2006 TIAA/CREF SAFE Award
Paula Gaasch began her career at UNK in May of 1995. She is described by her supervisor and colleagues as “committed to UNK at the department, college, and university levels” and personally she is described as “loyal, humorous, and positive.” She provides constant assistance to faculty in her department, and her support of UNK students goes well beyond polite interest. Instead she is known for displaying a genuine concern for them, always making time to listen and always going the proverbial “extra mile” to make their UNK experiences as positive and successful as possible. As a matter of fact, as part of her nomination for this award, the Selection Committee received a letter of support that was personally signed by 14 of her department’s 2007 graduate students.
Paula Gaasch serves as secretary in the Department of Communication Disorders. During their most recent accreditation site visit, the site visitors recognized her as one of the department’s strengths. She is also secretary for the College of Education Clinic that serves both the Communication Disorders Department and the Department of Counseling and School Psychology. In this capacity, she is a liaison to the community which, according to her supervisor, “she does admirably.” In addition, she is active across campus and in the college, and she does not hesitate to assume additional responsibilities. Again, according to her supervisor, she is “the perfect staff colleague.”
For her dedication to students and the university community, Paula Gaasch is the recipient of the 2006 TIAA/CREF Staff Award for Excellence and will receive a plaque and a $1,000 check from TIAA/CREF.
Rich Brodersen, Assistant Athletic Director for Facilities and Events Management began his career at UNK in 1998. A McCook, Nebraska, native, he earned his Bachelor of Science in Broadcast Journalism at UNK.
Although still a young professional, Rich has earned the solid respect of his colleagues. His commitment to the university began when he competed as a student-athlete for the Lopers and it has strengthened since that time. The scope of his work is described as “enormous” and his nomination materials are filled with words and phrases like: invaluable – attention to detail – tireless behind the scenes efforts – ethical – professional – he understands that he is a part of something much larger than himself. A colleague also noted that she appreciated the “humanness” that he brings to the department.
Rich Brodersen coordinates all sporting activities for UNK’s 16-sport program. Among countless other things, this includes coordinating volunteer help and paid workers for athletic events; scheduling practices, camps, clinics and assorted outside events that are held at the Health and Sports Center; writing and processing athletic contracts; maintaining scholarship fundraising programs; and coordinating and directing championship events. He was the point man for the Athletics Department in the recent Foster Field renovation project. If you have not had the pleasure of knowing Rich personally, chances are, you have heard him. He is the voice of the Lopers. UNK athletics would not be the same without him.
Rich Brodersen, Assistant Athletic Director for Facilities and Events Management, is the second recipient of the 2006 TIAA/CREF Staff Award for Excellence and will receive a plaque and check for $1,000 from TIAA/CREF.