Evelyn Grixby is a self-proclaimed extrovert. People, she said, are her passion.
“Caring and providing service to others makes my heart happy,” Grixby said.
Grixby is the recipient of the Gold U for December. The award is given to employees who go above and beyond in their performance at UNMC — something her nominator said Grixby does in every aspect of her work, as she is always looking for newer, more efficient ways to add value to their work.
She started at UNMC 25 years ago in accounting, and while she loved the work, she decided she wanted to take on a new challenge that would allow her to interact more with others. So when she saw an opening in human resources, she decided to go for it. Since 1997, she has worked in the department with people she calls her extended family.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity and platform here at UNMC to be able to do what I’m so passionate about,” Grixby said. “Being able to interact and make an impact on others’ lives is what I love to do.”
As an employee programs coordinator, she leads the Step-Up Omaha summer intern program on campus. The Step-Up program — Summer Training, Employment Pathway & Urban Pipeline — is an initiative by the Empowerment Network and the City of Omaha in collaboration with community partners, including the Urban League of Nebraska.
She also works in the recognition and rewards area within the UNMC community. But this time, Grixby is the one being recognized. (Her colleagues on the committee which chooses the Gold U considered Grixby’s nomination while she was out of the office for a brief while, taking Grixby by surprise with the honor.)
“We gave her the envelope and she was speechless,” said co-worker Brittany Copenhaver. “She looked at me like, ‘You and I are going to have a conversation later.'”
Her nominator praised her leadership of the Step-Up program. Grixby prepares participants for their summer work experience to ensure their success, seeing them through to their graduation from the program. UNMC is now a premier organization for the city-wide program, and participants have gone on to be hired as permanent employees.
The success of the programs Grixby coordinates is because of her dedication to the work and compassion toward those involved, her nominator said.
“Evelyn has a gift for making people feel special and heard,” her nominator said. “Above all else, she is able to put herself in the shoes of another and lead with her heart.”
As for her Gold U, Grixby said she is humbled. But as someone who strives to do more, she sees the award as motivation to work even harder.
“I’m honored, I don’t take that lightly” Grixby said. “It’s another opportunity here at UNMC to elevate your goals.”
Congratulations, keep going and never give up. Thank you for all that you do and being the true representative that we need.
Congratulations, this is awesome!
Congratulations, Evelyn! I always appreciate your helpfulness when I call. A recognition well deserved!
Congratulations, Evelyn! Thank you for all that you do for our organization !
Congratulations Evelyn. This is a much deserved award considering not only what you do today but what you have done in the past to promote UNMC. You are very much respected and one who always considers both the feelings of others and what is RIGHT.
Excellent job Evelyn! We very much appreciate you.
Congratulations, Evelyn! A well- deserved recognition for your hard work, dedication, and heart!
Way to go Evelyn!
Evelyn, the Human Resources Organization is extremely proud of you. Congratulations!
Congratulations Evelyn!!! Much deserved award, you are definitely one of UNMC’s gold stars! You are always smiling and willing to help in such a positive, energetic manner…….this was true 25 years ago when we worked together in Grants Accounting and still true today. Thank you for all you do for our UNMC Community!
Congrats Evelyn, very well-deserved!
Well deserved, Evelyn! Congratulations!
Congrats, Evelyn!!!
Congratulations, Evelyn!
Congratulations, Evelyn! You are always so positive and upbeat, and I really enjoy each time I have the opportunity to work with you. Well deserved!
Congratulations Evelyn! Very well deserved. You are always so helpful and pleasant to work with.
Congratulations Evelyn!