May’s Hawkeye High-Five submissions included employees who are making a difference through collaboration, expertise, and a commitment to helping others succeed.

Hawkeye High-Five is a peer-to-peer recognition tool that gives the university community an opportunity to celebrate the people whose work supports campus operations, employee success, patient care, and community partnerships.

Here are a few of the recognitions submitted in May:

Brad Millikan and Nick Ford, officers, University of Iowa Police Department were recognized by an Iowa City Police Department officer

I wanted to reach out and express my gratitude for the help we received from Brad last week and Nick this week during our spring driving training. I've always appreciated the working relationship between our departments, and this is another example of how well we work together to achieve a common goal for our community and the betterment of our departments. Again, thank you for your help. The training was very popular, and we couldn't have done it without the support of outside instructors. Thank you for representing us so well!

Cheri Smith, senior HR benefits specialist, University Benefits with University Human Resources was recognized by Sonatina Fernandes

As I meet with employees who are retiring or planning for retirement, I consistently hear how helpful the information on our website is. Time and again, people highlight how organized and thorough the retirement checklist is—thanks to Cheri. She is always looking for ways to make this information more accessible and user-friendly as staff take this important next step. Cheri has worked diligently to ensure the checklist is logical, comprehensive, and easy to follow, and she continues to refine it with thoughtful improvements. She is truly a tremendous asset to our benefits team!

Ann Ricketts, senior sponsored research specialist, Division of Sponsored Programs with the Office of the Vice President for Research was recognized by Molly Buhrow

Ann, thank you so much from the entire pre-award team in the Grant Support Office! (Kristi Fitzpatrick, Kyle Schaefer, Bethany Cornwell, Logan Volkert, and Molly Buhrow) Your support on the Department of Energy Genesis submissions and other recently completed proposals has been invaluable. It is genuinely comforting to know we have you in our corner when trying to navigate confusing instructions and application procedures. We couldn’t do what we do without you. Thanks again!

Alix Moser, clinical coordinator, UI Health Care was recognized by Michelle Wagner

I’d like to take a moment to recognize Alix for her consistently outstanding support and positive attitude. She is always willing to step in, lend a hand, and take the time to thoroughly answer questions, making a real difference in day-to-day operations. Alix did an exceptional job during UI Health Care Week. Her organization, engagement, and attention to detail truly stood out. Additionally, she continues to build strong, meaningful relationships with her clinical team, fostering great communication and collaboration. Her dedication, professionalism, and team-first mindset do not go unnoticed. Thank you, Alix, for everything you do!

Francisco Olaguez, IT support consultant, UI Health Care Information Systems was recognized by Jennifer Barr

I want to thank Francisco for his exceptional IT support. I ran into trouble with some routine updates on my computer and reached out to IT for help. Francisco responded quickly and was able to help me troubleshoot the problem and identify a solution. He even followed up after everything was resolved with additional information that will be helpful as I move forward. I greatly appreciated his kind and respectful demeanor. Computer issues can be really stressful, but I was so relieved to have someone able to help me so quickly and with such professionalism. It really turned my day around. Thank you, Francisco!

Melissa Kiger-Bell, nursing manager, AirCare, UI Health Care was recognized by Ian Lebsack

Missy, thank you so much for the incredible pep talk you gave the crew on Friday. Your words came at exactly the right time and made a real difference for a team that was feeling unsure and discouraged. You brought confidence, energy, and perspective back into the room, and people walked away feeling motivated and capable again. Your ability to connect with everyone and lift spirits is truly special. We’re lucky to have someone like you in our corner who is always smiling and positive. Thank you for showing up for the team the way you did.

Recognizing someone is quick and meaningful. Submit a Hawkeye High-Five to show appreciation for the people who make a difference every day at Iowa.

In addition to a Hawkeye High-Five, consider these ways to recognize others:

• Employee recognition notecards: Send a handwritten thank-you note using Iowa-branded cards.
• Supervisor guide to recognition: This guide provides practical tools for recognizing employees, including recognition types, tiers, policies, ideas, and resources, as well as guidance on using AI as a recognition partner.