Mike Bartell, Studio Technician, Product Design, College of Design

Bartell, lab technician and manager of the Polymer Fabrication Lab, manages more than 20 3D printers.

He is the go-to for students and faculty tackling complex design challenges, offering guidance on materials, processes and prototyping. His support has led to published research, award-winning student projects and a lab environment that is cutting-edge and inclusive.

He empowers students to teach and support one another and his leadership in diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, including his thoughtful lab design and inclusive teaching practices, has made the lab an extremely welcoming space.

One nominator wrote: “Mike’s mindset is always about removing barriers, whether physical or technical.”

Sara Bowman, Senior Recruitment Consultant, Office of Human Resources

Bowman supports unit-based recruitment professionals, supervises HR recruiters and leads with clarity, creativity and compassion. Whether guiding a principal investigator through a complex hiring process or helping a colleague understand policy, she brings fairness and empathy to every conversation.

She is known for connecting people with shared goals and values, welcoming new colleagues and fostering a sense of belonging. As a trained search advocate, she ensures inclusive hiring practices and consistently speaks up for underrepresented voices.

“She’s thoughtful not only about the work,” one nominator wrote, “but about caring for members of the team as whole human beings.”

Rosalie Broomfield, Behavioral Health Consultant, University Health Services

As a clinician and collaborator, Broomfield has redefined what it means to integrate physical and mental wellness, always centering the emotional, social and cultural needs of those she serves. She leads interdisciplinary efforts that bring together mental health and medical professionals to bring empathy to complex concerns such as disordered eating.

Broomfield empowers clients through open dialogue and strengths-based treatment planning. She networks with providers to expand access to care and creates safe spaces for identity exploration and underrepresented voices.

One nominator wrote, “Rosalie enhances individual client care and contributes to the advancement of holistic practices in health care.”

Tasha Hunter, Admissions and Operations Specialist, School of Architecture & Environment, College of Design

Hunter manages admissions for more than a dozen degree programs “with remarkable clarity, fairness and grace,” ensuring a smooth, equitable process for applicants. Her thinking has transformed how the department makes decisions; she has designed dashboards that visualize applicant trends, for example.

Hunter was called a “community builder” who fosters collaboration with a thoughtful, open-door approach. A force for equity, she designs admissions and scholarship tools that highlight applicants’ diverse strengths and she ensures aid is distributed transparently and fairly.

Said one nominator: “Tasha brings people together around a shared mission, strengthening the admissions community and its impact.”

Sara Jackson, Learning Specialist, Office of the Provost

Jackson, of Services for Student Athletes, helps student-athletes build confidence, develop executive functioning skills, and navigate academic and personal challenges.

Whether walking a student to class or guiding them through difficult conversations, she helps students feel supported. Jackson has mentored tutors and pioneered new assessment tools.

She builds trust with students from marginalized backgrounds, especially young Black men with histories of trauma. Her programming introduces students to university resources in ways that foster belonging.

“She is the person who lifts everyone else on the staff,” one nominator wrote, “always contributing and always enhancing the work of the whole unit.”

Amy Lake, Director of Operations, UO Libraries

Over the past year, Lake has overseen major restoration and renovation projects in the Knight Library — including work on the historic façade, windows and roof — while ensuring that staff and users remained supported.

Lake developed cross-training models to keep services running during staffing shortages. From installing the first multi-stall, all-gender restroom in Knight Library to ensuring that all voices are heard in planning meetings, Lake makes the libraries more accessible to the entire university community.

“She helps us move forward not through flash or fanfare,” one nominator wrote, “but through quiet dedication, thoughtful care and a deep sense of responsibility.”

Sarah Lueders, Processing Archivist, Special Collections and University Archives, UO Libraries

Lueders is meticulous in her processing of complex collections ranging from the Sierra Club archives to rare historical photographs, ensuring that researchers, students and faculty can access materials with ease. She is a trusted leader in archival practice for her attention to detail, strategic thinking and ethical stewardship of sensitive content.

As chair of the Libraries Diversity Committee, she has brought new energy and direction to DEI efforts, including programming on neurodiversity, heritage month celebrations and inclusive study spaces.

“Sarah is a bedrock employee,” one nominator wrote, “exactly the type of person this award should recognize.”

Olivia Manwarren, Regional Admissions Counselor, Houston area, Student Services and Enrollment Management

A passionate advocate and supporter of students and families throughout the admissions journey, Manwarren revitalized the Duck Alumni Recruiting Team, transforming it into a dynamic network that connects prospective students with alumni mentors. Her leadership of the Counselor Fly-in Program built meaningful bridges between high school counselors and the university.

Within the Office of Admissions, she mentors new staff and fosters collaboration. She also plays a vital part in the UO Black Alumni Network, strengthening connections between Black students, alumni and the university.

One nominator shared, “She not only excels in her individual responsibilities but also uplifts those around her.”

