Presidential Employee Excellence Recognition Program

At Rutgers, we are committed to recognizing that everyone—every single one of us—has a critical role to play in the success of the university. Rutgers is a remarkable place because you make it so. We are one university, and we need to talk more often about those things that make us excellent. We want to celebrate your excellence as faculty and staff in meaningful ways.

Through the Presidential Employee Excellence Recognition program, we’re reaching across the entire university to honor Rutgers faculty and staff who have gone above and beyond for our students, for our employees, for the university itself, and for the broader society.

Pride of Rutgers in Frontline Service Award

Description: Recognizes and celebrates the dedication, exceptional performance, and positive impact of frontline staff members at Rutgers University. This award honors both individuals and teams who provide outstanding services that contribute significantly to the effective operation of the university—often behind the scenes—and enhance the overall experience of the Rutgers community.

Eligibility Criteria: Individuals and/or unit, departmental, interdepartmental, or campus teams can be nominated for this award. Only current full-time staff are eligible. Nominated effort must be within the last 12 months and show lasting positive results in at least one of these areas:

Maintain a high standard of professionalism in all interactions
Show initiative in solving problems and improving processes
Contribute to a welcoming and supportive environment for everyone
Consistently deliver reliable, high-quality support to the university community
Consistently exceed expectations and contribute to the university’s success
Contribute to the seamless functioning of the university and improve the experience of students, staff, and visitors

Individuals selected for this award may be determined ineligible for other Presidential Employee Excellence Recognition Awards in the same calendar year.

Required Documentation: To complete the nomination form, at least one of the following required documentations must be included:

A thoughtful summary outlining the impact of the individual or team and the extraordinary effort and accomplishment serving as the basis for nomination
Letter(s) of support and/or testimonial(s) documenting the individual’s or team’s contributions from their peers, supervisors, or members of their service population/beneficiaries of their service

Incomplete submissions will not be considered by the committee. Before submitting your nomination, please view the nomination form instructions to understand all of the elements required in order to submit your nomination.

Nominate a Colleague: Go to the nomination form

Pride of Rutgers in Frontline Health Care Award

Description: Recognizes and celebrates the dedication, exceptional performance, and positive impact of frontline health care employees at Rutgers University. This award honors individuals who provide outstanding health care support that contributes significantly to the effective operation of the university's health care system—often behind the scenes—and enhance the overall experience of Rutgers patients and their loved ones.

The recipient of this award will demonstrate exceptional professionalism, a steadfast dedication to problem-solving, and an unwavering commitment to fostering a positive, inclusive, and compassionate environment. This award highlights the contributions of non-physician providers who ensure the seamless delivery of vital services, maintain high standards of care, and consistently go above and beyond to meet the needs of the university community. The recipient exemplifies a commitment to patient-centered care, teamwork, and high standards of service quality, and consistently goes above and beyond to meet the needs of the community.

Eligibility Criteria: Individuals and/or unit, departmental, interdepartmental, or campus teams can be nominated for this award. Only current full-time staff are eligible. Nominated effort must be within the last 12 months and show lasting positive results in at least one of these areas:

Maintain ethical standards and provide respectful, compassionate care
Prioritize patients' well-being and provide high-quality care
Actively work to resolve issues and improve health care services
Work effectively with others to ensure quality care
Consistently meet or exceed health care service expectations
Provide exceptional care and support that exceeds basic requirements
Contribute to improving patient care and the health care system at Rutgers
Create an empathetic, inclusive environment for patients and colleagues

Required Documentation: To complete the nomination form, at least one of the following required documentations must be included:

A thoughtful summary outlining the impact of the individual or team and the extraordinary effort and accomplishment serving as the basis for nomination
Letter(s) of support and/or testimonial(s) documenting the individual’s or team’s contributions from their peers, supervisors, or members of their service population/beneficiaries of their service

Nominate a Colleague: Go to the nomination form

Rutgers Lifetime Contribution Award (Faculty)

Description: This award celebrates the extraordinary achievements of faculty and staff who have devoted over two decades of their professional journey to enriching the academic landscape and leaving an indelible mark on the University. This prestigious accolade acknowledges individuals whose tireless commitment has shaped the very essence of our institution and beyond. Their impact transcends generations, shaping the intellectual landscape and nurturing the next wave of visionary leaders.

In addition to demonstrating expertise and leadership within their respective disciplines and/or professional domains, recipients of this esteemed award have also served as catalysts for transformative change both within and beyond the institution.

In honoring their decades-long dedication and profound influence, the Presidential Lifetime Contribution Award pays homage to a legacy built upon unwavering dedication, boundless passion, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. As stewards of knowledge and champions of progress, these exemplary individuals embody the true spirit of enduring excellence, leaving an indelible imprint on the fabric of our institution and society as a whole.

