INSPIRING FACULTY & STAFF FALL 2020 CARDINAL SPIRIT AWARD
SPIRITOFCONNECTIVITY The Cardinal Spirit Awards recognize the impact that the people of the College of Business have on making this a great place to work. The award winners exude positivity, elevate others, care deeply, and “get it done.” For many of us, the shift from office to remote work meant adjusting not only how we do our job but how we interact with one another. For Thomas Teague, that transition directly impacted his productivity. “I’m fueled by engaging with others,” says Thomas. “When I work with people, it jumpstarts my passion for what I do.” Staying connected in the face of a new work dynamic was not just a matter of productivity. It was essential to his well-being, both on a professional and personal level. “If I’m feeling this way, I’m sure that others [in the College] are also feeling it, too.”
Thomas has been instrumental in helping the College stay connected in the virtual workplace by providing opportunities to elevate, celebrate, and support our community. This spirit of connectedness and compassion, which resonates with Thomas, has made him a foundational part of the College of Business and the staff selection for this fall’s Cardinal Spirit Award. He was honored in October alongside faculty selection Jose Fernandez, PhD.
THOMAS TEAGUE “One of the Cardinal Principles is for us to be a Community of Care. The 2020 Fall Cardinal Spirit Awards are shining examples of how members of the College of Business family show care for one another,” says Chief of Staff Joe Neary, PhD. “Thomas and Jose are what make the University of Louisville and the College of Business a great place to learn and work.” Thomas joined the College of Business last year as a Career Coach in the Ulmer Career Management Center. Shortly after his arrival, he joined the Culture and Celebrations committee within the FUMM unit (Family Business/Ulmer/Marketing/MBA recruiting). “When I was looking for new work, I wanted to be a part of a work environment that was empowering and where people care about one another,” says Thomas. “I’m grateful that our leadership both in the Dean’s office and within FUMM understand and value a positive work culture.” That value translated into weekly Friday coffee chats and monthly birthday/ milestone celebrations with the FUMM team. Then came the pandemic and the challenge to reinvent connection and celebration in our virtual spaces.
Thomas Teague with Melanie Higgs and Serena Hodges 8
UofL College of Business: CURRENCY
“I know for myself that I need to check-in with my coworkers and the FUMM family. I need that interaction and those moments to help