Sara Mason, Interim Associate Director of Industry Engagement, Lundquist College of Business

Since fall 2023, Mason has facilitated connections with 260-plus industry professionals, organized four major career events and helped hundreds of students explore careers, secure internships and expand networks. Her marketing career event drew more than 100 RSVPs in advance, testament to her planning and student-centered approach.

Mason unites faculty, staff, alumni, student organizations and industry partners to create exceptional engagement opportunities. She also ensures diverse representation among speakers, co-chairs DEI initiatives and constantly pushes her team to better serve underserved and transfer students.

One nominator wrote, “She improves our team discussions by consistently taking us back to ‘the why.’”

Claire Matese, Assistant Director of Institutional Research, Office of Institutional Research

A powerhouse of insight and innovation, Matese has transformed how the university understands and acts on institutional data. Whether developing data dashboards, analyzing student success metrics or supporting federal and state reporting initiatives, she delivers high-quality insights.

Her work on retention and graduation dashboards was instrumental in advancing the goals of Oregon Rising, helping identify equity gaps and informing policy change. Matese’s work visualizing the complexity of racial and ethnic identities at the UO has helped university leaders better understand and address equity gaps.

“Claire is everywhere data is needed,” one nominator shared, “and her involvement always adds value.”

Jennifer McGovney, Business Manager, College of Education

McGovney guided program directors in structuring course fees to help students budget for costs, ensuring that financial barriers don’t stand in the way of graduation or licensure. She was instrumental in the integration of academic programs of the Coalition of Oregon School Administrators, a complex transition involving more than 300 students.

From designing a dual tuition model for transitioning students to navigating complex hiring needs for clinical instructors, she brings clarity, creativity and compassion to every solution.

“Jennifer is the person program directors turn to when they need support,” one nominator wrote. “They know she’ll find a way.”

Chris Meade, Senior Director, Employee and Labor Relations, Office of Human Resources

As the university’s lead labor negotiator, Meade has been pivotal in shaping the UO’s labor relations landscape, notably through his work on the first collective bargaining agreement with the UO Student Workers union and the renewal of the agreement with United Academics.

Meade communicates complex ideas with precision and empathy that foster trust, even in high-pressure environments. Meade advocates for student jobs and works to establish clear processes for addressing discrimination. He centers student voices and prioritizes fairness and opportunity.

One nominator shared, “Chris makes a difficult job feel purposeful and fun, filled with respect and collaboration.”

Jimmy Murray, Manager, Research and Learning Spaces, UO Libraries

Murray has united the Visualization Lab, Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality Lab, Gaming Center and DeArmond Makerspace into a cohesive, accessible ecosystem. He has hired and mentored staff, upgraded technology and launched workshops that have dramatically increased student and faculty engagement.

From redesigning the DREAM Lab to removing barriers to 3D printing access, he uses data, stakeholder input and empathy to create inclusive, practical solutions. Murray also collaborates with faculty to launch innovative courses and partners with student groups to support gaming initiatives.

One nominator wrote, “He always finds new solutions and always puts our patrons first.”

Lori Olsen, Graduate Program Coordinator, College of Arts and Sciences

Olsen manages the complex logistics of a nationally ranked graduate program with precision and care, tracking milestones, coordinating admissions and ensuring compliance with university and accreditation standards.

Her proactive communication, personalized progress summaries and meticulous record-keeping empower students to stay on track and faculty to make informed decisions. She builds community through thoughtful event planning and inclusive onboarding.

She fosters collaboration across faculty tracks and creates digital hubs that preserve institutional knowledge and promote equity. Olsen’s warmth, empathy and attention to individual needs make every student feel supported.

Said one student, “Lori is the glue that holds our community together.”

Sage Orozco, Dining Services Systems Specialist, University Housing

Orozco has transformed dining operations by streamlining systems, creating detailed standard operating procedures and enhancing the university Nutrition app, ensuring students have nutritional, allergen and ingredient information.

Whether guiding weekly team meetings, supporting colleagues with different learning styles or advocating for the correct use of pronouns, Orozco creates a space where everyone feels seen, heard and valued. Their commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is a daily practice.

“Sage embodies DEI and belonging,” one nominator wrote. “They work hard to include everyone and take their opinions, thoughts and point of view into consideration before making decisions.”

Rebeca Silva, Project Coordinator, College of Arts and Sciences

Silva, a founding member of the faculty personnel team, has developed tools and procedures that have transformed faculty affairs, from promotion and tenure trackers to SharePoint sites that streamline communication across departments.

Her user-centered approach ensures that systems are efficient, accessible and inclusive. She designs and delivers tailored trainings and fosters a culture of continuous improvement.

She connects people across eight academic support units, celebrates their contributions and brings joy to the workplace through motivational messages, personalized thank-you notes and hand-delivered rubber duckies of appreciation.

One nominator wrote, “She is fun, professional, caring and leads with her heart.”

Workplace