Staff members at SMU might have a little something extra to look forward to. University President R. Gerald Turner decided last year to assemble a committee of administrators, faculty and staff members to brainstorm about new ways to recognize staff at the university. The committee created four new annual Presidential Recognition Awards that are designed to recognize the contributions of a new staff member, a longtime staff member, an outstanding administrator and an innovative thinker.

Winners receive public recognition and a $1,000 prize.

Nominations for the awards can be made by any member of the SMU community – staff, faculty, administration or students – and are due by Sept. 15.

The new awards will be presented Oct. 10 along with the second annual Loretta Hawkins Award, which recognizes integrity, productivity and “devotion to SMU and family,” according to SMU’s Web site.

To look at the requirements for the nominations, go online at www.smu.edu/hr/CurrentFacultyandStaff/EmployeeRecognitionAwards.asp or call (214) 768-4085.