Last Updated on January 9, 2023 by Caroline Warwick
Staff at the Mid-Florida Research and Education Center ended their year with celebration and special recognition, the MREC Superior Accomplishment Awards.
The MREC Superior Accomplishment Awards recognize MREC staff and team members for their hard work, dedication and commitment to the University of Florida. This program, facilitated by human resources and administrative support staff at MREC, is in its second year. Similar to other award programs, awardees are nominated by their coworkers and faculty members who provide letters of support which are then reviewed by an external panel.
MREC is proud to announce the recipients of the MREC Superior Accomplishment Awards:
- Team Spirit Award: Carmen Nazario
- The Star Performer Award: Irma Herrera
- Above and Beyond Award: Matthew Creech
These staff members were recognized during a team meeting in December and were presented with a certificate and cash award. Congratulations to Irma, Carmen and Matt on their recognition and contributions to the center!
The Team Spirit Award
The Team Spirit award recognizes an individual who has increased group collaboration by establishing relationships and improving the projects of others within the UF/IFAS Mid-Florida Research and Education Center.
Awarded to: Carmen Nazario, administrative support working with the entire MREC team
What is your favorite part of working at MREC?
I’m able to work well with everyone and I enjoy coming to work and helping others in whatever way I can to make them & MREC shine.
Is there any message you have for your coworkers?
It was so unexpected, thank you so much for nominating me.
The Star Performer
The Star Performer award recognizes an employee who has consistently provided superior performance, a willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty, and one who exhibits a commitment to excellence in all areas.
Awarded to: Irma Herrera, agricultural assistant working alongside Dr. Lance Osborne
What is your favorite part of working at MREC?
My favorite part about working here at MREC is that everyone is so nice, I only have a high school diploma and I believe most everyone here has higher education, but I feel that everyone treats me the same, I love my job, I love what I do, I am so grateful to be here.
I work with awesome people, Katherine, Dr. Osborne, and Josh, I feel that this is the best job I have ever had!
Is there any message you have for your coworkers?
I just want to say thank you to my coworkers that nominated me, I truly did not expect this, God bless you!
The Above and Beyond Award
The Above and Beyond award recognizes an employee for outstanding effort on a special project outside of their normal job requirements.
Awarded to: Matthew Creech, biological scientist working alongside Dr. Alfred Huo
What is your favorite part of working at MREC?
My favorite part about working at MREC is the people. I’ve been at MREC for over 15 years and have built great relationships with all my coworkers.
Is there any message you have for your coworkers?
I would just like to thank my coworkers for nominating me. It’s an honor to have won and I thank them for picking me.