Staff Council Gratitude Statements
“I am especially grateful for supportive and inclusive colleagues...” Staff Council members share what they are thankful for as we enter a season of holidays and gratitude.
“I am thankful for my wife Amy, my children and our dog Abby. They are my world!”
Joseph Herwehe
Patient Representative, College of Dentistry
College of Dentistry Org Rep, DEI and Awards Committees
“I'm thankful for the incredible teamwork I experience every day in my role. It is inspiring to work with people who care so deeply and continually work together to create positive change.”
Sam Mitchell
Quality Improvement Engineer, Office of the Chief Medical Officer
Admin Function Rep, Communications Committee Chair
“This year I am especially grateful for supportive and inclusive colleagues, who have become a cornerstone of my success and well-being. I often find myself profoundly grateful for the colleagues and mentors who have not only brightened my workdays but have also helped me become a better version of myself. In a world where we spend a significant portion of our lives at work, the presence of supportive colleagues is invaluable. When faced with challenges, they have stood by my side, offered a helping hand, a listening ear, or a word of encouragement. With this kind of support, I can tap into my full potential and face challenges as they arise.”
Neda Barrett
Senior HR Director and Director DEI, College of Law
HR Function Rep, Executive Committee
“Family, friends, and colleagues that make me feel valued. Being able to do hobbies and enjoy life!”
Carl Follmer
Director, Frank Business Communication Center
Tippie College of Business Org Rep, HR Committee
“I love my daily ritual of listing things I'm thankful for. Daily it's the small things: coffee, no children waking me up in the middle of the night, skin care, sunshine, productive workdays. But when I reflect on the 'big' things it's always the most important ones that I'm thankful for: my husband and three beautiful daughters, my dad, sisters, in-laws, my friends and my health.”
Hilary Jensen
Senior HR Specialist, University Human Resources - Employee and Labor Relations/Faculty and Staff Disability Services
University Admin Org Rep; DEI Committee Co-Chair
“Over the summer, I was diagnosed with a medical condition and have undergone treatment over the last few months. My family and I have received an outpouring of kindness and compassion from hospital and medical colleagues, staff council peers, university staff, faculty, and students. We have felt an overwhelming amount of love from across the institution and are sure beyond a shadow of a doubt that we belong at the UI and are proud to be part of the Hawkeye family.”
Maria Bruno
Executive Director of Belonging and Inclusion & Assistant to the Vice President for Student Life
Admin Function Rep, Co-Chair of HR Committee, Committee on Committees
“I'm thankful for everyone in my family. I'm thankful for all the parks and trails in our area. I'm thankful for all the UI students who bring energy and inquiry into the world.”
Brett Cloyd
Social Sciences and Public Policy Librarian, UI Libraries
UI Libraries Org Rep, DEI and University Relations Committees
“I am always thankful for my wonderful family and friends, but I am also thankful to be a part of UI Staff Council and an employee at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Being a part of an amazing group of people on Staff Council who take the time out of their lives and normal job duties to make a difference is inspiring and one as President I am amazed and thankful for daily. As an employee for UI Hospitals and Clinics I am thankful to be a part of organization that makes a difference each and every day all across our state and country.”
James Jorris
Revenue Cycle Coordinator, Patient Financial Services at UIHC
Staff Council President
“I am thankful for opportunities to learn new things, spend time with family and friends, and enjoy life as much as possible. Grateful for the freedom to participate in a variety of activities.”
Michele Hogue
HR Generalist
College of Public Health Org Rep
“I'm grateful to have two teenage boys. I love spending time with them. We have great conversations, and they give me new and different perspectives on so many topics. We love playing board games and lately "Heads Up.” I cherish the moments I have with them since I know they'll soon be grown and fleeing the nest!”
Jackie Kleppe
Director, Outreach and Engagement
Function Rep for Marketing, Communications and Outreach Committees, Staff Council Past President
“With the state of parts of world today, I am truly thankful to live where I do not have to constantly think about if we will wake up to devastation or if my family is safe. While cliche, I am grateful for the time spent with family and friends that brings me so much joy. My husband has been a huge help this year and I could not be more thankful for what he does for me. Lastly, I am extremely thankful for my health and health of our baby girl on the way!”
Ashley Peters
Revenue Cycle Manager - Patient Financial Services
Function Rep for Behavioral Health – Healthcare, Executive Committee, Co-Chair University Relations Committee, Community Outreach Committees
“This Thanksgiving I am grateful for the opportunity to spend precious time with family. As I get older, I can appreciate and honor the fact that families change, grow, and transform over the years. I am so thankful for the chance to welcome new members and cherish my loved ones for the people they have been, the people they are now, and the people they will become, consistently changing and always loved.”
Dr. Chandler Easley
Learning Specialist, Student Athlete Academic Services
Athletics Org Rep, Education Committee
“I am thankful for the people that surround me. My family, including a loving and supportive wife. Children who are growing into wonderful adults. Friends who are up for a spur of the moment adventure. And, work colleagues who bring joy and meaning to my day.”
Brian Morelli
News and Stakeholder Engagement Manager, College of Engineering
Staff Council Secretary, College of Engineering Org Rep, Communications and HR Committees
“I am thankful for a community of colleagues that work together and support and learn from each other. I'm happy to work with so many people with such diverse backgrounds and interests that I'm always learning about new things.”
Lindsy Lansberry
Pathology Research Services Coordinator
Research and Scientific Function Group, Communication Committee, Healthcare Committee, University Relations Committee