myBama
Wellness and Work-Life
Kindness Champions

Kindness Champions

Spread joy and recognize all the kindness that happens around us!

Give a shoutout to a colleague or UA community member who radiates kindness, performed a particularly kind act, or helped you when you needed. Each Kindness Champion receives a card with the note from the nominator, and the submission will be posted below.

Nomination form
Slays All Day-Anna Clay is an absolute powerhouse of joy and kindness. She is always ready to hop into any task to ensure her colleagues succeed and thrive. Not only does she handle coordinating her own programming, but she also frequently volunteers her time to assist others with their programming. Anna Clay is a bright ray of sunshine, and I am so thankful to have her as a colleague and friend."-Anonymous, July 26, 2024
Shay is an example to the office of what it means to be kind to others. She is the type of person who always checks in on those around her, and goes the extra mile to cheer up those who may need it. She even leaves little notes of affirmation that improve's the overall mood of our office. Her kindness is one of the reasons we have such a strong and connected team!
Above and beyond - Kerstin is the most dedicated, hardworking team member around! She strives for excellence everyday, and does so with a smile on her face and a positive attitude. From the moment she joined the Hear Here Alabama team, she has adapted, learned, and excelled in her position. Our office would not be the same without her, and I am so thankful to have the privilege to work alongside such an enthusiastic team member!- Anonymous, July 24, 2024
Every Day Needs Some Shay! Shay is a ray of sunshine for all of us who are blessed to know her. She is an honest & encouraging friend to all. Her kindness is seen in her job through the relationships that she builds with her internal & external clients. She is the first to celebrate others' accomplishments and to give love and support through a challenging situation. If you express negative emotions over personal or work failures, she will lovingly sass that attitude right out of you. She excels at brightening up the workday, and that is why I believe every day needs some Shay!-Anonymous, July 23, 2024
“I've never met Joi, but I am grateful for her kindness and willingness to help through email. I emailed her to inquire about upcoming fall advising for a course I will be taking. When she responded, I realized that I had emailed the wrong contact person in the incorrect department. Even though my course is not in her area of study, she asked me if I had found the help I needed and guided me in the right direction. It's easy to forward calls and emails along, but Joi took the time to help me, and that means a lot to me. Thanks to Joi for showing me help and kindness!” -Amber Lucas, July 18, 2024
A Crown Straightener - “Christina is a champion of kindness every day. She is a true crown straightener-- she is always paying attention to those around her and lifting them up and straightening their crowns. I have the honor of working with Christina, and despite all the busy-ness and chaos that sometimes finds us in the midst of a semester, she is always cheerful and patient with each and every student and staff member. She makes an impact on UA every day that she is here and lights up every room she walks in to with a smile and a spirit of genuine kindness."Anonymous, July 18, 2024
Caroline Cumbest, Coordinator, First Year Experience. Others always come first - “Caroline treats everyone with such kindness and respect. It doesn’t matter who they are or what they do she makes sure that they are heard and appreciated. She cares for others more than anything and is the most empathetic person I have ever met. She feels for her students and coworkers and it makes coming to work or meetings a delight because we know she will be smiling and making sure everyone is feeling good. If anyone is deserving of being a kindness champion it is Caroline.” -Anonymous, July 12, 2024
Paige Aker, Director of University Programs. Kindness Champion Year Round– “Paige is positive, funny, and encouraging! She is always willing to offer advice and answer questions. Whether its restaurant recommendations or work-related tips, I know whatever she suggests it will set me on the right path. Every time I see her, I know I am leaving that interaction laughing and/or with a smile!” -Victoria Phair, June 21, 2024
Sam Addy, Associate Dean for Economic Development Outreach and Senior Research Economist. Sam’s Club: Charity and Peaches – “Sam started a club that his friends can join. For every member, he donates $10 to charity every year. He has been doing this for many years, donating thousands of dollars each year. He also shares his delicious home-grown peaches with his colleagues every year.” -Boyi Zhuang, June 6, 2024
Jennifer McDonald, Assistant Director of Payroll, Human Resources. Kind and Warm – “Jennifer is always willing to help with any questions I have. She is a warm, friendly, and very knowledgeable. I am so glad that I can work with her!” -Bingqing Lu, June 6, 2024
Anna McJenkin, Executive Assistant, Student Life. Kindness should be her middle name! “Many occasions throughout the year Anna takes time to send little notes of appreciation to her co-workers. She will stop whatever she is doing anytime to help anyone — and she never makes them feel like they are interrupting her (although we are)! She can find the positive even in difficult situations and when appropriate, she finds humor to lighten the mood! Anna’s kindness shines daily. She is a joy to work with and a pleasure to be around. Anna also works on the Recognition and Appreciation Committee in Student Life to help acknowledge her co-workers! She truly exhibits the characteristics of a Kindness Champion!” -Lisa Kidd, June 4, 2024
Scott Myer, Driver, Campus Mail. Above and Beyond– “Scott always has an up-beat attitude and is always willing to lend a hand to those who are in need. He is always eager to help when things are slow or when there is more to process than we can handle, despite the fact that is not in his job description. His always positive attitude is something we should strive for and I hope we all can have a team member like Scott.” -Anonymous, June 4, 2024
Taylor Anderson, Chief Information Security Officer. Unique ability to be kind and calm even in the craziest of IT security matters! “Taylor is consistently helpful and a pleasure to work with. He goes above and beyond to prioritize the University’s best interests, even when navigating complex security challenges. Taylor never makes anyone feel inadequate for the situations they find themselves in. His genuine desire to assist and do what is right is evident, and he is committed to educating employees to prevent future mistakes.” -Anonymous, June 4, 2024
