Claudia Wheeler makes the dining hall home for University of Nebraska–Lincoln students. Duane Grosse keeps campus spaces safe and functional. Adam Santee answers the call when people need help on campus.
These are just a few of the staff members who make the university run. National Employee Appreciation Day is March 6, and Katherine Ankerson, interim chancellor, thanked employees for their contributions.
“The effects of your work resonate across our university and beyond,” Ankerson said. “Because of you, students are empowered, research advances, operations run smoothly, learning thrives and our community remains strong. The work in our classrooms and labs, offices and residence halls, clinics and facilities, and countless other spaces matters deeply and is the foundation of our students’ success.”
Read Ankerson's complete Employee Appreciation Day message to faculty and staff.
Nebraska Today’s One of U series highlights all of that work done every day by Nebraska staff members. The series tells the stories of university employees and how they make a difference on campus. Anyone can recommend a staff member to be featured or share their own story by emailing tfedderson@unl.edu.
Here is more about just a few of those who have already been featured:
Claudia Wheeler
Claudia Wheeler sees every day how her workplace becomes a home away from home for Husker students, faculty and staff. As a clerical associate with Massengale Dining Service, she helps make the East Union Dining Center a safe space where people build community.
“We all have to eat,” Wheeler said. “This is a respite for a lot of them. I’m just trying to be a friendly face. It really makes their day go by a little easier.”
Duane Grosse
Duane Grosse likes to stay busy and engaged with people, which is why his job as building systems technician at the university brings a smile to his face, and he makes it a point to make others smile, too.
“Meeting people and talking with them is my favorite part — and feeling like I’m part of a team,” he said. “I think that how we go about our lives, making others around us happy, is really important, and that can be as simple as greeting someone at the door or saying ‘hello.’”
Adam Santee
It’s 5 p.m., and campus activity is winding down, but Adam Santee is just starting work. Seated in the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Police Department’s dispatch center, Santee logs in, and eight surrounding computer screens light up, each disseminating critical information.
So begins another evening/night swing shift for the dispatch supervisor. He will be on duty until 3 a.m.
“I’ve always been kind of a night owl, but it’s not like staying up late at home,” Santee said. “You obviously have to be much more aware.”
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University employees can also take advantage of discounts at multiple university entities.
The university could not function without the daily work of these employees, and Ben Lennander, assistant vice chancellor for human resources and chief people officer, encouraged supervisors to express their appreciation directly.
“A genuine, specific thank-you can transform someone's day and remind them that their work truly matters,” Lennander said. “It is important to take a few moments to express appreciation, not just on National Employee Appreciation Day, but throughout the year."
