Linda Cunningham, associate director of UNMC Human Resources, will be honored today with the Gold U award at the February University of Nebraska Board of Regents meeting. She is being recognized for her innovation, dedication and commitment to helping UNMC employees succeed and thrive in the workplace.
Cunningham said she feels “honored to receive the Gold U Award” and appreciates the recognition from leaders and co-workers but believes no one wins the Gold U on their own. “I’m so very fortunate to work with such an incredible team of HR professionals who go above and beyond to support the mission of UNMC,” she said.
Cunningham said she was extremely surprised to receive the award — because her team in human resources administers the Gold U process. An independent group called the Chancellor’s Reward and Recognition Council selects the Gold U recipient and notifies human resources.
“I was impressed that they all kept it hidden from me so well,” Cunningham said.
Cunningham joined UNMC in 1998, starting as a medical biller in the UNMC Division of Cardiology. Two NU college degrees later, she became the first HR diversity specialist and later was promoted to employee relations division director. In her role today, she “wears many hats” and provides leadership for employee relations, training and development, employee benefits and the child development center.
“No two days are alike, and the challenges are what keep the job interesting,” she said.
Nominators described Cunningham as selfless in serving others, helping them show up daily as their best selves. “Linda has the innate ability to consistently turn ideas into action, put creativity to work and develop strategies for innovation,” one nominator said.
During the pandemic, Cunningham helped create UNMC’s COVID-19 vaccination policy and helped manage the COVID-19 vaccination exemption process. She worked diligently with the health security office, academic affairs and college administrators to resolve potential issues, communicate next steps and manage the compliance process.
“It’s a lot to deal with, and somehow she does it with positivity, discernment for what’s needed and abounding love,” a nominator said.
Said Cunningham, “I love that this role utilizes my talents and strengths and that I have the opportunity to lead teams of extremely talented and dedicated individuals whose hard work really make a difference to support our campus community. I enjoy working on complex problems, exploring and executing innovative ideas and solutions and helping others reach their full potential.”
Cunningham said UNMC’s mission and purpose align with her personal values. She’s spearheaded Culture Fest, UNMC’s celebration of diversity and its employees; initiated training and programming based on employee feedback; and launched a comprehensive, web-based platform where employees can compliment and thank colleagues.
“I feel very fortunate to have had my career blossom at UNMC,” Cunningham said.
Congratulations, Linda!!!
Congratulations Linda! Thank you for all you do for so many of us each day. Your work never slows down.
Congratulations I am proud you rock keep doing good job Ronnie Powell
Congratulations! You have always been helpful whenever I reached out for guidance. Thank you for your dedication and hard work!
Congratulations, Linda!
Congratulations Linda, this is so well deserved! Your leadership, love of your job and our UNMC employees is apparent in all that you do.
Congratulations, Dear Linda! So well deserved.
Congratulations, Linda!
Congrats, Linda! Well-deserved recognition!
KUDOS and CONGRATULATIONS Linda on your well-deserved success!
Congratulations! Well deserved!
Congratulations Linda!
So many people that UNMC, certainly including myself, relied on your experience and counsel. Thank you very much. Congratulations. Rick
Congratulations, Linda.
Congratulations, Linda, on a well-deserved award!
Linda, Congratulations! This is very much deserved.
Awesome! Congratulations on this wonderful honor!
Congratulations! Linda and the HR team are valuable resources for our campus.
Many sincere congratulations, Ms. Linda! You are a treasure and this is well deserved!!!
Linda is a great selection! She is one of UNMC’s true stars.
You are so deserving of this award, Linda. Congratulations!
Thank you all very much! I appreciate the recognition and am so honored to receive the Gold U award. I’m very grateful and blessed to work with such amazing people every day and dedicate this award and say Kudos to all the people on whose shoulders I stand and to the countless unsung heroes whose dedication and hard work are what make UNMC such an awesome place to work and learn. I’m so proud to be a part of your team.
Linda, I congratulate you. You have been a joy with whom to work. I always enjoyed our interactions and your accomplishments.
Congratulations, Linda! Your leadership and experience did help improve post-docs experience too and we look forward to benefiting more from your leadership. Thanks!