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Office of Human Resources
UR Stars

Employee Recognition Programs

Honoring our employees for their dedication and service

The University of Rochester’s Recognition Program is dedicated to honoring excellence and recognizing the unwavering commitment of our faculty and staff. It’s through the dedication to our University’s mission — Learn, Discover, Heal, Create, and Make the World Ever Better — that we truly thrive. This mission is made possible by the diverse talents, exceptional efforts, and unwavering contributions of our more than 27,000 employees who are at the forefront of education, research, and healthcare, and support our institution in so many ways.

 

UR Stars

UR Stars

We see how you shine

It’s your ideas, actions, and spirit of excellence that define who we are. So, let’s all celebrate the big and small moments when you and your team shine. Our new employee recognition program creates one best-in-class recognition platform for the entire University. Recognize excellence in people who make a difference at UR Stars.

Find out more about UR Stars

UR Stars resources

Recognition in action across the University

The Employee Recognition Program is designed with a profound purpose: to cultivate a culture of appreciation and respect, to inspire and motivate our incredible employees, and to give credit to the everyday achievements all around us. In celebrating these remarkable individuals, we aim to not only acknowledge their contributions but also foster a spirit of engagement, professional fulfillment, and shared success within the University of Rochester community.

Objectives

The key objectives of the Superstar Program are:

  • Promote Employee Recognition: Increase awareness about the benefits of recognizing and appreciating colleagues’ efforts and accomplishments.
  • Encourage Engagement: Motivate colleagues to actively participate in the UR Stars website and utilize its features regularly.
How to become a Recognition Superstar

If you are interested in becoming a Recognition Superstar, here are the steps to take:

  • Familiarize yourself with the Employee Recognition Programs and the UR Star website
  • Check with your supervisor

Fill out form with your information on the form below.

Recognition Superstar

Name
Home Address

Ideas for Superstars

Host a Recognition Event

  • Host a program launch event in your area to introduce your colleagues to UR Stars. Emphasize the importance of employee recognition and the benefits of using the UR Stars website.

Host Training Sessions

  • Conduct training sessions to familiarize your area with the platform, its features, and how to give and receive recognition effectively.

Other Ideas

  • Encourage multi-directional recognition by setting the example and actively providing meaningful and specific recognition to colleagues.
  • Spread awareness of the UR Stars website, the Service Anniversary program, and the President’s Staff Awards within your department.
  • Act as a resource for team members, offering support and guidance in addressing any questions with the UR Stars website.

Superstars will receive regular updates about recognition efforts at the University and are encouraged to provide feedback to the Total Rewards team based on their experience.

staff-recognition-reception

Celebrating Milestone Anniversaries

We recognize our regular part- and full-time staff members in honor of their dedicated service to the University after every five years. Milestone anniversaries are celebrated with commemorative gifts, a reception, and an exclusive dinner hosted by President Sarah Mangelsdorf, depending on the length of service.

Celebrate your milestones with us

2023 Service Award Recipients

Find a comprehensive list of Staff Service Awards recipients who achieved such impressive milestones as members of our University community.

 

View recipients

Staff Service Award Gift Program

Please make your selection as soon as possible. If no gift is chosen within the month of your service anniversary, a default gift will be delivered to your home address as listed in HRMS.

Please contact the Awards & Recognition Program at awards-recognition@rochester.edu or by calling (585) 275-9151 if you have any questions regarding the service award gifts.

Browse available gift selections

Staff Service Award Honorees

Through Staff Service Award Recognition Events, we recognize staff members who are celebrating milestone anniversaries of 10+ years at the University. As we honor their unwavering dedication and invaluable contributions, we acknowledge that these integral members of our workforce set Rochester apart. Every milestone is a chance to look back at the roads traveled and to look forward to the exciting journey that still lies ahead.

Please join the University in congratulating your colleagues who are 2023 Service Award recipients.

2023 Staff Service Awards By the Numbers

1,602

Staff members who celebrated 10, 15, 20, and up to 55 years of service in the 2023 calendar year

28,205

Combined years of dedicated service to the University

390

Individuals who achieved 25 years and above (30, 35, 40, 45, 50, and 55) of service in 2023

Celebrating Milestone Anniversaries

Staff Service Award Gift Program

We recognize our regular part- and full-time staff members starting at five years with a small gift. All staff members observing a milestone anniversary of 10 years and every five years after are invited to choose a commemorative gift. Service award letters are sent to your home and emailed within the month of your service anniversary. Department leaders are sent a list of honorees from their Division/Department who are reaching a milestone anniversary within the month.

Gifts will be delivered directly to your home, or another address you choose, usually within a month after you place your order.

Please make your selection as soon as possible. If no gift is chosen within the month of your service anniversary, a default gift will be delivered to your home address as listed in HRMS.

Please contact the Awards & Recognition Program at awards-recognition@rochester.edu or by calling (585) 275-9151 if you have any questions regarding the service award gifts.

Browse available gift selections

Staff Service Award Honorees

Through Staff Service Award Recognition Events, we recognize staff members who are celebrating milestone anniversaries of 10+ years at the University. As we honor their unwavering dedication and invaluable contributions, we acknowledge that these integral members of our workforce set Rochester apart. Every milestone is a chance to look back at the roads traveled and to look forward to the exciting journey that still lies ahead.

Please join the University in congratulating your colleagues who are 2023 Service Award recipients.

Staff Service Award Events

Rosemarie Kolker (center) receives the Meliora Award. Left: Teri D'Agostino; right: President Sarah Mangelsdorf.

Spectacular Celebration

Tuesday, March 19, 2024 | 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

The is an occasion designed to honor the dedicated service and ongoing commitment of the ​University of Rochester’s full-time and part-time ​staff celebrating milestone anniversaries beginning at the 10-year mark, and subsequently every five years. It is not just a recognition of time spent, but also a salute to the consistent demonstration of our shared mission and values throughout the years.

Michael Chudyk, groundskeeper, support operations, Facilities and Services, receives the President's Spotlight Award.

25 Year Club Dinner: Legacy & Loyalty

Wednesday, March 27, 2024 | 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

The 25 Year Club Dinner: Legacy & Loyalty is an exclusive and prestigious event hosted by President Sarah Mangelsdorf and designed to honor individuals who have dedicated 25 or more years of service to the University of Rochester. It is a special occasion to celebrate alongside peers, family, and esteemed University leaders, fostering meaningful conversations that highlight their lasting impact and contributions to the success and growth of the University.

Staff Community Service Award winner, Veena Ganeshan poses with President Mangelsdorf and Kathleen M. Gallucci

President’s Staff Awards

The annual President’s Staff Awards—the Meliora Award, Lamar Riley Murphy Leadership Award, Witmer Award for Distinguished Service, the Staff Community Service Award, and the President’s Spotlight Award—recognize employees whose innovative leadership, dedication, and sustained contributions have had a positive impact on the University of Rochester and the community.

More about the President’s Staff Awards

Meet the 2024 recipients of the President’s Staff Awards

We are proud to share their contributions and positive impact on the University and community.

Read about their achievements

President’s Staff Award Winners

The 2024 President’s Staff Awards were celebrated with an in-person award reception on June 27.

View photos from the event

Employee-nominated award programs

In addition to the annual years-of-service awards, we offer four employee-nominated award programs.

Recognition in Action

Employee recognition is a crucial aspect of creating a positive and productive work environment.

Explore best practices