Established in 2008, this award recognizes classified staff members for exceptional achievements and superior performance of duties. Award recipients continuously demonstrate outstanding achievement, commitment to excellence and exemplary customer service.
Campus Living
Administrative assistant in Campus Living, Justine Wheeler is responsible for tasks including tracking and accommodating housing assignment requests, answering students’ and parents’ questions and maintaining records for the more-than 8,ooo students who live on campus. Known for her attention to detail, Ms. Wheeler noticed a need to enhance the efficiency of room changes and related student account adjustments, and she developed a daily tracking system to address the issue. This system became even more important when the pandemic created rapid fluctuations in student housing. During the pandemic, Ms. Wheeler has also provided exemplary customer service to the many students and parents who have contacted Campus Living with queries about COVID-19’s impact on residential living.
Campus Living
Head janitor for Campus Living, Ann Zielinski coordinates the cleaning of 18 residential properties on campus and is responsible for scheduling 100 part-time and full-time cleaners. Highly skilled in organization, Ms. Zielinski manages the scheduling and training needs of a large staff while ensuring that the outstanding service provided to UB students continues uninterrupted. She has been lauded by her colleagues for her ability to manage and exceed the stringent cleaning and disinfecting standards required by the university’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and she effectively reallocated staff when additional properties were added to Campus Living’s cleaning responsibilities. Continuously seeking to remain informed of best practices in her profession, Ms. Zielinski has attended numerous facilities conferences and manufacturer’s demonstrations.
