Opalacz, LaPlant Honored with Cardinal Achievement Awards

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Jennifer Opalacz, assistant director of alumni and parent relations, was recently presented with a Cardinal Achievement Award for her efforts in taking on greater responsibility for several high-profile, time sensitive projects that were critical to the success of the University Relations team. Opalacz also stepped up to take on additional project ownership for a team member who was out on leave.

“Jen is among the most conscientious, organized, and upbeat individuals with whom I’ve worked. She is well deserving of a Cardinal Achievement Award,” said Thomas Diascro, director of alumni and parent relations.

Lisa LaPlant, assistant to the president, was recently presented with a Cardinal Achievement Award for her initiative in coordinating the efforts of several individuals who were working independently on the Sasaki project into a cohesive group, which resulted in an extremely well organized and successful event on campus.

It took extraordinary effort to coordinate this event over a ten-day period. She pulled together all of the Sasaki meetings including a luncheon for more than 100 staff, faculty and students with talks by President Michael Roth and Sasaki principals. The luncheon was followed by workshops with six different groups focusing on particular questions. She coordinated meetings the next morning with Trustees and again at the formal meeting of the Board.

“She not only pulled all of this together and was there overseeing everything, she did it all at the second busiest time of the year – the winter meeting of the Board, on which she worked tirelessly,” said Charles Salas, director of strategic initiatives.

This special honor comes with a $250 award and reflects the university’s gratitude for those extra efforts. Award recipients are nominated by department chairs and supervisors.

Nominations can be made anytime throughout the year. For more information or to nominate a staff member for the award, visit the Cardinal Achievement Award website. Recipients will continue to be recognized in News @ Wesleyan. See past Cardinal Achievement Award recipients here.