By Jill Pease
University of Florida College of Public Health and Health Professions employees Timothy Fitzgerald and Brenda Krames have been named Superior Accomplishment Award winners in the Health Science Center division.
The award program recognizes employees who contribute outstanding service, efficiency and/or economy to the university, or play a role in the quality of life provided to students and employees. Health Science Center division winners are submitted as nominees to compete for university-level Superior Accomplishment Awards.
Fitzgerald and Krames were recognized at an awards ceremony held February 26 at the Hilton University of Florida Conference Center.
Fitzgerald, an administrative support assistant II in the department of physical therapy, won in the Rookie of the Year category, which recognizes newcomers who have excelled and had a positive impact early in their tenure at UF.
“Tim is more than deserving of recognition for his contributions to our department, but more than that, he is worth recognizing for the tremendous impact he has had as a new employee who has never let ‘being new’ justify a less-than-excellent work ethic, outcome or interaction,” a colleague wrote.
Fitzgerald, who was named the college’s Employee of the Year in 2023, provides support to faculty, staff and students; manages supplies and equipment across multiple buildings on and off campus; and is an extra set of hands for multiple tasks and events.
“From day one, he has continuously found ways to be an asset to the department,” a colleague wrote. “Whether it be the intangible contribution of a friendly, helpful face or the very tangible work of assisting with our department events and research symposiums, Tim has claimed ownership of a vast array of tasks and responsibilities. Once Tim has his hands on a task, he holds himself accountable at the highest levels.”
Krames, an administrative support assistant III in the department of clinical and health psychology, was recognized in the employee performance category of office administration, human resources and information technology.
As the department chair’s administrative assistant, Krames’ many duties include managing calendars, facilitating department communications, and coordinating the annual tenure and promotion and faculty evaluation processes for a unit that includes more than 40 faculty members.
“Her work ethic and innovation are remarkable,” two nominators wrote. “She has instituted methods of communication that have improved clarity and effectiveness across the department, allowing for us all to balance competing demands more productively with less burden. She creates an environment in which questions are welcomed and help is readily offered; she is a consistent, reassuring presence.”
Krames is known in the department as the “morale keeper in chief,” a title she has earned through organizing department celebrations, holiday decorating, trivia contests, fun videos, Gator football game prediction contests and more.
“She makes us feel like a family,” colleagues said. “She has immensely improved the quality of life for our department by organizing and bringing her creativity to special events, from large department gatherings to individual recognition such as birthdays. She has personally contributed to making each individual in CHP feel special, honored and appreciated.”