The Candace J. Johnson Award for Staff Excellence celebrates the outstanding contributions of University of Michigan staff members who exemplify the values of excellence, generosity, and compassion. Established in memory of Candy Johnson, a dedicated, long-time staff member, this award highlights those who make our university a great place to work and grow. Award recipients receive $1500 and a recognition plaque from the Office of the Provost.
2024 Award Update - Congratulations to the Two Winners and Finalists!
Staff members from the College of Pharmacy and Michigan Medicine have been named recipients of the 2024 Candace J. Johnson Award for Staff Excellence, given in recognition of their excellence, generosity and compassion in the workplace. Read more about the recipients in this University Record article.
Award Winners
- Holly Jablonski
Associate Director for Administrative Operations, College of Pharmacy - Janet Santos
Pediatric Occupational Therapy Clinical Specialist
Award Finalists
- Brandon Bond
Mental Health and Well-Being Advocate, LSA - Peggy Wright
Executive Assistant, Senior Office of Health Equity and Inclusion - Stephanie Wiederhold
Graduate Program Coordinator, Law School
Nominations for the 2025 award will be announced in the Fall.
Spotlighting a Wide Range of Staff Impact
The recipients of the award represent a diverse array of roles within the University of Michigan, embodying the award’s core values of excellence, generosity, and compassion. Past winners have included individuals from various departments and levels, such as administrative assistants who ensure smooth day-to-day operations, financial specialists who manage complex budgets, and logistics coordinators who handle critical operational tasks. Technical support staff have been honored for their unwavering dedication in maintaining essential systems, while program coordinators were recognized for developing innovative student programs. Additionally, healthcare professionals who provide exceptional care, human resources officers who guide employees with empathy, and research administrators who support groundbreaking research have all been celebrated. This wide range of roles underscores the inclusivity of the award and the diverse ways in which staff contribute significantly to the university’s vibrant community.
Award Criteria
The Candace J. Johnson Award recognizes staff members who:
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Exemplify Excellence: Perform their duties with exceptional quality, innovation, and dedication, inspiring those around them.
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Demonstrate Generosity: Offer support, time, attention, and respect beyond expectations, fostering a nurturing and collaborative work environment.
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Practice Compassion: Approach others with kindness, empathy, and a deep respect for diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Award Eligibility and Nomination
Do you know a colleague or team member who embodies the spirit of Candy Johnson? Celebrate their contributions to our workplace by submitting a nomination!
Eligibility
All regular staff members from the Ann Arbor campus and Michigan Medicine are eligible. Nominations can be made by colleagues, supervisors, or a combination of both.
Submitting a Nomination
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Gather examples that illustrate the nominee's commitment to excellence, generosity, and compassion.
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Submit the form before October 11, 2024.
Please respond to the three criteria of excellence, generosity, and compassion. Ensure that each response addresses the specific criterion of excellence, generosity, and compassion to provide compelling, clear, and concise evidence for the committee to consider.
- Minimum Word Count: Your response for each criterion must be at least 75 words in length to ensure sufficient detail and examples are included to support the nomination.
- Maximum Word Count: Please do not exceed 250 words for each criterion. This helps maintain focus and allows the review committee to evaluate submissions effectively.
- Before submitting, you may find it useful to draft your responses in a document to check the word count. Remember to proofread your submission for clarity and conciseness.
- Supporting Documents: Please combine supporting documents into one file. Up to two 1-page letters of support may be submitted as part of your nomination materials. Each letter may be signed by multiple people.
Thank you! By nominating an exemplary staff member, you contribute to recognizing and celebrating the extraordinary people who make our university community thrive.