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Chancellor Justin Schwartz is honored to announce the recipients of the 2025 Employee of the Year Award. This distinguished annual award celebrates staff for their outstanding contributions to CU ������ý����. Nominated by their colleagues, these individuals were selected for their extraordinary service, support of campus priorities and going above and beyond their defined job duties to make a meaningful difference.��

This year’s winners were selected from an amazing pool of nominees and truly reflect the best of CU. Congratulations to the 2025 award recipients: Stew Elliot, Sara McDonald, Dragan Mejic and Teresa De Jesus Torres.

The chancellor will recognize this year’s winners at an awards ceremony and reception in January.��

Stew Elliott

Stew Elliott is the university’s director for Veteran and Military Affairs (VMA). Under Elliott's leadership, the VMA has seen tremendous transformation in the support provided to student veterans. During his tenure, more than $2.5 million in scholarship funds has been raised, and the VMA has seen student veteran enrollment increase from 400 to roughly 1,600.��

In his role, Elliott leads a team that interacts with government agencies as well as partners across campus. From the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to CU Athletics, he has created a work environment that fosters collaboration and has strengthened the honoring of veterans.

Elliott has introduced resources such as in-house academic advising and a recognized veteran bridge program for STEM fields in addition to professional tutoring—all of which have improved student retention and performance. Beyond his formal duties, he actively mentors ROTC leadership, works with donors and plans successful fundraising events.��

As shared in his nomination: “Stewart Elliott has truly been instrumental in developing one of the best veterans programs in the nation here at CU ������ý����. Student veterans regularly tell staff in our office that they chose to attend CU based on the excellent reputation of the VMA office.”

Elliott's unwavering commitment and sense of purpose have made the VMA office a model program recognized for fostering inclusivity and excellence among student veterans and the broader CU community.��

Sara McDonald

Sara McDonald serves as the senior director of operations in the School of Education. In her role, she has navigated multiple transitions; worked alongside numerous deans, faculty, staff and students but always with unwavering reliability.��

McDonald is known for her deep institutional knowledge of the university and is considered a go-to resource for colleagues not only in the School of Education but across the broader campus. She seamlessly manages a wide range of responsibilities including technological support, building operations, event coordination and administrative oversight, but her contributions extend well beyond her formal responsibilities.

McDonald actively mentors staff and students, supports campus initiatives and creates a culture of community and belonging. During her tenure, she has helped to organize events like A Queer Endeavor; the Teacher of Color and Allies Summit; and the Children’s Book Festival to support educators, students and families. Through her everyday work, McDonald has earned the trust and respect of her colleagues.

One nominator shared the following: “Her work reflects the university’s mission, and priorities of campus success through resources, student-centeredness, supportive environments, sustainability and more. Sara leads with heart, humility, lived experiences and a deep understanding of how to navigate university.”

Dragan Mejic

Dragan Mejic is the instrument shop supervisor for the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering in the College of Engineering and Applied Science. Mejic has played a key role in designing, repairing and improving experimental modules, and his precision welding and assembly skills are evident throughout his work on numerous laboratory projects. His machining skills have facilitated the creation of valuable research equipment and have directly impacted the success of student and faculty research.��

By reviving such projects as the Engineering Excellent Fund (EEF) initiative, Mejic has helped to expand teaching capacity and foster an environment of hands-on learning. He leads with integrity and is relied upon by both students and faculty for his expertise and supportive nature.

Outside of his assigned duties, Mejic is deeply involved in advocating for state employees’ rights and benefits and volunteers with the Secure PERA coalition. As a volunteer, he works closely with lawmakers to improve and support legislation aimed at protecting the state pension system. He has testified on important bills, written op-eds and engaged directly with the PERA executive team to address concerns.

As one nominator wrote: “Colleagues across all levels know Dragan as reliable, approachable and unfailingly positive. He supports co-workers with good humor and humility, lifts department morale by solving problems without complaint, and has become a trusted partner for faculty, staff and students alike.”

Teresa De Jesus Torres

Teresa��De Jesus Torres serves as a custodian in Housing Facilities Services (HFS). Torres is highly respected by her colleagues for her dedication, commitment and unwavering work ethic. She effectively manages her workload while remaining available to support her team and often volunteers to support other teams during staff shortages. She continually fosters an environment that is both positive and inclusive.

An active team player and leader, Torres listens, collaborates and resolves conflicts to keep her team productive and focused. She welcomes and trains new employees and works to make sure they feel integrated and heard while at CU ������ý����. Her outstanding customer service is frequently recognized by students.

As one nominator wrote: “Teresa consistently leads by example. She is a role model to her peers and, not only do they listen to her feedback, they incorporate it into their daily tasks. Teresa’s reliability has become something our entire team depends on, and her hard work consistently results in outcomes that exceed expectations.”

Torres' leadership ensures all spaces are safe and welcoming for those who come to campus.��