Jim Davis Staff Council Award for Meritorious Service
About the Award
The Jim Davis Staff Council Award for Meritorious Service was established in 1999 and recognizes the significant contributions of an individual to the Staff Council. The award is named in memory of the late Jim Davis who served as a Staff Councilor for more than five years on numerous committees and was the Council’s Speaker for four years. Jim was the first recipient of this award.
The Jim Davis Award is presented each year, during the month of April, to an individual or individuals who are current or former Staff Councilors and/or who serve as representatives on standing committees, University-wide committees or ad hoc committees. Awardees also have their name engraved on the perpetual plaque that hangs in Scholes Hall, second floor, across from Robert’s room.
Criteria
be eligible for the Jim Davis Award, the prospective nominee:
- Is currently or has been a member in good standing with Staff Council, standing committees, or ad hoc committees
- Has served the Council as a representative or committee member for at least one year
- Has not received the award in the last 5 years (see list below)
- Does not have faculty status
Recipients
2024: John "Ski" Shaski
2023: Grace Faustino, Amie Ortiz
2022: Gene Vincent Henley
2021: Joe Lane
2020: Ryan Gregg
2019: Gina Urias-Sandoval, Nancy Shane
2018: Lori Peterkin
2017: Mary Clark
2016: Mark Reynolds and Lisa Walden
2015: Carla Sakiestewa
2014: Kathy McKinstry
2013: Linda McCormick
2012: Shannon McCoy-Hayes
2011: Robert Christner
2010: Elisha Allen
2009: Laurie Mellas
2008: Shelley Rael
2007: Steve Borbas
2006: William Bloom
2005: Kathy Meadows
2004: Mary Hanson
2003: Mimi Swanson
2002: Susan Magee
2001: LJ Lovell
1999: Jim Davis
An Example
The selection committee looks for specific examples as to why a nominee deserves the Jim Davis Staff Councilor Award for Meritorious Service. Below is a sample of some quotes from a previous year’s winning nomination.
1. Give specific examples of the nominee's leadership, initiative, effectiveness, and service to the Staff Council.
Linda has worked tirelessly for staff and for Staff Council. She was a Councilor (as a Precinct and Grade Representative) for ten years and quickly ascended into leadership role, serving as Co-Chair of the Campus Environment Committee, Staff Council Speaker and a member of the Executive Committee. Linda manages the Staff Appreciation Month Book Exchange. She personally arranges for bins of books to be collected from numerous collection points around campus. In addition to the Book Exchange, Linda has also assisted the Staff Council with .yearly collection drives for Operation Gratitude, Read to Me and Happy Tails. In all of these collection drives, Linda distributed recycle bins to and collected the bins from locations on the main, north and south campuses, sometimes to as many as 25 sites!
2. Please identify specific results of outcomes achieved because of the nominee's contributions to the Staff Council.
Linda has turned the Book Exchange into one of the most popular events during Staff Appreciation Month. She personally advocates for sustainability at UNM by accepting not only books, CD's, DVD's, but also eyeglasses and cell phones at the event She insists that guests BYOB (bring your own bag)! As Co-Chair of the CE Committee, Linda manages an annual on-campus e-Waste collection. Last year she received many pounds of electronics that were recycled. To encourage her committee members and the campus/community to participate, she personally supplies coffee and donuts at the event! She makes it fun! Linda also was the brains behind the "change collection jars." The CE Committee collects change to purchase trees for the campus. To date, Linda has helped the campus purchase and plant many trees to help "green" our campus.
3. Describe, in detail, how the nominee has otherwise contributed to the UNM community and exhibited University Values.
Linda is the "Recycling Guru" at UNM. Last year, she led a tour of the UNM Recycling Department during Staff Appreciation Month and received rave reviews for her in depth knowledge and commitment to sustainability on the UNM Campus. Her dedication to her job carries over to help make the Staff Council seen as an advocate for recycling. She always has a "yes" on her lips. She is dependable, reliable and respectful. Linda's many years of service to the Council and to staff coupled with her dedication and commitment to UNM make her the ideal candidate for the Jim Davis Award.
