• 2026 Employee Recognition Awards

    Division of Finance & Administration
  • We need your help! The Finance & Administration (F&A) Climate Committee, in partnership with Vice President Foreman, seeks to celebrate the divisional workforce and highlight major accomplishments with the annual Employee Recognition Awards. Take a moment to nominate an F&A team member for their accomplishments from July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026.

  • Award Categories

  • Outstanding Accomplishment Award

    This award recognizes an F&A team member who goes above and beyond to successfully meet a challenge and/or support change.

    Who do you know that:

    • Meets workplace challenges head on
    • Uses problem solving to develop real solutions
    • Demonstrates innovative, out of the box thinking
    • Brings change that has a positive impact in the Department/Division
    • Models the University's strategic values

     

    Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) Award (formerly DEI Award)

    This award recognizes an F&A team member who creates and supports an environment of inclusiveness and belonging at UAlbany.

    Who do you know that:

    • Models respect for all members of the UAlbany community
    • Actively works to make all team members feel welcome
    • Encourages opportunities for the team to share and learn about diversity
    • Identifies opportunities to increase equitable access to resources for all
    • Embraces inclusive practices

     

    Sustained Excellence Award

    This award recognizes an F&A team member who demonstrates ongoing excellence.

    Who do you know that:

    • Has a history of providing the highest level of service everyday
    • Supports success in their team and beyond
    • Continuously brings a positive outlook to all they do
    • Works to develop and advance their workplace skills and knowledge

     

    First Year Employee Award (formerly New Employee of the Year Award)

    This award recognizes excellence and engagement in a first year F&A team member. 

    Who do you know that:

    • Was hired during the 2025-2026 academic year 
    • Models willingness to learn new skills 
    • Shows excellence in their work 
    • Willingly shares their knowledge and experience to inspire improvement and change 
    • Engages and contributes positively to the UAlbany community through team/staff activities, volunteering, event attendance, and/or sporting events 
    • Participates in professional development, training, and engagement activities

     

    Community Award

    This award recognizes an F&A team member who promotes collaboration, engagement, and interaction across departments. 

    Who do you know that:

    • Breaks down silos by increasing communication and idea sharing with others across the University 
    • Models and encourages resource sharing 
    • Starts conversations about ways to improve processes 
    • Takes the initiative to learn from other departments 
    • Prompts sharing of best practices across departments 
    • Encourages leadership to provide time and opportunities for peer engagement across the Campus community

     

    Peer Award

    This award recognizes an F&A team member who makes their team better. This award will only consider nominations submitted by a nominee's peers, not those from supervisors or managers. 

    Who do you know that:

    • Is committed to helping their peers succeed 
    • Is willing to go above and beyond to help the team meet goals 
    • Makes work a great place to be 
    • Shares positivity and energy with everyone 
    • Treats all members of the UAlbany Community with respect
  • FAQs

  • How do I nominate someone?

    Anyone in the Division can submit a nomination using one of the methods below by October 30, 2026:

    • Complete and submit the Nomination Form
    • Mail the form below to Sandra J. Peterson, Finance and Administration, University Hall Room 209
    • Email the form below to: sjpeterson@albany.edu

     

    How do winners get selected?

    • The F&A Climate Committee will review the nominations and submit a maximum of three (3) suggestions per award category to the Vice President's Leadership Team for final selection.

     

    What else should I know?

    • Previous award winners are eligible for re-nomination in the same award category three (3) years after winning the award. 
    • Award nominees must not be members of the Climate Committee or members of the Vice President's Leadership Team.

     

    Who are our past award recipients?

    • Visit our webpage: https://www.albany.edu/finance-administration/climate-committee

    If you have any additional questions, please contact Sandra J. Peterson at sjpeterson@albany.edu.

  • Award winners will be notified in December

  • Nomination Form

  • 1. What award would you like to nominate someone for? (Please submit a separate form for each nomination)*
  • 4. What is your relationship to the nominee?*
  • 7. Can the committee share your name?*
  • Should be Empty: