Round of Applause Awards

Congratulations to the following individuals who have received Round of Applause recognition from their colleagues! To nominate a co-worker for the Round of Applause Award, visit the online nomination form

Round of Applause: Marissa Gray

Marissa is always cheerfully lending a helping hand to anyone that needs it. I’ve noticed her willingness to jump in and I appreciate the support she provides to our team!

Nominated by: Stephanie Minervino

Round of Applause: Ratna Jena

Whether by working from home, working partial days, etc., Ratna has gone above and beyond to ensure that her job duties are always covered. She deserves to be acknowledged for her commitment and for fostering a professional and positive environment at the UNC System Office.

Nominated by: Megan Wallace

Round of Applause: Melaina Hall

Melaina is famous in the Finance Division for routinely bringing delicious homemade treats to share with her coworkers. She is also dependably friendly, knowledgeable, and positive. Melaina makes the UNC System Office a better place to work.

Nominated by: Megan Wallace

Round of Applause: Shirl Smith

Shirl regularly performs tasks designed to enhance the sense of community in the Finance Division. She provides birthday cards, candy, and kind words. A happy work force is a productive work force. By nurturing the emotional health of our Division, Shirl indirectly enhances our production output.

Nominated by: Megan Wallace

Round of Applause: Shirl Smith

Through Shirl’s efforts, everyone in the Finance Division gets a card on their birthday signed by all their colleagues. Shirl maintains a master list of staff birthdays, buys the cards, arranges for the cards to be signed by each Finance employee, and coordinates the delivery of each card on the employee’s actual birthday. Shirl is a thoughtful and caring person and we are fortunate that she works with us in the Finance Division.

Nominated by: Karen Russell

Round of Applause: Justin Dunlap

When I started work here last month, he was so helpful and patient setting up my computer and teaching me the ‘system’ here. This week he stopped by to check in, and upon discovering that my monitor stand was just a bit too high, came back with another option and helped me change it out. All with a polite and friendly manner- fiercely breaking IT stereotypes everyday! Thanks, Justin!

Nominated by: Cathy Rusin

Round of Applause: Lydia Mayer

Lydia is always friendly and smiling, and willing to offer a helping hand. She has been instrumental in our team becoming more interconnected by creating different formats for our monthly meetings and finding an enjoyable location for our in-person meeting this past month.

Nominated by: Autumn Carpenter

Round of Applause: Lydia Mayer

The Academic Affairs Division is spread among two buildings and three floors–not conducive to communication and just general get-to-know-each-otherness. Lydia orchestrates communal socials within our group and others, whom we often only “see” electronically or virtually. Always lends a hand, a smile, a doughnut, a turkey leg…

Nominated by: Mary Ellen McMillan