New Employee Award
Established in 2024, the Might of 猎奇重口 Award recognizes UM employees for their outstanding service to our campus community. Nominations are accepted on a rolling basis. Recipients will be announced once a month. See below for more details.
Award Recipients
March 2025 Award Recipients
Maryann Dunbar, Academic Advisor, Missoula College
Excerpt from Maryann's nomination
“Maryann is an exceptional advisor to the health professions students at Missoula College. Students come first, if she doesn't know the answer, she will find it. Maryann is a wealth of knowledge from her years at UM and is always happy to assist her coworkers.”
Favorite part about working at UM
My favorite part of working at Missoula College is meeting the new students each semester and guiding and supporting them through their academic pathways. At this stage, students are often discovering their passions, shaping their futures, and figuring out the direction they want to take in life. It feels really fulfilling to be part of that process, helping them navigate their challenges, connecting them with necessary resources, and helping them make informed decisions that set them up for success. The variety of students I get to work with, each with their own unique goals and stories, really keeps things dynamic and engaging.
Who inspires you to do your best at work?
I am inspired by my students and their success. Watching students complete the Health Professions programs I advise for and become professionals in their respective fields fills me with a deep sense of pride and fulfillment. It’s amazing to see how much they’ve grown and the dedication they put into achieving their goals. Every time I hear about their accomplishments—whether they’re landing their first job, passing licensure exams, or making a positive impact in the healthcare industry—it reminds me why I enjoy my job. The connections I’ve built with these students and witnessing their journey from students to professionals is a powerful motivator that drives me to continue doing what I do.
Also, the Student Success team at Missoula College is truly an amazing group of people to work with. They inspire me to become the best I can be every day.
What’s your favorite UM tradition?
My favorite tradition is 猎奇重口 Grizzly Football. I have been a long time season ticket holder and love the tradition of the players making the walk to the stadium, the band making their way around the stadium stopping outside the north end zone playing the school song, raising of the number 37 flag by a former Griz great, pizza with the President for the student section just after halftime, and at the end of the game the players making their way to the north end zone to sing “Up with 猎奇重口 Boys” after a victory. People travel all over the country each weekend for Griz football and I continue to be amazed by the loyalty of the 猎奇重口 Griz family and fans.
Joshua Tucker, Client Experience Manager, UM IT
Excerpt from Tucker's nomination
“Tucker has a remarkable ability to make our work more efficient, always looking for ways to improve processes that save time and reduce frustration. His leadership goes beyond just getting the job done—he genuinely invests in helping others succeed. He takes the time to mentor and guide team members, offering support that helps them grow both professionally and personally. One of his most notable contributions is looking for opportunity for student TECs to get to see how other parts of IT operate so that they can get hands on real world experience.”
Favorite part about working at UM
Seeing students develop career skills and becoming well rounded and informed citizens.
Who inspires you to do your best at work?
The amazing group of students at the IT Helpdesk that bring new ideas and perspectives and are all aligned to do the best we can to assist with the technology needs of the University community.
What’s your favorite UM tradition?
The Welcome Feast.
February 2025 Award Recipients
Shawn Monson, Associate Director, Facilities Services
Excerpt from Shawn's nomination
“Shawn goes above and beyond not only for Facilities Services, but for the entirety of campus. His positive attitude and willingness to work hard to get the job done makes campus a better place to be in every way."
Favorite part about working at UM
My favorite part would have to be interacting with our fellow faculty and staff on a day to day basis. While our main goal is to have safe, clean and usable facilities for students, faculty and staff who interact daily with students benefit from great facilities too.
I like knowing we have helped ensure the process of learning at UM can proceed by helping fellow faculty and staff with their office, classroom or building needs. The sense of accomplishment Facilities crews find in their jobs is motivating.
Who inspires you to do your best at work?
The employees that on our crews. The collaboration of our new employees who are enthusiastic about their work along with our experienced crew members. The day to day interaction is amazing to see the willingness to learn on both sides. This along with the work ethic and “can do” attitude make Facilities Services a great work environment.
