Libraries staff receive UW–Madison IT Recognition Awards
Two UW–Madison Libraries staff — one past and one present — were honored on May 28 with UW–Madison IT Recognition Awards for their dedication and contributions to strengthening the information technology community.
Jessie Nemec, web application developer and designer, received the Unsung Hero Award for her leadership in helping the Libraries understand, implement, and operationalize accessibility standards to align with ADA Title II requirements. Nemec was recognized as a “behind-the-scenes” contributor, but her influence can be found everywhere on the Libraries’ website, including her collaborative work with colleagues to strengthen accessible content practices and build broader awareness of digital accessibility.
“The best accessibility work happens through partnership,” Nemec says. “I’m proud to work with so many thoughtful, talented people who really care about making our digital spaces more usable and accessible.”
This year’s Lifetime Achievement Award went to Lee Konrad, emeritus associate dean for information technology and administration at Libraries. During his nearly four decades at the UW, Konrad became a reliable link between Libraries and university leadership and a meaningful contributor to university governance. His legacy is marked by advocacy, whether for responsible and ethical use of AI or Libraries’ expertise and involvement at every turn.
“What stands out to his colleagues most about Lee’s career is not only the scope of what he did, but the way he did it,” said Todd Schechter, chief technology officer at the Division of Information Technology (DoIT), at the event. “ … He understood that strong technology leadership in a place like UW–Madison is never only about our IT systems. It is about people, partnerships, and creating conditions that help teaching, research, and service thrive.”
Since 2020, the UW-Madison IT Recognition Awards have acknowledged and appreciated the work of UW–Madison’s IT staff. Award recipients are nominated by their peers and selected by a committee of volunteers from the larger IT community.
Read more about Nemec’s and Konrad’s contributions, as well as other award winners’ accomplishments, on the IT website.
Lead photo courtesy of Justin Masuga / Division of Information Technology