Humble Hero Staff Award

The Humble Hero Staff Award recognizes staff who quietly excel without seeking the spotlight. This may involve volunteering for events outside regular business hours and taking on additional roles.

Submit a Nomination

Lizzy Solovey, one of two 2024 Humble Hero Staff Award winners, at the 2024 Faculty & Staff Recognition Celebration. Photos by Greg Fiume.

The Humble Hero Staff Award is given to an exempt or non-exempt staff member who subtly makes a difference. This individual consistently provides outstanding service and goes above and beyond the scope of their role with no expectation of formal recognition. Examples might include but are not limited to: 

  • Taking on additional roles and responsibilities to enhance the unit’s reputation without seeking the spotlight
  • Volunteering to assist at events that occur before, during, and after business hours

Up to two awards will be given. Each award includes a cash prize of $250 and recognition at the Clark School’s Annual Faculty and Staff Recognition reception.

Any full-time or part-time, contingent or permanent, exempt or non-exempt staff member who deserves recognition and was not previously honored with a college-level award during the current academic year.

Complete the official nomination form and include a brief narrative describing the nominee’s contributions and why they deserve recognition. 

Nominations will be accepted from current Clark School faculty and staff members. 

Selection of the winner will be determined by an appointed committee on the basis of the information supplied by the nominator. The winners, along with all nominees, will be announced and honored at the annual Faculty and Staff Recognition Reception.

 

Submit a Nomination

Meet Our 2026 Recipient: Mary Bell

Mary Bell is Associate Director and Academic Advisor in Engineering Academic Services (EAS). She is recognized for responding to students with compassion, respect, and fairness, and for using her deep advising expertise to develop an advising handbook for the entire campus. Congratulations to Mary Bell on being selected as the 2026 winner of the Humble Hero Staff Award!

May Bell, Engineering Academic Services

Meet Our 2026 Recipient: Melanie Tamburello

Melanie Tamburello is a Coordinator for Business Affairs in the Maryland Applied Graduate Engineering program. She is recognized for consistently going above and beyond by anticipating the needs of others and prioritizing the success of the mission and the well-being of her colleagues over personal recognition. Congratulations to Melanie Tamburello on being selected as the 2026 winner of the Humble Hero Staff Award!

Melanie Tamburello, Maryland Applied Graduate Engineering

Past Recipients:

  • 2025: Stephanie Elcock and Novy Cho 
  • 2024: Lizzy Solovey and Anne Bongermino

 


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