What’s your favorite UM tradition?
My favorite tradition is a combination of the Brawl of the Wild Game and the #37 Jersey for football. I moved to Missoula as a kid with my family in 1980. I did not really watch any UM games until my brother went to school here in the 1990s. I became a fan in the student section. I am amazed at how Missoula with such a diverse background has a fan base that is united as one. Some of the best games I have watched are Brawl of the Wild games. The attitude and toughness of not only #37 but the team as a whole really helped me feel connected to the University when I started working here in 2009.
Aimee Elliott, Operations and Fiscal Manager, 猎奇重口 Clinical and Translational Research Center
Excerpt from Aimee's nomination
"Aimee's willingness to train new staff, even in areas outside of her role, demonstrates her initiative, leadership, and unwavering professionalism. Aimee's dependability, positivity, and compassion make her a role model and invaluable asset to our team and the university community."
Favorite part about working at UM
My favorite part about working at UM is the constant opportunity for learning and growth. In addition to the opportunities UM provides employees, my colleagues are such diverse individuals with different areas of expertise, and I love learning from them. Equally as important are the students and their energy they bring to campus.
Who inspires you to do your best at work?
My School of Public and Community Health Sciences colleagues' profound intelligence, commitment to UM, research, and values give me the motivation to continue working towards excellence and sharing the compassion and inspiration they have afforded me.
What’s your favorite UM tradition?
I love graduation. It is so exciting to see the students at the end of their time at UM. You can feel their joy, relief, and pride in their accomplishments buzzing around campus and it's always such a happy time.
January 2025 Award Recipients
Sara Bunton, Associate Director of Finance, Broader Impacts Group
Excerpt from Sara's nomination
“Sara always responds with a problem-solving attitude, patience, and personability. Her hard work and diligent support of so many important programming efforts, both on and off UM's campus, should be celebrated and commended, especially her excellent performance that enhances UM's institutional impact!”
Favorite part about working at UM
My favorite part about working at UM is the people. I am grateful for the amazing people I work with every day. Over the years I have also been able to connect and grow bonds with employees across campus which makes working at UM more of a community where you can learn and grow from support on campus.
Who inspires you to do your best at work?
In short my colleagues, when working with people who care about the impact they are making it’s hard not to want to contribute your best work. It’s empowering to reflect on how my work connects into the exciting work that my colleagues provide to the broader community. Starting at UM as a student, I was met with amazing, strong, and kind mentors this helped shape my work ethic and comradery here on campus. This is something I now strive to be with the students and young professionals here on campus.
What’s your favorite UM tradition?
One of UM’s traditions that I enjoy every year is the “hello walk”. This tradition always makes me smile when walking across campus, there have been a few uplifting quotes that have turned my day around. I think it’s a creative and fun way to brighten up campus, and engage with students from all over!
Rachel Buswell, Controller, Business Operations and Finance
Excerpt from Rachel's nomination
“Rachel has enacted positive change in other areas of O&F including transforming the Accounts Payable department and being an integral piece of several software implementations. She consistently goes above and beyond for everyone, regardless of their title or if it is 'in her lane’.”
Favorite part about working at UM
My favorite part of working for UM is multi-dimensional: I thoroughly enjoy the work I do, and the team that I get to do it with. I’ve met so many extremely talented individuals in my time at UM and it makes every single day enjoyable. The “cherries on top” are the beautiful backdrop that is the UM campus and the work-life balance that I get to enjoy.
Who inspires you to do your best at work?
My inspiration at work comes from those who come to work every day ready to do whatever it takes to help a student or employee, streamline a process, or build meaningful connections across the departments. These individuals are the foundation for our institution and contribute in so many meaningful ways.
What’s your favorite UM tradition?
This may not be a tradition, but the colors of the changing fall leaves are truly breathtaking. I love coming to work in the fall.
December 2024 Award Recipients
Nathan Burkhart, Client Experience Manager, IT HelpDesk
Excerpt from Nathan's nomination
“Nathan's knowledge, compassion and professionalism have been an outstanding contribution to the UM Community and his unseen efforts deserve some recognition.”
