2025 Employee Recognition Nomination Season now under way

The OU Employee Recognition and Appreciation Committee (ERAC) is pleased to announce that the university's fifth annual Employee Recognition Nomination Season is now under way.

Campus community members are encouraged to think about outstanding accomplishments and contributions that they and their colleagues have made over the previous calendar year and submit award nominations to ensure that all receive appropriate recognition.

Each year, university departments and committees seek honorees for the awards listed below, which are organized by eligible recipient groups. Additional information for all university awards can be found in the Employee Recognition and Appreciation section of the Employee Resource Network (ERN) intranet site.

All Employees

Monica E. Emerson Diversity Award

Awarded to an individual responsible for significant achievements, creative programming efforts or innovative diversity and inclusion concepts of faculty, staff, students, alumni and academic units in developing a culturally diverse, compassionate university community reflective of inclusive excellence.

Timothy G. Larrabee SOGI Equity and Inclusion Award

Awarded to an individual proposing a new initiative, program or project designed to advance sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) equality and inclusion on campus.

Women Employees

Phyllis Law Googasian Award

Recognizes women who have contributed to the advancement of women at Oakland University and beyond through distinguished leadership, scholarship, advocacy, mentoring, program development or other activities.

CMTs

Robert Vaughn CMT Employee of the Year

Awarded to an exceptional CMT employee who has been at Oakland University for at least one full year and has a very strong work ethic; is reliable and punctual; has a cooperative and collaborative attitude; demonstrates a positive attitude toward University faculty staff, students, and visitors; and who has leadership qualities that focus on helping others.

OUPSA

Sharon Wilhelm Excellence Award

Awarded to a clerical employee who consistently demonstrates exemplary service, builds positive working relationships, exhibits a positive attitude, participates in University activities outside of work responsibilities and contributes to efficiency in the workplace.

Linda Barc Golden Spirit/Service Award

Awarded to an exceptional clerical/technical employee that has been at Oakland University for at least one full year and has a very strong work ethic; is reliable and punctual; has a cooperative and collaborative attitude; demonstrates a positive attitude toward University faculty staff, students, and visitors; and who has leadership qualities that focus on helping others.

Campus community members should also be aware of employee recognition programs for which nominations are accepted year round. These include Employee of the Month and the Community Service Recognition.