Welcome! Thank you for joining UNOPA in recognizing outstanding members across the UNL campus. Nominations will be accepted between December 1st and February 28th with an award presentation held in late spring. The available awards are detailed below, nomination forms can be accessed at the link below each staff award. These Floyd S. Oldt awards are made possible by an endowment left to the University Foundation by Floyd S. Oldt in 1991.
- Floyd S. Oldt Rose Frolik Award
- Floyd S. Oldt Outstanding Staff of the Year Award
- Floyd S. Oldt Outstanding Managerial Professional of the Year Award
- Floyd S. Oldt Outstanding Boss of the Year Award
- Floyd S. Oldt Presidential Igniting Excellence Award
If you have questions, please contact Jennifer Greenlee, UNOPA 2024-2025 President
Floyd S. Oldt Rose Frolik Award
This annual award was established in 1988 to recognize a member who demonstrates the attributes of UNOPA's founder and first president, Rose Frolik. Rose was an enthusiastic, energetic person who challenged life and felt that how you do your work may be a lot more important than what you do. Nominees must:
- have been a member of UNOPA for at least five consecutive years,
- be an active member (such as attending professional development and teambuilding offerings and participating in the parking lot fundraiser),
- be someone who champions Rose Frolik's initiatives - leadership characteristics and professionalism,
- served on the UNOPA board within the last 5 years.
Nominations can be made by anyone, including self.
Recipients of this annual, once-in-a lifetime award are presented with a personalized plaque commemorating their recognition, a year's membership to UNOPA, and a $1,500 stipend.
Tonda Humphress
Executive Assistant to the Dean
College of Arts & Sciences
Floyd S. Oldt Outstanding Staff of the Year Award
Created to recognize an outstanding office/service employee, eligible nominees must:
- be a current office/service employee who has been employed at least one year at the University,
- current/active member in good standing (for at least one year) with UNOPA,
- demonstrates distinguished service and contributions to the University community
Any University employee may nominate another eligible employee.
Recipients receive a personalized plaque, a year's membership to UNOPA, and a stipend of $1,000.
25-26 Floyd S. Oldt Outstanding Staff of the Year Award Recipient
Floyd S. Oldt Outstanding Managerial Professional of the Year Award
Created in 2023, to recognize any UNOPA managerial/professional member, nominees must:
- be a current managerial/professional employee who has been employed at least one year at the University,
- a current/active member in good standing (at least one year) with UNOPA,
- demonstrates distinguished service and contributions to the University community.
Any university employee may nominate another eligible employee.
This award includes a plaque, a year's Membership to UNOPA, and a $1,000 stipend.
- Floyd S. Oldt Outstanding Managerial Professional Award Rubric
- Click here for nomination form
- View past recipients
2024-25 Floyd S. Oldt Outstanding Managerial Professional Award
Kaelie Kellner
Administrative Associate
Child, Youth & Family Services
Floyd S. Oldt Boss of the Year Award
In 1982, UNOPA established an annual award for excellence in personnel management. It recognizes University of Nebraska employees who demonstrate outstanding skills in employee supervision and interpersonal relations. Nominees must:
- be a full-time employee of UNL, District Research and Extension Center, UNO, or UNMC whose primary work location is on the Lincoln campus
- who has management/ supervisory responsibilities
- have an active UNOPA member in their department
Any university employee may nominate another eligible employee.
Presented annually, this award includes a plaque, a year's Membership to UNOPA, and a $500 stipend.
2024-25 Boss of the Year Award Recipient
Margaret Jacobs
Director, Center for Great Plains Studies
Department of History
Floyd S. Oldt Presidential Igniting Excellence Award
Created in 2023, the winner of this award will be chosen by the President, immediate Past President, President-Elect, and Treasurer. This award can be won multiple times by the same recipient but can only be awarded to the same person once every five years. The award winner will be a UNOPA member in good standing who exhibits the following qualities:
- Support and dedication to UNOPA’s mission and objectives
- Thriving while working in tough situations
- Sparks meaningful conversations and actions
- Advocates for others
Any university employee may nominate another eligible employee.
Presented annually, this award includes a plaque, a year's membership to UNOPA, and a $500 stipend.
25-26 Floyd S. Oldt Presidential Igniting Excellence Award Recipient
Do you know a fellow coworker or support staff who performs above expectations, inspires others and encourages teamwork? Do you have a boss or supervisor who is supportive of professional development and has outstanding supervisory and interpersonal relationship skills? Do you know a UNOPA member who shows up and is always ready to help out, who goes above and beyond to support UNOPA’s mission? Do you know someone that fits each of these categories, nominate them all! Did I describe you? Nominate yourself or ask a coworker to nominate you. We want to recognize all the hard work and dedication so many staff put in to make their department, college and university succeed.