The university formally recognizes employees in a number of ways. Each spring, we honor employees by length of service and upon their retirements. At other university celebrations in March, we confer awards for dedication to Lasallian teaching and service to students with the Bishop Heffron Award, the Distinguished Lasallian Educator Award, the Brother Louis DeThomasis Award, and the Brother Charles H. Severin Award.
And in December each year, we celebrate the extraordinary work of employees who, nominated by their peers, have shown dedication and commitment to our Catholic Lasallian educational mission.
Winona Campus employees were honored on Dec. 1, and Minneapolis employees on Dec. 13.
Tricia Dobrient, senior director of Student Success (recognized in Winona)
Tricia Dobrient always says “yes” (without hesitation) to helping someone in a bind. She nurtures relationships across campus and finds a way to make everyone feel included and welcomed in all aspects of the university. She is an advocate for what is right and empowers the students to be the best they can be. She is frequently present at campus events and activities, showing students that she is always available to help them and support them. This past summer, Dobrient demonstrated her commitment to our students by assuming leadership for Student Success. She kept the needs of the students front and center, ensuring new student orientations, welcome week, and a great start to the term.
Abbie Henningson, director of HR Operations (recognized in Winona)
Abbie Henningson has quickly become everyone’s most valued colleague, a “phone a friend” in a time of need. She works quietly, behind the scenes, managing difficult issues with discretion and professionalism. Over the past few years, Saint Mary’s has had a large number of active searches and onboarding. She has served a critical role in assisting managers in evaluating their needs, managing processes, and facilitating onboarding of new employees. She collaborates with IT and facilities regarding systems access, equipment, and office assignments. This past year, she was instrumental in implementing ICIMS, our new online applicant program, and IES, our partner for hiring out of state employees. Henningson manages a significant volume of work for hiring managers across the university with calmness and professionalism. She is focused on bringing solutions to her colleagues and goes to great lengths to meet the needs of our current and future employees.
Dr. Jeanne Minnerath, associate professor of Biology (recognized in Winona)
Dr. Jeanne Minnerath has been instrumental in both developing and sustaining our Physicians Assistant 3+2 Program with Mayo. She has taken on added responsibilities with recruiting, admitting, and advising students for this signature program. She collaborates with admissions and our colleagues at Mayo Clinic to ensure our students’ success as they progress through the program and towards their future careers. She goes above and beyond inside and outside the classroom. In addition to teaching, advising, and her leadership with the PA program, Jeanne takes time to support our students by attending campus activities, sporting events, and performances. She is always there for our students, helping them in times of need, cheering them on in their journey, and celebrating their accomplishments.
Gena Bilden, director of Campus Operations and University Center (recognized in Minneapolis)
Planning and coordinating events requires hard work, organization, and a commitment to hospitality. Coordinating catering, security, IT, set-up, and clean-up all occur behind the scenes but are so important to representing our university values to our students, employees, guests, and our community. Gena Bilden is the colleague you can count on to plan and produce successful events of all sizes on our Minneapolis Campus. When the pandemic hit, she quickly pivoted to assist other areas while in-person events were limited. She took on a myriad of tasks while also overseeing campus safety and building operations. Over the past couple of years, Bilden has worked creatively with both internal and external groups to host the gatherings and events and build relationships for the future. Today, in-person events are back and she is here to serve, fostering community with a spirit of warm hospitality.
Yoshiko Miller, Marketing project manager (recognized in Minneapolis)
Over the past year, Yoshiko Miller has juggled varied support roles for multiple areas and multiple leaders, including Brother Robert Smith. In the spring she added the job of interim project manager for the Marketing and Communication Department, a critical responsibility that was impacted by budget reductions. She took on a significant additional set of duties with full enthusiasm and a desire to advance Saint Mary’s and its mission through the marketing and creative side of the house. Based on her excellent performance and significant contributions, she was recently promoted to marketing project manager and continues to support and enhance our efforts as we work to grow our reputation and revenue. All the while, she delivers quality work with a great attitude and gracious smile.
Bill Neumiller, creative director (recognized in Minneapolis)
Bill Neumiller is the epitome of a great brand ambassador. He is charged with all of the creative execution of the new Saint Mary’s brand from signage to templates to video visuals to swag and more. It is a heavy lift and he does it day in and day out with a smile and a great sense of mission and purpose. His to-do list is never done, the work that comes in must be prioritized and aligned with our strategic goals and yet he always manages to keep our internal partners happy and well served. He is quick to highlight the contributions of his team and colleagues in serving our university … truly embracing our Lasallian value of together and by association. The roll out of our new brand calls for advocacy, education, and a keen focus on outcomes — what we want our audiences to take away from the combination of design and content. Neumiller is ever positive and ever focused on the future of Saint Mary’s.