Overview

Success cannot be attained without the diligent efforts of each of our team members. The MRI Staff Advisory Committee (M-SAC) Awards program provides an opportunity to recognize some of the most exceptional workers who have consistently exceeded expectations as they work and serve the MRI and Penn State community. 

Eligibility
  • The staff member must be a full-time employee of the Materials Research Institute. 
  • Supervisors, technical staff, and administrative staff are eligible.
  • Members of the M-SAC committee are not eligible to receive an award.
Awards

Two awards (Teamwork and one other) are presented bi-annually at Field Day (spring/summer) and Holiday Event (winter).

Teamwork Award
Recognize people who work together to achieve a common goal. Nominate people who: 

  • Maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, or customers 
  • Encourage teamwork by recognizing and promoting employee strengths 
  • Recognize the strengths of all employees and encourage teamwork 
  • Collaborate and cooperate when solving problems 
  • Support PSU values to achieve positive results together 

Customer Service Award
Recognize a person who builds positive relationships and gives customers more than what they expect. Nominate a person who: 

  • Uses personal expertise and customer feedback to solve problems 
  • Handles customer concerns or customer requests quickly and effectively 
  • Has a respectful and friendly attitude with all customers 
  • Manages challenging customer service situations in a way that upholds PSU values 

Creative Solutions Award
Recognize a person who uses inventive solutions to improve ideas or processes. Nominate a person who: 

  • Embraces change as an opportunity for improvement and continuous learning 
  • Participates in collaborative problem-solving and comes up with practical solutions 
  • Ensures a safe and healthy campus and work environment by following established procedures and protocols for their job functions 
  • Independently finds and uses sustainable, effective, and efficient resources 

Unsung Individual Award
Recognize a person who has made significant everyday contributions to their workplace and PSU. Nominate a person who: 

  • Demonstrates integrity by being trustworthy, respectful, and accountable 
  • Consistently works towards team success 
  • Performs work accurately and follows professional standards 
  • Promotes high standards for honesty, responsibility, and perseverance 
  • Shares job-related knowledge and available resources with others 
  • Follows through on commitments 

Going Above and Beyond Award
Recognize a person for contributions beyond their job description. Nominate a person who: 

  • Acts in a way that positively influences the entire group or energy 
  • Does more than the job description requires (i.e., volunteering) 
  • Takes initiative to respond to difficult or unexpected events 
  • Exceeds goals and expectations
  • Promotes employee morale and integrity in the workplace

Community Service Award
Recognize a person who consistently demonstrates an ongoing dedication to community service through unpaid volunteer activities in any organization or individual setting that enhances the lives of others. Nominate a person who demonstrates the following characteristics:   

  • Leadership: serves in a volunteer leadership role; works to build a sense of unity and purpose in his or her community.  
  • Social Responsibility: demonstrates a desire to assist others; works to improve their communities through volunteer programs, social groups, outreach centers, sports programs or after-school groups.  
  • Mentorship: demonstrates positive values and behaviors that influence others to emulate or aspire to emulate.  
  • Change Agent: influences others to make positive changes through personal development or self-improvement. 
Selection Process

The award recipients are selected by the M-SAC committee. The committee's decisions are based on the information submitted by the nominators. Once a decision is made the nominee will be announced and awarded at either the Spring/Summer or Winter event. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the MRI Staff Advisory Committee.

Past Awards

Be sure to check out PHOTOS of our previous award recipients!