Eligibility Criteria: Full-time faculty may be nominated for this award. Rutgers full-time faculty who have retired within the last 12 months are eligible.

Nominees must be a university faculty member for a minimum of 20 years. Nominees must have made significant and sustained contributions to the university community throughout their tenure. These contributions may include, but are not limited to:

Teaching excellence, research achievements, administrative leadership, mentorship, and service to the university and wider community
Demonstrable impact on the academic, professional, and personal lives of students, colleagues, and the broader university community

Nominees must have demonstrated exceptional dedication, commitment, and service to the university throughout their tenure. This may include:

Exemplary performance in their assigned duties, innovative contributions, leadership in their department or unit, and going above and beyond expectations to support the university's mission and goals
A significant and positive impact on the university community, whether through their interactions with students, colleagues, or other members of the Rutgers community, or through their contributions to the efficient functioning and success of the university as a whole
Consistently demonstrated professionalism, respect, and collaboration in their interactions with others, fostering a positive and supportive work environment

Required Documentation: Nominees must be endorsed by colleagues, supervisor, and/or other members of the university who can attest to the nominee's longtime outstanding contributions and impact on the university community. These endorsements may include:

A thoughtful and substantive summary outlining the extraordinary effort and accomplishment serving as evidence of the nominee's exceptional service and impact
Letter(s) of support documenting the individual’s achievements (up to three)
Artifacts showing qualitative and/or quantitative impacts, such as commendations, letters of appreciation, or other forms of acknowledgment

Nominate a Colleague: Go to the nomination form

Rutgers Lifetime Contribution Award (Staff)

Description: This award celebrates the extraordinary achievements of a staff member whose dedication, innovation, and excellence over more than two decades has significantly contributed to the enhancement of our university. This prestigious accolade acknowledges individuals whose tireless commitment has shaped the essence of our institution. Their impact transcends generations, shaping the intellectual landscape and nurturing the next wave of visionary leaders.

In honoring their decades-long dedication and profound influence, the Presidential Lifetime Contribution Award pays homage to a legacy built upon unwavering dedication, boundless passion, and a steadfast commitment to excellence. As stewards of knowledge and champions of progress, these exemplary individuals embody the true spirit of enduring excellence, leaving an indelible imprint on the fabric of our institution and society as a whole.

Eligibility Criteria: Full-time staff may be nominated for this award. Rutgers full-time staff who have retired within the last 12 months are also eligible.

Nominees must be a university staff member for a minimum of 20 years. Nominees must have made significant and sustained contributions to the university community throughout their tenure. These contributions may include, but are not limited to:

Administrative leadership, mentorship, and service to the university and wider community
Demonstrable impact on the academic, professional, and personal lives of students, colleagues, and the broader university community

Nominees must have demonstrated exceptional dedication, commitment, and service to the university throughout their tenure. This may include:

Exemplary performance in their assigned duties, innovative contributions, leadership in their department or unit, and going above and beyond expectations to support the university's mission and goals
A significant and positive impact on the university community, whether through their interactions with students, colleagues, or other members of the Rutgers community, or through their contributions to the efficient functioning and success of the university as a whole
Consistently demonstrated professionalism, respect, and collaboration in their interactions with others, fostering a positive and supportive work environment

A thoughtful and substantive summary outlining the extraordinary effort and accomplishment serving as evidence of the nominee's exceptional service and impact
Letter(s) of support documenting the individual’s achievements (up to three)
Artifacts showing qualitative and/or quantitative impacts, such as commendations, letters of appreciation, or other forms of acknowledgment

Nominate a Colleague: Go to the nomination form

Rutgers Gateway Award (Service to Students)

Description: Recognizes staff, faculty, or a team of employees who go to exceptional lengths to remove barriers and provide access to those pursuing a Rutgers education. The recipient(s) recognize(s) the value of a diverse student body and the challenges students often face and seek(s) to make education more accessible and attainable.

This award is presented to those who initiated innovative solutions and/or provided extraordinary value or service that led to exceptional outcomes for our students and the Rutgers community.

Eligibility Criteria: Individuals and/or unit, departmental, interdepartmental or campus teams can be nominated for this award. Only current full-time faculty and staff are eligible. Nominations for faculty and/or staff teams that include student participants or part-time faculty or staff participants will also be accepted.

Nominated effort must be within the last 12 months and show lasting positive results in at least one of these areas:

Student and/or parent satisfaction
Enhancing the student experience
Providing access
Creating a supportive and inclusive environment
Improving processes for students
Augmenting safety
Stewardship of university resources

Individuals and/or teams selected for this award may be determined ineligible for other Presidential Employee Excellence Recognition Awards in the same calendar year. Nominations are encouraged in more than one category, if applicable.

