Thursday, November 21, 2024, Michele Thompson Room A, Student Center West
Rocco Wlodarek
Position: Transportation Coordinator
Department: FM Transportation Motorpool
As a Transportation Coordinator within the Facilities Management Motorpool at UIC, Rocco Wlodarek has cultivated a commendable reputation for his unwavering dedication and leadership. His colleagues and peers admire his exceptional work ethic and commitment to service, consistently exceeding expectations in his role. Rocco’s innovative contributions, such as the app-based interface for the “RED CAR” service and the redesign of the Paratransit system, have significantly impacted the UIC community. His personable nature fosters a welcoming and supportive environment, encouraging collaboration and problem-solving among colleagues. Beyond his professional duties, Rocco actively engages in community volunteerism, embodying the spirit of service and inspiring those around him.
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There is no better person to represent UIC Transportation to incoming students and extoll the value of our services than Rocco. He is always ready with a smile and has an open door to all employees at all times to come to him with anything they need.
| Driver, Transportation Motorpool
Glenda Genio
Position: Assistant Director of Administration
Department: Global Asian Studies
As the Assistant Director of Administration for the Global Asian Studies program at UIC, Glenda Genio has consistently demonstrated exceptional administrative skills and a deep commitment to fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment. Her colleagues admire her remarkable work ethic, problem-solving abilities, and dedication to supporting faculty and students. Glenda’s contributions, such as creating a financial tracking system and streamlining the department’s online archival system, have significantly improved the program’s efficiency. Her positive attitude and collaborative spirit create a harmonious and productive work environment, while her active involvement in community activities reflects her dedication to service and engagement beyond her professional role.
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Glenda is delightful to work with. She always exhibits a pleasant, warm demeanor. Her smile is heartwarming, and she has a spark in her eyes that shows she’s ready to cooperate, collaborate, and get the job done. When there’s a problem to solve, she enthusiastically takes it on and it’s fun to brainstorm solutions with her.
| PI and Project Director of the UIC AANAPISI Initiative
Yesenia Gutierrez
Position: Office Manager
Department: Disability Resource Center
As the Office Manager for the Disability Resource Center (DRC) at UIC, Yesenia Gutierrez exemplifies the values of dedication, service, and inclusivity. Her colleagues admire her exceptional work ethic, problem-solving skills, and unwavering commitment to supporting students and staff. Yesenia’s contributions, such as streamlining billing processes and providing Spanish language support, have significantly improved the DRC’s efficiency and accessibility. Her warm and welcoming nature fosters a positive and supportive environment, ensuring that everyone feels valued and respected. Yesenia’s active involvement in her children’s education and her commitment to the UIC community further demonstrate her dedication to service and her belief in the transformative power of education.
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Yesenia has always been a huge advocate for student success and independence. One of her children also grew up with a disability and needing accommodations, and she remembers this when she empowers students to not be ashamed of their disability. She helps them realize that their disability does not have to control them, they can be in control and able to turn their dreams into attainable goals.
| Assistant Director for Health Science Disability Resources
Alyson Kung
Position: Assistant Director
Department: Asian American Resource and Cultural Center
As the Assistant Director of the Asian American Resource and Cultural Center (AARCC) at UIC, Alyson Kung embodies the values of community engagement, inclusivity, and social justice. Her colleagues and students admire her warm demeanor, her dedication to student growth, and her ability to connect individuals with resources and opportunities.
Alyson’s contributions extend beyond the university, as she actively collaborates with community organizations to provide students with real-world experiences and foster a sense of belonging. Her leadership and mentorship empower students to confidently navigate their academic and personal journeys, creating a lasting positive impact on their lives.
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Alyson Kung clearly embodies the values and objectives of the Janice Watkins Award. She leads with empathy and great understanding that promotes community, her commitment and dedication to the growth of her students, and genuine care for issues important to the student and faculty body, as well as the human well-being.
| General Office Aide, Asian American Resource and Cultural Center (AARCC)
Valerie Prudik
Position: Business Administrative Associate
Department: School of Public Health/Office of the Dean
As the Business Administrative Associate in the School of Public Health (SPH) Dean’s Office at UIC, Valerie Prudik is a highly respected and valued colleague known for her exceptional work ethic, unwavering commitment to service, and extensive institutional knowledge. Her colleagues admire her professionalism, problem-solving abilities, and dedication to fostering a positive and collaborative work environment. Valerie’s contributions, such as streamlining emergency funding processes for students and assuming grant administration duties, have significantly improved efficiency and support within the SPH. Her dedication to public health is evident in her active participation in the SPH Green Team and her promotion of diverse vendors. Beyond her professional duties, Valerie’s volunteer work with Feed My Starving Children and her support for caregivers of those with blood cancer reflect her compassionate nature and commitment to serving others.
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Val’s dedication and commitment to her work, passion for serving others, and warmth while being an excellent employee never ceases to amaze me. Furthermore, Val is caring, takes initiative, and often goes out of her way to help staff and faculty understand the various systems necessary to complete the nature of her work. Val is truly one of a kind, and we are incredibly lucky to have someone like her on our team.| Business/Administrative Associate | Director, Office of Diversity and Inclusion, School of Public Health
