Service with Jazz
Service with Jazz
Service with Jazz, UNO's employee of the month program, is administered by UNO Staff Council and Human Resources Management. To learn more about how to nominate a co-worker, visit the Award Information page.
Jan/Feb 2024: Ashleigh Pelafigue & Michelle Daussin
Ashleigh Pelafigue and Michelle Daussin, a dynamic duo of educators, joined our faculty in Fall 2022, and they have been unstoppable forces of positive change within UNO's Teacher Education Program. Their collaborative efforts have not only invigorated our program but also brought about tangible improvements that resonate throughout our institution. From creating vibrant social media platforms to showcase student achievements to organizing professional development opportunities like "Pizza with Principals," their dedication to student success knows no bounds. Moreover, their proactive approach to enhancing our learning environment truly sets them apart. By spearheading the decoration of the 3rd floor of the Education Building, Ashleigh and Michelle have transformed a space into a welcoming haven for students and faculty alike. Their initiative, coupled with their genuine investment in fostering a sense of belonging, has earned them the admiration of our entire community.
March 2024: Joy Ballard
small-textWe are thrilled to announce that the March recipient of the Service with Jazz award is Dr. Joy Ballard, Director of Student Involvement and Leadership at the University of New Orleans. Joy has been recognized for her extraordinary dedication to fostering campus involvement and creating opportunities that unite faculty, staff, students, and the New Orleans community. Her nominator highlighted Joy's unwavering commitment to student development, noting her countless hours spent nurturing leadership skills through initiatives like the Student Government Association and the Student Activities Council. This semester, Joy's exceptional efforts shone brightly as she co-organized the Krewe of UNO Mardi Gras parade, a hallmark event that epitomizes UNO culture and pride. Joy's passion and hard work in coordinating this event, along with the UNOettes walking/dance group and parade promotions, exemplify her remarkable ability to bring our community together and celebrate our shared spirit. Congratulations, Joy, for your outstanding service and dedication!
April 2024: Amelie Reeves
small-textWe are delighted to announce that the April recipient of the Service with Jazz award is Ms. Amelie Reeves, Assistant Director of Student Academic Success at the University of New Orleans. Amelie has been recognized for her exceptional support to her team during a difficult time following the loss of a coworker and for her remarkable contributions to the launch of Workday Student. She has created numerous job aids and provided invaluable assistance to advisors, faculty, and administrators navigating the new system. Her nominator praised Amelie for embodying the core value of student success, highlighting her unwavering commitment to advocating for policies and processes that enhance equity and inclusion. Amelie consistently goes the extra mile to better serve our students, demonstrating her dedication through tangible support and a relentless drive to improve our academic environment. Congratulations, Amelie, for your outstanding service and dedication!
May 2024: Abby Blanchard
small-textWe are thrilled to announce that the May 2024 recipient of the Service with Jazz award is Ms. Abby Blanchard, academic advisor in our College of Engineering. Abby is recognized for creating a student friendly atmosphere and taking the lead in her college to make sure academic information is up-to-date and relevant. Her nominator highlighted her exceptional efforts in training new advisors, creating note templates, and providing leadership in assisting correcting out of date errors so students have a smooth advising and enrollment process. Abby embraces the core value of student success by always considering how policy and process impact students in the college of Engineering and across the university. Congratulations, Abby, for embodying Service with Jazz!
June 2024: Yuwan Viros
small-textWe are pleased to announce that the June 2024 recipient of the Service with Jazz award is Mr. Yuwan Viros, resdience hall director. Yuwan has been recognized for his extraordinary dedication to fostering involvement for students in residential life and creating opportunities that students can build a living and learning community in Ponchartrain Hall. His nominator highlighted Yuwan's unwavering commitment to an inclusive environment and planning welcoming and meaningful events both for residents and the student staff he mentors. This summer, Yuwan's exceptional efforts were on full display as all students are occupying his building. While some might feel as though summer residents meant less time for summer planning and break, Yuwan fully embraces these students and has made extra special efforts to create programs that make him feel welcome and just as engaged as yearlong residents. Congratulations, Yuwan, for your exceptional service and leadership. You make us UNO proud!