University of Wisconsin–Madison

2025 HR Awards

Recognizing hard work and exceptional performance is essential to creating a community of respect and excellence. Employees are more likely to continue innovating efficient systems, positively impact the community, and experience greater job satisfaction when acknowledged for their contributions. We are excited to seek nominations for this year’s HR@UW Conference.

Learn more:

Nominate a colleague

Nominations must be submitted by October 17, 2025.

Submit a nomination  


Questions?

For more information, contact the HR Communities of Practice office.

Award categories

Rising Star


Given to an employee who is relatively new to the HR profession and has shown themselves to be innovative, impactful, and effective in their work and contributions.

  • 1 – 3 years of experience in HR
  • Makes positive contributions to the workplace by demonstrating initiative in applying human resources knowledge and skills
  • Demonstrates commitment to ongoing professional development through HR-related education or leadership courses
  • Displays strong work ethic and positive attitude
  • Collaborates with OHR and campus HR community

Employee Champion


Given to an employee who consistently delivers exceptional service to internal “customers” and goes above and beyond to support the HR campus community.

  • At least 3 years of experience in HR
  • Provides outstanding service to the unit and employees
  • Collaborates with other departments on key HR initiatives (strategic goals)
  • Cultivates positive relationships with team and employees
  • Demonstrates initiative (e.g., identify improvements or find more efficient ways of completing processes)

Outstanding Leadership


Given to an employee who exemplifies significant leadership skills such as the ability to lead and guide employees, develop employee talents, and successfully manage an efficient and effective unit.

  • At least 5 years of experience in HR
  • Demonstrates initiative, responsibility, and resourcefulness
  • Outstanding skills and service within and outside the department
  • Develops trust and credibility through open, respectful communication and demonstrating accountability
  • Provides a sense of purpose, vision, and mission for their co-workers and/or employees
  • Cultivates and motivates employees
  • Positively influences others to build consensus in group, departmental or organizational settings
  • Manages and/or champions change effectively through formal or informal leadership
  • Helps others develop by investing time and effort in coaching and/or mentoring

Nomination Process

UW-Madison employees who perform HR-related functions for at least 50% of their job are eligible to be nominated for an award. Years of service requirements are stated in the award criteria, which are written below.

To nominate a colleague, please write a letter expressing why this nominee deserves the recognition and provide specific examples that reflect the award criteria. Nominators can also include additional letters of support from up to three colleagues. Save the letter and additional documentation into a single pdf file or Word file that can be uploaded to the nomination form.

Nominations must be submitted by October 17, 2025.

Submit a nomination  

Review and Award Process

Previous award winners will review all nomination submissions to determine this year’s winners. All nominees will be notified by email of their nomination. Awards will be presented during lunch at the conference.

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