Introducing HR's New Pillars of Pride Employee Recognition Program
Published March 4, 2025
Do you know an outstanding faculty or staff colleague and want the opportunity to acknowledge how much you appreciate the work they do for the UB community? Nominate them for Pillars of Pride!
About Pillars of Pride
Human Resources’ Pillars of Pride is a peer-to-peer recognition program that provides all employees the opportunity to recognize their colleagues for going above and beyond all year long in the areas of pride, service and inclusion. These are meant to be key facets of being a UB employee and aspirational qualities that all employees should strive for at any point in their careers.
Nomination Process
Nominating a colleague is quick and easy.
- Read through the Criteria for Selection below to determine which category you would like to nominate your colleague for. You can nominate a colleague for multiple categories, however, each nomination requires a separate form submission. Self-nominations will not be considered.
- Complete our simple nomination form.
- You will be notified within 2-3 weeks of form completion as the nominator.
- If selected, honorees will receive their recognition gift in the month following initial receipt of submission.
Pillars of Pride Categories and Criteria for Selection
This award recognizes UB faculty and staff who consistently demonstrate a positive attitude, strong work ethic, enthusiasm and commitment to their team and the UB community. These individuals often go above and beyond their expected duties to uplift and inspire others. They are the epitome of True Blue spirit in their own actions and interactions with the UB community.
Criteria for Selection – nominee must meet one or more of the following:
- Demonstrates True Blue pride
- Participates in or promotes UB events and activities
- When performing daily duties and activities, considers their impact on UB holistically as well as the impact on their department or unit
- Invites others to share in the collective spirit
This award recognizes UB faculty and staff who are committed to creating an inclusive environment, ensuring equitable access and opportunities for everyone. Their efforts go beyond basic compliance to foster a truly welcoming and respectful atmosphere.
Criteria for Selection - nominee must meet one or more of the following:
- Cultivates an environment that promotes belonging and considers all UB community members
- Values and acknowledges the variety of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives that employees bring to the workplace
- Creates a climate where all employees feel welcomed, respected and valued
- Creates an organizational culture where employees feel their values are heard
This award recognizes UB faculty and staff who consistently demonstrate exceptional dedication, exceed expectations in their role by providing outstanding service to university partners, go above and beyond to support colleagues, and significantly contribute to UB's success through their positive attitude and high-quality work ethic.
Criteria for Selection - nominee must meet one or more of the following:
- Commits to representing UB with exceptional integrity, recognizing that their efforts reflect on our campus reputation
- Consistently demonstrates extra effort when it comes to performing daily activities or interaction with campus constituents
- Proactively demonstrates empathy, understanding and considers all UB community members including personalizing services when needed to meet the needs of campus constituents
Selection Process and Schedule
Each month, HR will review the nominations to select recipients. Honorees and nominators will be notified of the selection during the following month to confirm their selection.
Awards
Recipients will receive a special Pillars of Pride lanyard as well as the pin representing the category they were honored for (Spirit, Inclusion, Service). Additionally, all award recipients for the year will be invited to a special celebration.
Best Practices for Submission
- Provide detailed examples in the nomination:
- Strong Example: “Little Victor organized several student events that involved faculty, department advisors as well as members of the WNY community. Our students benefitted from their detailed coordination helping UB students to make valuable connections with potential employers.
- Weak Example: “Little Victor actively assists with student event planning.”
- Strong Example: “Little Victor automated our monthly reports replacing a manual process saving our staff hours of redundant work. They also developed training aids that our staff continue to use daily.”
- Weak Example: “Little Victor is an asset to our team. They always come to work with a smile on their face.”
- Focus on providing quality examples over quantity
