Colleagues honored at 2023 Staff Excellence Awards

June 5, 2023

Six Marquette staff members were honored with Excellence in University Service awards, and one staff member received the Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion Award at the 2023 Staff Excellence Awards on Monday, June 5, in the AMU Monaghan Ballrooms.

All seven honorees were selected for exemplifying the university's mission of excellence, faith, leadership and service. The honorees were chosen from a record number of nominations.

Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion

Excellence in University Service

Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion

Dr. Jennifer S. Maney, director of the Center for Teaching and Learning

In her role as director of the Center for Teaching and Learning, Dr. Jennifer Maney provides leadership in faculty development to promote a culture of pedagogical excellence at Marquette. This is done to support faculty in creating learning environments that are inclusive and focused on belonging so that all students and faculty can learn and flourish.

In addition to her work at the CTL, Jennifer serves as a facilitator for the Making Marquette Inclusive module trainings; serves on a variety of DEI-focused campus committees; has hosted symposiums on transparent design for equity and metacognition to support all student learning; conducts one-on-one consultations with faculty and departments; supports new faculty with inclusive teaching strategies and Ignatian pedagogy and the intersection of the two; conducts various DEI workshops; and created Practical Ignatian Pedagogy modules, which includes issues of justice and equity within the realm of Catholic, Jesuit mission.

Jennifer also co-edited a CTL book titled "On the Vocation of the Educator at this Moment," a collection of essays written by Marquette faculty, instructors and staff on the multiple crises of 2020. She serves on the editorial board of the Conversations on Jesuit Education editorial board and has authored several articles on justice, equity and inclusion.

"I see my role here at Marquette as one that supports students and faculty to reach their full potential and remove barriers to that possibility," Jennifer says. "If we say our mission at Marquette is to prepare students to enter a world willing to work toward a common good and in solidarity then we need to honor everyone's human fullness and dignity and we need to do this as our default disposition. If we don't do this, then we are Catholic and Jesuit in name only.

"It isn't always easy to be open to those with different experiences or life lens and sometimes people need help unpacking the origins of negative attitudes or biases. My dream is that one day everyone lets down their swords of indifference and truly understands that knowing people across all identities will make their lives richer — I know it has mine."

Daniel Biemann, operations service supervisor of Recreational Sports

Daniel Biemann has been a part of the campus community for over 30 years, arriving as a maintenance service supervisor in Recreational Sports in 1988. He is currently responsible for the daily general maintenance and upkeep of the two recreation facilities on campus, the former Helfaer Recreation Center and the Rec Plex. Daniel is commended by his peers for his dependability, resourcefulness and caring nature, both with his student staff and full-time colleagues.

Daniel possesses a deep history and knowledge base of all things facilities, making him a go-to guy whether it be for plumbing, electrical, fitness equipment, structures, lighting, water or chemicals. He's also displayed a passion for sharing this knowledge, going above and beyond to train others.

He was instrumental during the COVID-19 pandemic, when he was the only employee who continued to work between the facilities while they were closed for use. He made sure all systems continued to operate and function properly during the shutdown and was crucial when it came time to prepare the facilities to re-open in compliance with COVID-related guidelines. Most recently, he's been involved in the reconfiguration of rec facilities as construction continues on the reimagined Wellness + Recreation facility.

"We are called to serve one another," Daniel said. "I’m humbled that others find my service fit for such a superlative. I don't believe I’ve attained excellence but that is what I strive for."

Dr. Michael P. Dante, director of the Faber Center for Ignatian Spirituality

As the director of the Faber Center, Michael Dante provides faculty and staff across campus with care as a spiritual director, confidant and friend. His calendar is filled with appointments to serve others through individual meetings and group offerings, including reflections, retreats and various events with opportunities to share a meal and fellowship.

Michael finds God in all things and invites others to do the same. He brings together people from across the campus to connect and share their joys, struggles and find inspiration from their colleagues. This helps build a community that nurtures the spiritual, intellectual and emotional well-being of everyone. Michael is complimented by his peers for his patience, kindness and willingness to always lend a hand.

"When I heard the news, I was so humbled and moved to tears," Michael says. "My desire is to further God's dream for the world. I do this by accompanying people on their spiritual journey. In a way, this award also recognizes all their wholehearted living and amazing work for Marquette. "

Dan DeWeerdt, senior engagement director and Radke Director, Marquette Mentors, in the Office of University Advancement

Dan DeWeerdt displayed his creativity when he launched the Marquette Mentors program in 2013, a response to growing student interest in engaging with alumni for career discernment, professional development and networking. Started as a pilot with 30 mentor-mentee matches, Dan remains at the helm as the program celebrates 10 years of mentoring excellence this year.

