UR Stars
Our new recognition platform enables us to show appreciation for all of our 27,000+ faculty and staff who live our values and make the University of Rochester ever better, every day.
Employee Recognition Programs
Honoring our employees for their dedication and service
The University of Rochester’s Recognition Program is dedicated to honoring excellence and recognizing the unwavering commitment of our faculty and staff. It’s through the dedication to our University’s mission — Learn, Discover, Heal, Create, and Make the World Ever Better — that we truly thrive. This mission is made possible by the diverse talents, exceptional efforts, and unwavering contributions of our more than 27,000 employees who are at the forefront of education, research, and healthcare, and support our institution in so many ways.
Celebrating Milestone Anniversaries
We recognize the commitment of our regular part and full-time staff members, from with a small gift at five years up to a gift and legacy dinner for our 25+ year staff members.
President’s Staff Awards
The annual President’s Staff Awards recognize employees whose innovative leadership, dedication, and sustained contributions have had a positive impact on the University of Rochester and the community.
UR Stars
We see how you shine
It’s your ideas, actions, and spirit of excellence that define who we are. So, let’s all celebrate the big and small moments when you and your team shine. Our new employee recognition program creates one best-in-class recognition platform for the entire University. Recognize excellence in people who make a difference at UR Stars.
UR Stars resources
Training
Dive into tutorials covering all the steps and functionalities of our new UR Stars recognition platform. Bite-sized videos will boost your skills in no time.
Recognition in action
Recognition is a crucial aspect of creating a positive and productive work environment. Find tips, best practices, and strategies for providing meaningful recognition.
FAQ
Find answers to common questions about UR Stars.
Celebrating Milestone Anniversaries
We recognize our regular part- and full-time staff members in honor of their dedicated service to the University after every five years. Milestone anniversaries are celebrated with commemorative gifts, a reception, and an exclusive dinner hosted by President Sarah Mangelsdorf, depending on the length of service.
2024 Service Award Recipients
Find a comprehensive list of Staff Service Awards recipients who achieved such impressive milestones as members of our University community.
President’s Staff Awards
The annual President’s Staff Awards—the Meliora Award, Lamar Riley Murphy Leadership Award, Witmer Award for Distinguished Service, the Staff Community Service Award, and the President’s Spotlight Award—recognize employees whose innovative leadership, dedication, and sustained contributions have had a positive impact on the University of Rochester and the community.
Meet the 2024 recipients of the President’s Staff Awards
We are proud to share their contributions and positive impact on the University and community.
President’s Staff Award Winners
The 2024 President’s Staff Awards were celebrated with an in-person award reception on June 27.
Employee-nominated award programs
In addition to the annual years-of-service awards, we offer four employee-nominated award programs.
Witmer Award for Distinguished Service
Provides recognition to a select number of employees for careers characterized by outstanding and sustained contributions to the University.
Meliora Award
Honors a staff member or teams of staff whose work and performance exemplifies our motto, Meliora: Ever Better.
Staff Community Service Award
Honors a non-management staff member for volunteer service outside their usual role, either at the University or within a non-profit in the Greater Rochester community.
Lamar Riley Murphy Leadership Award
Provides recognition to an individual who is an exemplary role model and who demonstrates innovative, proactive leadership.