-solving abilities and commitment to improving the work climate and efficiency in DCS positively impacts staff and faculty alike,” said Merkur’s nomination letter.

CVM staff members earned nominations in four out of the five categories, including:

Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion, recognizing those who advance diversity through their exemplary work

• Laura Barlow, veterinary technician, Cornell University Hospital for Animals
• Arla Hourigan, graduate education program manager, Research and Graduate Education
• Jai Sweet Ph.D. '96, director of student services and multicultural affairs, Student Services

Individual Excellence Award, which honors those who positively influence their colleagues and make great contributions, regardless of their title or role

• Becky Callan, business intelligence analyst, Animal Health Diagnostic Center
• Kristen Consalvi, administrative assistant, Animal Health Diagnostic Center
• Carol Frederick, veterinary technician, Cornell University Hospital for Animals

Excellence in Innovation, recognizing employees who bring fresh ideas to their work, inspire a spirit of innovation, or are willing to take a calculated risk even if it fails

• Scott Ross MILR '13, applications programmer, Information Technologies

Management Excellence Award, which honors leaders in the supervisor, manager, or director role who bring out the best in their colleagues and teams, and create an environment that promotes excellence in their staff

• Amy Pellegrino, department manager, Department of Biomedical Sciences
• Carol Merkur, director of business operations, Department of Clinical Sciences

By Melanie Greaver Cordova