Required Documentation:

Artifacts showing qualitative and/or quantitative impact on a population of students
Letter(s) of support documenting the individual’s or team’s achievements
Nomination letter(s) from a student or group of students highlighting an exceptional impact is strongly encouraged as supporting documentation for this nomination
A thoughtful and substantive summary outlining the regular duties of the individual or team and the extraordinary effort and accomplishment serving as the basis for nomination

Nominate a Colleague: Go to the nomination form

Rutgers Gateway Award (Service to Employees)

Description: Recognizes staff, faculty, or a team of employees who go to exceptional lengths to remove barriers to build a more positive work environment, improve employee engagement and morale, and create operational efficiencies through forward-thinking process improvements. The recipient(s) recognize(s) the value of a diverse workforce and encourage(s) cross-departmental teamwork to address shared challenges and improve workplace culture. This recognition spotlights complex initiatives or practices that highlight how to enact change, innovate, and navigate institutional barriers to improve everyday work for employees and the Rutgers community. These may include collaborations, cross-unit improvements to systems or processes, clarifying roles and structures, or bringing about broad cultural change to showcase what Rutgers can accomplish when we collaborate to function at our best.

This award is presented to those who initiated innovative solutions and/or provided extraordinary value or service that led to exceptional outcomes for our employees and the Rutgers community.

Eligibility Criteria: Individuals and/or unit, departmental, interdepartmental, or campus teams can be nominated for this award. Only current full-time faculty and staff are eligible. Nominations for faculty and/or staff teams that include student participants or part-time faculty or staff participants will also be accepted.

Individuals or teams selected for this award may be determined ineligible for other Presidential Employee Excellence Recognition Program awards in the same calendar year. Nominations are encouraged in more than one category, if applicable.

Nominated effort must be within the last 12 months and show lasting positive results in at least one of these areas:

Prospective and/or current employee satisfaction
Enhancing workplace culture of the patient experience
Promoting healthy working relationships and a supportive work environment
Improving processes that result in significantly more effective and efficient department or university operations
Augmenting safety
Stewardship of university resources

Required Documentation: To complete the nomination form, the following required documentation must be included:

Artifacts showing qualitative and/or quantitative impact on Rutgers employees and workplace culture
Letter(s) of support documenting the individual’s or team’s achievements
Nomination letter(s) from an employee or group of employees highlighting an exceptional impact is strongly encouraged as supporting documentation for this nomination
A thoughtful and substantive summary outlining the regular duties of the individual or team and the extraordinary effort and accomplishment serving as the basis for nomination

Nominate a Colleague: Go to the nomination form

Rutgers University Spirit Award

Description: This award celebrates differences and recognizes significant contributions to cultivating a beloved community—one in which all members work together and are heard—at Rutgers University. This individual or team exemplifies this commitment by promoting and advancing dialogue, mutual respect, and a spirit of belonging to create a healthy Rutgers ecosystem.

The recipient(s) of this award embody the principles of a beloved community and model an exceptional commitment to the values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Individuals selected for this award may be determined ineligible for other Presidential Employee Excellence Recognition Program awards in the same calendar year. Nominations are encouraged in more than one category, if applicable.

Nominated effort must be within the last 12-months and show lasting positive results in at least one of these areas:

Community building and collaboration
Enhancing workplace culture in line with the spirit of this award
Advancing Rutgers University’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

Individuals or teams selected for this award may be determined ineligible for other Presidential Employee Excellence Recognition Awards in the same calendar year.

Required Documentation:

Artifacts showing qualitative and/or quantitative impact
Letter(s) of support documenting the individual’s or team’s achievements
A thoughtful and substantive summary outlining the regular duties of the individual or team and the extraordinary effort and accomplishment serving as the basis for nomination

Nominate a Colleague: Go to the nomination form

Rutgers Outstanding Service Award

Award Description: Rutgers is committed to serving the common good and to making a difference in the worlds of ideas, politics, social justice, innovation, invention, business, health, local need, national discourse, and of global priorities.

This award recognizes faculty, staff, and/or a team that demonstrate a relentless determination to make a lasting difference beyond the university’s borders. The recipient(s) display(s) a demonstrated commitment to moving society towards a greater common good and encourage(s) constructive collaboration in service to our local and global communities.

Nominated effort must be within the last 12-months and show lasting positive results in at least one of these areas:

Work outcome results in a meaningful positive impact in communities in New Jersey and/or beyond
Demonstrate constructive collaboration with internal and/or external communities
Achievement of environmental, health, and/or well-being goals

Required Documentation:

Artifacts showing qualitative and/or quantitative impacts
Letter(s) of support documenting the individual’s or team’s achievements
A thoughtful and substantive summary outlining the regular duties of the individual or team and the extraordinary effort and accomplishment serving as the basis for nomination

Nominate a Colleague: Go to the nomination form

The second annual recipients of Presidential Employee Excellence Recognition Awards were celebrated on Thursday, December 12, during a ceremony at the Rutgers Club.

Learn about past honorees.

Meet the 2024 honorees.