Jeremy Cole, Program Assistant/Fellowship Coordinator for UA Family Medicine Residency. Cool under pressure – “Jeremy is the epitome of “cool as a cucumber”. He has a very high-pressure position and one of his responsibilities is ordering lunches for large groups of people who can often be hard to please. Jeremy also deals with a large group of faculty physicians who have different personalities and needs and he takes care of each of them with ease. He maintains a smile and a positive attitude no matter how difficult the challenge that is placed before him. Jeremy is kind and compassionate to everyone he encounters and is more than deserving of being selected as a Kindness Champion.” -Anonymous, June 2, 2024
Anne McKinney, LPN – UMC Family Medicine Blue Suite.Compassionate and Caring– “I recently witnessed an interaction between Anne and a patient who was having a hard time understanding the instructions he had been given. She very kindly and compassionately explained everything to him more than once. The clinic was very busy at the time and I know she had other people (physicians and patients) waiting on her but she did not rush this gentleman at all and made sure that he clearly understood what he needed to do before she walked him to the exit door. This is just a one time example of the patience and kindness that she displays to all the patients she encounters. UMC Family Medicine is blessed to have a nurse like Anne McKinney.” -Anonymous, June 1, 2024
Candyce Reed, Administrative Assistant II – Center for Service and Leadership. Genuine– “Candyce’s genuine kindness and selfless dedication to others make her a truly deserving of recognition. Her actions not only make a difference in the lives of those she interacts with at work but also serve as an inspiration to others to cultivate kindness and compassion in their own lives. Whether it’s assisting a student with navigating administrative processes, providing guidance to a co-worker, or lending a listening ear to a student or colleague in need, Candyce goes above and beyond to ensure that everyone feels valued and supported. I am truly thankful to know her.” -Tara Rose-Campbell, May 30, 2024
CJ Watson, University Recreation Maintenance Technician. The happiest person you will ever meet– “I am nominating CJ for Kindness Champion because he is the happiest person I have ever met. He works a strenuous job taking care of the UREC pools. It involves a lot of manual labor and sweaty shifts. Every time I run into him at work, I can tell he is just so full of joy getting to work for UREC. It doesn’t matter the type of day he is having at work, he still talks about the day with the biggest smile on his face. It is very nice having him on the UREC team. He brightens all our days.” -Anonymous, May, 30,2024
Allison Davis, Psychology Instructor. Positive, Smiling, Tenderhearted and Always There for Department- “Allison is a wonderful lady. The students whom she teaches appreciate her style and learn well. She has a heart of understanding and is gracious to everyone from the Dean to the Administrative staff. She happily picks up an extra class. She approves overrides for students who need to get into her lectures. Allison always has a moment to listen and give a word of encouragement or a sharp-witted comment to make one laugh. She is truly the Psychology Kindness Champion and I think a trophy is in order.” -Cindy Apperson, April 26, 2024
Robert Morris, Building Project Coordinator, NOAA/National Water Center. A Servant’s Heart- “Robert is one of the sincerest and kind people I have met. I had the opportunity to work with Robert while I was employed as a contractor for NOAA and the National Water Center. Robert, as a UA employee, helped the entire building by working with UA facilities to ensure that the National Water Center was functioning at full capacity. If there was a problem with anything, he was always willing to jump in and help – even when it may not have been his exact area of expertise. This past year has been a difficult one, as we lost a UA colleague, Mara Suter. Even though I knew Robert was deeply grieved for the loss of his friend and mentor, he never let that stop his positive attitude and willingness to help. Robert is truly a treasure, and UA is blessed to have him working on Campus. Thank you, Robert, for being my friend during my time at the NWC! It was an honor and privilege to work with you, and an even greater joy to call you friend. Blessings to you and thank you for everything you have done for me!” -Your friend, Amber Lucas, April 25, 2024
Sheri Laycock, HR Business Specialist. Sheri is such a joy- “Sheri is such a joy to have in our office! She is always smiling, humming songs, and radiates happiness and positivity every day. She is always willing to lend a helping hand to whomever is in need. She is the true definition of a Kindness Champion!” -Anonymous, April 6, 2024
Brittany Wilemon, SCO for Office of Veteran and Military Affairs. Brittany always involves everyone in the office in decorating for special occasions. The decorations bring us all together in community! Our Veteran community is enriched by her knowledge of VA benefits.” -Anonymous, April 5, 2024
Shandra Monterastelli, Attorney at ADAP, School of Law. Kindness that Radiates to the Marginalized - “Not only does Shandra embody the mission of our department with her dedication to collaboration, attention to detail, and knowledge that constantly impresses our coworkers, her dedication and kindness through her work for the most marginalized in our state is extraordinarily commendable. She is always there to lift up the hardest cases and shine a light on the need for systemic change. She has a way with approaching clients, no matter if they are the sickest within our mental health system or the sickest within our physical health system, to open up to her and share their burdens. Shandra is then able to, through her work, be the voice of acceptance, kindness, and strength for these clients. Shandra goes beyond the expectations of her job. She lives a life of service and kindness through her actions.” -Anonymous, April 3, 2024
Dawn Horn, ACCESS Virtual Learning Program Manager. Service with a Smile…and a laugh! - “Dawn is the picture of “Service with a Smile,” but better yet, she’s always laughing along with that smile! Dawn welcomed 3 new colleagues at the exact same time and spent hours training each with such kindness, patience, enthusiasm and humor that they have now formed a dynamic team! Together they work hard and they play hard, enjoying each other’s company thanks to the welcoming and encouraging environment established by Dawn’s cheerful personality.” -Anonymous, April 1, 2024

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