The University of Michigan School of Information (UMSI) celebrated the exceptional contributions of two staff members in 2023. The annual recognitions, announced at the June staff meeting, went to Heidi Skrzypek, who earned the Outstanding Staff award, and Krystle Forbes, who earned the Peer-to-Peer award. 

UMSI staff are recognized through a peer nomination process with committee oversight. Kelly Kowatch, director of UMSI’s Engaged Learning Office and adjunct lecturer in information, chaired this year’s selection committee. Michael Hess and Amy Homkes-Hayes, 2022 award recipients, were committee members. 

Outstanding Staff Recognition award 

The Outstanding Staff Recognition award honors a UMSI staff member who contributes in an exceptional way to advancing UMSI’s mission. Any regular UMSI staff or faculty can submit nominations.

This year’s recipient, Heidi Skrzypek, is associate director of human resources and faculty affairs. In a role that directly affects the career trajectories and wellbeing of everyone at UMSI, Skrzypek is recognized as having all the hallmarks of an outstanding employee, including empathy, selflessness and persistence. 

“It is hard to know what Heidi does as part of her normal job requirements versus what she is doing outside of them because Heidi is part of everything at UMSI,” shares Kowatch from compiled nominations. “She is detail-oriented and makes sure no single item is lost in the shuffle; she is tireless and works overtime so that others have what they need. She is an expert in her field and continues to invest in her knowledge about her job.”  

Skrzypek also invests time and care in fellow UMSI community members as a constant mentor. 

“Heidi can often be found explaining the complexities of a particular policy or practice to a staff or faculty member so that they have what they need to make a good decision for them,” shares Kowatch. “She cares about all faculty and all staff and all students, and she advocates for what serves them and this institution best.” 

In particular, Skrzypek was praised in nominations for supporting human resources staff during a period of unprecedented growth for UMSI. 

“With the many challenges our team has faced, Heidi was able to take on new staff and additional work while still maintaining the work she already had on her plate,” shares Kowatch. “She encourages her staff to make decisions, take initiative and grow in their positions.” 

Peer-to-Peer award 

The Peer-to-Peer award honors a staff member whose efforts are commendable in service to other staff or to the work environment at UMSI. Any regular UMSI staff member can nominate a peer for this award. 

This year’s recipient, Krystle Forbes, is assistant director of graduate career education and adjunct lecturer in information. Forbes joined UMSI’s Career Development Office (CDO) in October 2022, and since then has established herself as a professional who goes above and beyond to support students’ career growth. 

“Krystle’s students repeatedly come back for advising with her, which is a testament to her advising and counseling abilities,” shares Kowatch. “She is always offering extended or additional time for students on an already heavy advising load.” 

While Forbes is often the first person on the CDO team to cover or take on additional work, she is also praised for her sense of balance and for building in self-care practices for herself and colleagues. 

“From day one, Krystle has made an impact and culture shift to the CDO and the Engagement Center space with her ability to infuse recognitions of joy, celebrations and positivity in team meetings, and in the way she designs and creates welcoming space in the EC and in her office,” Kowatch shares. 

Forbes’ leadership in areas including diversity, equity and inclusion; mental health and wellness; and experiential learning has already bolstered the culture at CDO and UMSI as a whole, and established her as an excellent representative of the school. 

“Krystle was selected to present at multiple professional conferences last year and continues to help us stand out and stay innovative because of her commitment to professional development,” shares Kowatch. “She makes us stronger!” 

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Find more information about UMSI staff awards.

— Martha Spall, UMSI writer