On Melanie Schrack’s 44th birthday, Dec. 27, 2000, she received the gift of a job at UNMC. Since that day, her colleagues say, she’s been the best present UNMC could ask for.
 |
Melanie Schrack |
Above her door hangs a sign that reads, “Be Nice or Leave.” It’s a motto she abides by even when things are hectic.
“My mother greets each day with a smiling face,” she said. “I try to do the same and it makes life much easier.”
Schrack’s accomplishments and accolades earned her the August Chancellor’s Gold ‘U’ award.
“In less than two years, she has catapulted our pediatric research office into a vibrant, growing and intellectually stimulating organization, which significantly increases the support options for research studies for aspiring and seasoned researchers,” said her nominator, Edward Truemper, M.D. “She is an absolute delight to work with.”
Below, Schrack reflects on her job at UNMC:
On working her way up the ladder.
Since I came to UNMC nine years ago, I have been offered many opportunities to grow and participate in new projects. Each project served as a building block to my current position.
On the most satisfying part of her job.
Being part of a dynamic, cohesive team.
On her co-workers.
Whether it be the members of the PRO, the department of pediatrics, the COBRE team or the pediatric residency and genetic residency programs, my coworkers are intelligent, ethical individuals who work daily to better their programs. I truly respect them and they make me excited to come to work.
On her inspiration.
Several women have helped to inspire my strength, build my confidence and learn to do my best for my own personal satisfaction.
On her family
My husband, Tom, and I have been married for 33 years. We have two bright, beautiful daughters and gained a son-in-law last year.
On UNMC
Since coming to UNMC, I have experienced an atmosphere that promotes professionalism and respect, which I greatly value.
She is the glue that keeps this department together. She has an unending wealth of knowledge about her position and the workings of UNMC and is the person one goes to for answers. She has inexhaustible energy.
It is like watching an accomplished artist the way she accomplishes so many diverse tasks for so many people. Melanie is not just a ‘team player’ she is the captain and the hub that everyone radiates from in order to produce a working unit.
She brings her “A” game every day. She accomplishes every task placed in front of her in a way that makes everyone around her feel successful and vital to the process…never garnering the credit or the glory for herself. Name any successful project in the department, and I’m sure that Melanie had a part in it. The University could not buy better advertising than the UNMC badge worn by Melanie Schrack!
Her excellent work ethic is inspiring and contagious. Melanie encourages camaraderie and teamwork from all her UNMC coworkers.
It is amazing to think how far Melanie has come since she first arrived at UNMC to help with typing and filing. On her own initiative and talents, she has grown into a leader who successfully manages several complicated programs and helps and inspires many people. Even when she is fantastically busy, she is always upbeat and friendly and dedicated to doing the best job possible. This creates an atmosphere where everyone wants to work hard and accomplish their best.
If one has a difficult task to perform and needs to be lifted up and forge ahead, Melanie is the one to look toward to receive that upbeat energy. Her positive attitude and dynamic personality makes one want to always be a team player. She is a role model for being continually inundated with work, yet always radiating a positive attitude and dedication to her many duties at UNMC.
It has been my pleasure and privilege to work with Melanie and her team. They have been critical to the success of my early research career in Pediatrics. She is certainly an inspiration and a deserving recipient of this award!
Congratulations, Melanie! Your enthusiasm is contagious! It is always a pleasure to work with you. I can think of few people more deserving of the Chancellor's Gold "U" award.
I can not think of a more deserving individual. I have known Melanie since I started here at the University, she was very helpful from day 1. I can not think of a day since I have known her that she was negative, even when dealing with everything put on her plate, she just effusses POSITIVITY! She is a joy to be around, personally and professionally. The people that work with her on a daily basis are sure to have a good day after talking with Melanie….something I am sure they have already figured out! FANTASTIC!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!
Kim