Applause for Kelcey Gabriel

“Kelcey Gabriel exemplifies the type of person UNL needs to have on every staff. She puts her head down and makes things happen. She never complains. For quite some time she was it for Physics and Astronomy. Essentially, a one-woman show. Which she did with ease and true positivity. I think she should be commended for all of that hard work. It is my honor to nominate her for an Applause award!”

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“Ms. Gabriel has been a highly effective Office Associate in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, and she has been taking on a variety of tasks in our woefully understaffed front office. For example, she has been assisting the Graduate Admissions Committee with a variety of tasks which would normally be performed by the Graduate Secretary.

Kelcey did a fantastic job during very strenuous time for our department when both undergraduate and graduate secretaries left, and with all complications of covid-19. She was always very responsive and very helpful. I've been in the department 32+ years, and I think she is the best secretary we ever had during this time period. ”

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“Kelcey has done all the organization of the departmental colloquium series for two years now and has made every colloquium speaker feel welcome. She organizes the lecture hall, the Zoom link, the mailing list, gets the colloquium abstract, sends out the announcements, organizes the equipment, sets up the Zoom links, arranges for the coffee and cookies, and when necessary arranges for the travel, local housing and reminders to the speaker. These are an obligations on top of her normal duties and yet she has taken on the responsibilities even though it means a much longer day for her, and she’s done a great job at it! ”

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“Kelcey had done so much for Physics department, especially during the time we were short staffed. She goes above and beyond the call of duty!”

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“As department chair I am calling on or consulting with Kelcey every day, and dependent on her help. That has been true even through the pandemic lockdown. Kelcey has been single-handedly holding down the fort (and doing an amazing job of it) ever since several staff departed the office. Throughout it all Kelcey discharges her duties while somehow remaining cheerful and upbeat, prompt and always helpful. We are lucky Kelcey always looks forward, plans well ahead, and is always thrilled to be part of the department social activities: the new student ice cream social, fall picnic, holiday party, and spring recognition luncheon. Each is successful in very large part to her creative solutions and attention to detail. For this, and so much more, she deserves this award!”

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“I am happy to join my colleagues in nominating Kelcey Gabriel for an Applause award. Kelcey has staffed our department office through a time of significant turbulence as we have gone through significant staff turnover and then the integration into the new business center. This has led her to cover many different duties, and to add more over time. Throughout it all she has done an exemplary job of service to the department and the university. While carrying a very large workload, Kelcey has always been cheerful and responsive to our needs. She has also taken on tasks that she surely does not get rewarded enough for, like organizing department social functions. Kelcey most definitely deserves recognition for all of her service during this trying time.”

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“The best Main Office staff member we ever had. Always helpful and cheerful!”

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“Kelcey has done a great job in a difficult situation these past two years. In addition to dealing with lockdowns, we have had continuous staff shortages in our main office. During this time, Kelcey has had to cover multiple positions, which she did successfully. She always replies to requests promptly and is very efficient at getting things done. If she doesn't know the answer to a question she will find out, or find the person who does. She has a very positive attitude and is very helpful. It is always a pleasure to work with her. Please give her an Applause!”