2026 UNOPA Awards Ceremony

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 meetings and professional development offerings and participating in the parking lot fundraiser),
• be someone who champions Rose Frolik's initiatives - leadership characteristics and professionalism,
• and served on the UNOPA board within the last 5 years.  

Any University employee may nominate another eligible employee, including self-nomination.     

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. 

• Floyd S. Oldt Rose Frolik Rubric
• Click here for nomination form
• View Past Recipients

2025 No Recipients
 

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,
• contribute to the University mission that every interaction matters,
• have performance that is above expectations,
• and inspire other employees and encourage teamwork. 

Any University employee may nominate another eligible employee, including self-nomination.  

Recipients receive a personalized plaque, a year's membership to UNOPA, and a stipend of $1,000. 

• Floyd S. Oldt Outstanding Staff Award Rubric
• Click here for nomination form
• View the past recipients

2026 Floyd S. Oldt Outstanding Staff Award
Jennifer Greenlee
Office Associate
Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education & Communication

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, 
• contribute to the University mission that every interaction matters,
• have performance that is above expectations,
• and inspire other employees and encourage teamwork. 

Any university employee may nominate another eligible employee, including self-nomination.   

Recipients receive a personalized plaque, a year's membership to UNOPA, and a stipend of $1,000. 

• Floyd S. Oldt Outstanding Managerial Professional Award Rubric
• Click here for nomination form
• View past recipients

2026 Floyd S. Oldt Outstanding Managerial Professional Award
Christina Franklin
Administrative Associate
Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education & Communication

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 the University of Nebraska,
• who has management/ supervisory responsibilities and has an active UNOPA member in their department,
• demonstrate outstanding skills in employee supervision and interpersonal relationships,
• and be supportive of employees being involved in professional organizations and professional development.

Any university employee may nominate another eligible employee, including self-nomination.    

Recipients receive a personalized plaque, a year's Membership to UNOPA, and a $500 stipend. 

• Floyd S. Oldt Boss of the Year Rubric
• Click here for nomination form
• View past recipients

2026 Boss of the Year Award Recipient
Kate Brooks
Department Head, Agricultural Economics

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. Nominees must:  

• be a current 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,
• shows support and dedication to UNOPA’s mission and objectives,
• thriving while working in tough situations,
• sparks meaningful conversations and actions,
• and advocates for others. 

Any university employee may nominate another eligible employee, including self-nomination.  

Recipients receive a personalized plaque, a year's Membership to UNOPA, and a $500 stipend. 

• Floyd S. Oldt Presidential Igniting Excellence Award Rubric
• Click here for nomination form

2026 Floyd S. Oldt Presidential Igniting Excellence Award 
Melisia Bieber
Office Associate
Department of Textiles, Merchandising & Fashion Design