Newcomer of the Year Staff Award

The Newcomer of the Year Staff Award honors recent staff additions who quickly demonstrate a positive attitude, reliability, and alignment with the Clark School's values. They seamlessly integrate into the team and introduce innovative approaches that benefit students, faculty, and staff.

Submit a Nomination
Brian Schoem stands with Dean Graham in front of a Maryland Engineering backdrop holding his award certificate

2024 award winner Brian Schoem with Dean Graham at the 2024 Faculty & Staff Recognition Celebration. Photo by Greg Fiume.

The Newcomer of the Year Staff Award recognizes a newer staff member who in a very short time has made a significant impact on their unit and/or the Clark School. Examples might include but are not limited to:

  • Demonstrating a positive disposition, dependability, and commitment to the Clark School’s ideals
  • Quickly becoming an integral member of the team, learning and improving the unit’s ways of working
  • Bringing new energy and ideas to the role that have made a noticeable impact on students, faculty, and staff

The award includes a cash prize of $500 and recognition at the Clark School’s Annual Faculty and Staff Recognition reception.

Any staff member, exempt or non-exempt, who has been employed in the Clark School for at least one year but less than two years is eligible for nomination.

Complete the official nomination form and include a narrative describing the nominee’s achievements and specific contributions. The narrative should provide specific examples as to how the nominee meets the eligibility criteria and what distinguishes and makes them deserving of this award.

Nominations will be accepted from current faculty and/or staff members. Narratives must be no more than one page (single spaced) or two pages (double spaced).

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

Submit a Nomination

Meet our 2024 Recipient: Brian Schoem

Since joining the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Brian Schoem has made significant strides in building the Cyber-Physical Systems Engineering (CPSE) program at the Universities at Shady Grove (USG). He is forming strong relationships with local high schools and community colleges, as well as businesses and non-profit organizations. He is making a lasting and impactful impact on the community and creating new opportunities for our current and prospective students to thrive. To help our USG students feel connected to UMD, Brian arranged to have a 3D-printed Testudo statue at the USG campus so that students can participate in the tradition of rubbing Testudo’s nose for good luck before exams.


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