Congratulations, 2025 Staff Employee of the Year Award recipients
The outstanding 2025 Staff Employee of the Year Award recipients were honored for their hard work and dedication to the campus community and beyond at a “Sweet Success” reception Wednesday, April 23, in the Popp Martin Student Union.
“It is important to celebrate the wonderful achievements of our staff,” said Chancellor Sharon L. Gaber. “This event gives us the chance to pause and recognize the extraordinary people who make UNC Charlotte an exceptional place to live, learn and work.”
“These awards celebrate the remarkable achievements, dedication and commitment of Charlotte’s employees,” said Deidra Harris-Lumpkins, associate vice chancellor for human resources. “Each of you has played a crucial role in our University’s success. This celebration is about recognizing those who have gone above and beyond, setting new standards of excellence and inspiring us all through your hard work and dedication.”
Devotion to duty Award
Financial Aid Team
Bruce Blackmon, Patti Bowman, Sheila Anderson, Amber Branton, Rita Brown, Tyrone Dimery, Emily Gallagher, Chelsea Gary, Robert Green, Jeremy Hamilton, Tamara Hinton, Peyton Lambert, Hunter Sells and LaTonja Miller
The financial aid team was recognized for its exceptional commitment and dedication during the past year, particularly in navigating the challenges posed by the revised FAFSA Simplification Act. Facing a compressed timeline and technical issues, the team ensured timely financial aid distribution, outperforming many peer institutions. A proactive approach, collaboration with OneIT and effective communication with the Office of Admissions were key to the team’s success. The office also provided comprehensive support to students and families, while maintaining transparency and consistency.
In addition to managing over $315 million in aid, the team adapted to new state grant policies, successfully navigated state and internal audits and handled numerous new regulations. Members’ collective dedication, resilience and collaborative spirit were instrumental in achieving record-setting enrollment for UNC Charlotte. The financial aid team’s efforts have significantly contributed to the financial stability of students and the overall success of the University.
human relations award
Liz Paradis
As Director of Audience Services in the production arts and operations unit, Liz Paradis made exceptional contributions to enhancing workplace quality, public awareness and fostering collaboration within the College of Arts + Architecture and the broader University community. She oversees nearly 100 performances annually, ensuring public engagement, ticketing, front-of-house operations and overall audience experience. Paradis’ dedication to accessibility and community outreach sets her apart, notably through her leadership in implementing closed captioning and American Sign Language interpreters at theatre productions, significantly improving accessibility for all audience members.
Paradis’ efforts extend beyond the college, playing a crucial role in community outreach initiatives, such as school matinee performances. Her work has been recognized with the Dubois Award for Accessibility Improvement for the 2024-25 academic year. Her commitment to professional growth is evident through participation in the Art-Reach Cohort, expanding her expertise in accessibility and the arts. Her approachability, kindness and unwavering support for colleagues have earned her respect and admiration.
innovation award
Don Gariepy
Don Gariepy has demonstrated exceptional skill, innovation and leadership in maintaining and improving the campus’s heating, ventilation, air conditioning and plumbing systems. He has been instrumental in implementing reliability-centered maintenance within the asset management program, and introducing methods such as failure modes and effect analysis, root cause analysis and optimized preventive maintenance. Gariepy’s proactive approach, including the use of vibration analysis and eddy current non-destructive testing, significantly increased system uptime and reduced maintenance costs, ensuring the reliability of critical infrastructure.
His innovative solutions have prevented catastrophic failures, saved substantial costs and maintained the operational integrity of essential research and educational facilities. His leadership extends beyond technical excellence, as he actively supports professional development and collaboration within the University community.
community and public Service Award
Cindy Charles and Heather Rikli
Cindy Charles and Heather Rikli were recognized for their exceptional contributions at the Naval Medical Readiness and Training Command Center in Portsmouth, Virginia. As research clinicians, they have been instrumental in implementing a Department of Defense-funded project aimed at providing group psychotherapy for active-duty military personnel at risk for suicide. Their dedication and teamwork have been crucial in maintaining the project’s operations, especially during a period when the project lacked a coordinator. During this time, they took on additional responsibilities such as liaising with other health clinics to ensure project referral streams, managing regulatory activities and carrying out initial clinical research procedures and services.
During the past year, Charles and Rikli have consistently gone above and beyond their required duties. They have worked extra hours to cover gaps, collaborated effectively to ensure the project’s success and provided individual services that complemented their project coordination roles. Their efforts have significantly expanded the positive clinical and research impacts of the project.
Safety and Heroism Award
Amy Kelso
Amy Kelso is the senior associate general counsel in the Office of Legal Affairs. Her
extraordinary efforts during Hurricane Helene deserve special recognition. While facing significant personal challenges, including loss of power, internet and potable water, Kelso remained dedicated to helping her community recover. She led one of Asheville’s water distribution sites, tirelessly providing drinkable water to those in need. Additionally, Kelso volunteered with Wine to Water, distributing clean water, food and supplies and supported a medical startup effort in Swannanoa.
Kelso’s colleagues commend her selflessness and dedication, highlighting her proactive engagement and unwavering support for her community. Her actions during the hurricane exemplify heroism and community service, showcasing her commitment to the greater good. Kelso’s efforts have profoundly impacted the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals.
20 Year Service Club Members
During the event, the following staff members were recognized for 20 years of service to UNC Charlotte.
- Julien Amoroso, Building Environmental Services
- Arjun Aneja, OneIT-Enterprise Applications
- Tracy Beauregard, Registrar
- Yvonne Billings, School of Professional Studies
- Jerry Blair, Building Environmental Services
- Leefredrick Bowen, Undergraduate Education
- Fred Brillante, OneIT-Facilities Info Systems
- Mary Broome, University Recreation
- Nikia Cockerham, Lab School
- Greg Deal, Business Services
- Trang Do, College of Computing and Informatics
- Catherine Fowler, Special Education and Child Development
- Benny Goode, The Dubois Center
- Lauren Gregg, University Communications
- Mark Hamrick, OneIT-Academic Affairs Colleges
- Aubrey Harrison, School of Professional Studies
- Diana Hill, Internal Audit
- Ann Holt, Student Affairs
- Patrick Jones, FM Architectural/Engineering
- Robert Jones, Health Services
- Robert Kennedy, Grounds
- Dale Kroeze, Grounds
- Alice LaRocca, Financial Services
- Pershell Leak, Building Environmental Services
- Mark Litjes, Police and Public Safety
- Elizabeth Mace, Office of Research Services
- Anthony Means, Building Environmental Services
- Kelly Merges, Student Engagement
- Mark Nunn, University Communications
- River Peebles, Human Resources
- Ja Vanna Pippins, Atkins Library
- Sharon Riley, Treasury Services
- Allison Roach, Athletics
- Brenda Sawyer, Residency Determination Office
- David Smith, FM Electrical Shop
- Michael Stewart, Building Environmental Services
- Emily Stewart, Health Services
- Mike Teague, OneIT-Client Engagement
- Stacy Weaver, Athletics
- Jeff Wetherbee, OneIT-Client Engagement
- Scott Williams, Optoelectronics Center