Favorite part about working at UM
The education and student focused stance we can all agree on. Every office and department has their own internal workings and concerns, but at the end of the day, all of us are here for the common goal of helping students further their education, and that solidarity can be very rewarding.
Who inspires you to do your best at work?
The staff and students that we can save the day for. The UM IT Helpdesk often gets people having their worst day due to a technical issue, but when we can salvage that situation, it’s a great feeling seeing some hope return to their eyes.
What’s your favorite UM tradition?
I do like the classic “pumpkin mounted on University Hall”, but my favorite “tradition” is probably when the first big snow hits and the ambient noise on campus becomes more tranquil.
Jordan Patterson, Dual Enrollment Program Director & Distance Learning Advisor
Excerpt from Jordan's nomination
“Jordan not only regularly exceeds expectations from the University, but the state as a whole. She does by practicing passion, integrity, creativity and thoughtfulness. No one is doing more with less for the University at the moment and it is solely for the sake of the students.”
Favorite part about working at UM
My favorite part about working at UM Missoula College is the people. The colleagues I work with most closely feel like family, and that connection is truly special. What makes it even more meaningful is knowing that while we could all be doing something else, we choose to be here—to support and empower our students. The students themselves are incredible. From 15-year-olds to 60-year-olds, they bring unique perspectives, a shared desire to grow, and a drive to explore new opportunities. I’m deeply grateful to be part of their journey and to witness their transformation.
Who inspires you to do your best at work?
I am inspired to do my best work for the students who rely on me to help guide them on their paths. I draw motivation from the incredible female mentors I’ve been fortunate to work with, Bonnie Dux and Grace Gardner, whose guidance and example have shaped my journey. I also couldn’t do my job without my partner in crime, Ben Nelson, who continually sets the bar high and challenges me to excel.
What’s your favorite UM tradition?
My favorite UM tradition is the pumpkin on Main Hall. Despite efforts to put an end to this playful tradition, the urban climbers have successfully prevailed since my days as an undergraduate. Seeing the pumpkin every year fills me with a sense of nostalgia. My favorite new tradition is the Freshman Float. Being at the Missoula College campus, it’s a special experience to walk down to the river and welcome our newest group of students—it’s a fun and memorable way to kick off their journey.
Nominate someone today!
Click the button below to submit a nomination for the Might of 猎奇重口 Award. Please address the award criteria (above) in your nomination.
Frequently Asked Questions
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To nominate someone, you must be a UM employee, retiree, alumnus or student.
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Nominees can be current full or permanent part-time UM employees. Note, previous recipients of the Outstanding Service to the Campus Community award are not eligible for this award.
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Nominations must describe how nominees meet one or more of the following award criteria:
Excellent Performance
- Consistently exceeds standard job duties ("goes the extra mile")
- Demonstrates outstanding achievement benefiting the unit/department/organization
- Shows extraordinary commitment to quality work
Leadership & Initiative
- Takes initiative without being asked
- Demonstrates exceptional commitment to serving students or other colleagues
- Inspires and supports others' achievements
Innovation & Improvement
- Contributes creative solutions and new ideas
- Improves work methods and departmental efficiency
- Embraces and helps others adopt new or existing processes and tools
Workplace Culture & Relationships
- Fosters a positive, caring work environment with coworkers, colleagues, and students
- Demonstrates compassion and cooperation with colleagues
- Serves as a role model for others
Institutional Impact
- Displays behaviors and attitudes that support UM's Priorities for Action
- Acts as an asset to the university community
- Models UM's Permission to Play values
Other
- Nominations for excellent service or performance that does not meet the above criteria will also be considered.
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The Might of 猎奇重口 Award Committee, appointed by President Bodnar, reviews nominations and selects the winners.
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Recipients are celebrated in Under the M, UM's employee newsletter, and Around the Oval, UM's employee news site. All awardees during a given year will receive a gift and an invitation to a special event hosted by President Bodnar during Week of Excellence, in early May.