Kundert named recipient of 2016 Staff Inspirational Service Award

Amanda Kundert, an assistant in three Northwestern College offices, is the recipient of the college’s 2016 Staff Recognition for Inspirational Service Award. Her selection was announced at a recognition banquet for faculty and staff on May 10.

The award recognizes staff members who consistently provide outstanding contributions by going above and beyond what is expected, who personify a strong Christian commitment, and who distinguish themselves as an inspiration to the campus community. A selection committee composed of faculty and staff chose the winner from among candidates nominated by Northwestern employees.

Kundert has been working half time in Northwestern’s public relations office for five years, as well as additional hours in the education department for four years and Graduate School & Adult Learning for the last two years. Her co-workers in each office say she performs high-quality work and has both a willing spirit and a servant’s heart.

“Amanda is one of the most positive and upbeat people I know,” wrote Anita Cirulis, associate director of public relations, in a letter of nomination. “She has a wonderful sense of humor and always says yes to whatever we ask her to help us with. Whenever I give her a task, I can always be confident she will complete it quickly and with excellence.” Kundert writes news releases, helps manage Northwestern’s social media presence, does graphic design, takes photos, and provides office support.

In the education department, Kundert prepared for this spring’s site visits of the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation and the Iowa Office of Education. She led data collection and interpretation, and she organized the travel and visit schedules for 13 team members. “Her tireless efforts to organize the materials and, more importantly, our personnel, were nothing less than Herculean,” wrote Laura Heitritter, department chair. Added Dr. Adrienne Forgette, dean of the faculty, “The site visitors recognized her as one of the assets of the department—and she deserved it. She exudes competence and care, and her service is truly exceptional and inspirational.”

Dr. Rebecca Hoey, director of Northwestern Graduate School & Adult Learning, says Kundert consistently exceeds expectations. One example was Kundert’s efforts to assist an attendee who had difficulty with mobility during the first Northwestern Leadership Series conference last August.

“Hours into the day I realized Amanda had taken it upon herself to accompany that registrant to every session,” wrote Hoey. “She ate lunch with her, lent her arm up stairs, and made small talk with this participant both days. No one asked her to do that; she didn’t even let anyone know she was doing it. It was the most caring, human, kind act. It exemplified for me how we should behave.”

Kundert earned a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership from Cleveland State University and an associate’s degree from Lakeland Community College.