Since its launch, Dan has developed Marquette Mentors into "the gold standard for mentoring initiatives" as deemed by the Council of Advancement and Support of Education. The program has included matching more than 1,050 student mentees with alumni mentors in 25 states and Europe with tremendously positive response. The time and energy Dan brings truly sets Marquette Mentors apart from the rest. He provides a personal touch, connecting with all involved in the program.

Dan continuously looks to innovate, as displayed when partnering several years ago with Jacki Black in the Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion to help launch a similar program between Marquette and Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in Milwaukee. The Encuentros Mentor Program provides Cristo Rey students who have limited economic resources the opportunity to be mentored by Marquette students. In line with Marquette's mission to be a welcoming place for all, he has made a concerted effort to reach out to first generation and underrepresented minority students and, once in the program, welcomes them with open arms.

"At Marquette, I’ve been fortunate to find a place for nearly two decades to help make a positive impact alongside so many talented faculty, staff, alumni and students who share this mission," Dan says. "I come to work every day inspired by the Marquette community, who have taught me more than they’ll ever know. I’m blessed and humbled to accept this award."

Judith Kaiser, associate director of grants administration in the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs

Over the course of 15 years at Marquette, Judith Kaiser has worked with countless faculty and staff members to facilitate grant submissions on time and without error. She's commended for her willingness to go above and beyond for others, her deep knowledge of the grant process and caring nature for those she works with. She's been instrumental in facilitating projects that have enhanced research across campus and enriched the student experience.

Under President Michael R. Lovell's leadership, Marquette has a goal of achieving $50 million in extramural research expenditures. Over the past seven years, research expenditures have grown by 70%, helped tremendously by Judith's efforts. Just within the past year, she was involved in a couple of harrowing grant proposals — projects that included multiple authors, shifting approaches to the proposal, frequent revisions, ambiguous sponsor guidelines, hard-to-find data, tight deadlines and project budgets that were always in a state of transition. Judith never missed a beat in keeping these projects on track.

Judith is praised for exemplifying Marquette's mission to Be The Difference. While dealing in an often stressful realm, she brings a smile and relaxed demeanor that puts even the most anxious at ease.

"I am truly humbled by this honor," Judith says. "I am thankful to work with such amazing people and to support creative faculty who are doing great things in our world. This acknowledgment wouldn't be possible without them both."

Erin Lazzar, associate dean of students in the Office of Student Development

As associate dean of students, Erin Lazzar chairs the University's CARE (Campus Assessment Response and Education) team and the Medical Withdrawal Committee. In both groups, she advocates for some of the most vulnerable students on campus during some of their most challenging times. Whether it is navigating the student conduct process, assisting students through distress, or educating and assisting students in advocating for themselves and their needs, Erin is praised for taking an individualized, patient and compassionate approach.

In addition to her service to students, Erin has been a mentor to her supervisees, sharing her knowledge, experience and time with them. Her guidance has enabled many young professionals to develop their own skills and thrive in their respective roles.

"The things you are passionate about are not random, they are your calling," Erin says, quoting Fabienne Frederickson. "I am humbled and grateful for my colleagues who think my work is worthy of this recognition. I love what I do and know that it matters to our students and their families. I am honored to be invited to walk alongside students during their time at Marquette. I delight in relationships with my colleagues. I am passionate about Jesuit higher education and students’ experience outside of the classroom. For all these reasons (and many more), I am beyond grateful for the continued opportunity to live out my calling at Marquette."

Lisa Ploszaj, senior human resources generalist in Human Resources

Lisa Ploszaj provides human resources partnership to most of the academic units, serving as a resource for leaders regarding best practices in hiring and managing employees. Through her work, Lisa displays an impressive ability to navigate difficult and sensitive situations with both care and precision, maintaining a focus on cura personalis for all involved. She is commended for staying calm and positive, even in tough times.

Lisa is always there for human resources’ partners to answer a question, provide support or give sound advice. She provides others the tools, language and ideas needed to maintain grace while experiencing complex circumstances.

Lisa also has volunteered to take on bodies of work that are ambiguous, challenging and defy neat categorization, expanding her skills. She leads with curiosity and a learning mindset, striving to better understand people and situations.

"Marquette has held a very special place in my heart since my years as an undergraduate and continues to do so as an employee," Lisa said. "I feel blessed to work alongside so many talented people that are dedicated to making Marquette the transformational place that it is. Receiving this award is a highlight of my career and I am truly honored."

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