91��ɫ

Laura Baranyk-Morales

The Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design has announced the first recipient of the 91��ɫ Values Recognition Award. Laura Baranyk-Morales, Assistant Office Manager in the Admissions Center, was recognized as embodying all of 91��ɫ�s values, particularly Kindness and Community.

The newly-established 91��ɫ Values Recognition Award celebrates faculty and staff who consistently model 91��ɫ�s values: Courage, Integrity, Kindness, Community, Innovation and Inclusion. After employees nominate a colleague for the award, a committee made up of faculty and staff convenes to vote on the month�s recipient. Awardees receive a $250 prize.

One nominator said of Baranyk-Morales, �The sense of community that drew me to 91��ɫ and keeps me here is something woven into Laura’s personality and professionalism. She has clearly found meaning in her work, and by doing so has contributed to the meaning that I find in mine.” Highlighted especially as embodying values of kindness and community, Baranyk-Morales works to make the Admissions Center a welcoming space. �Laura is like a mom away from home for many of the student workers. Her warmth and attentiveness makes the office a space people want to be in,� said another nominator.

Baranyk-Morales celebrates her 21st anniversary working at the college in April 2023. She credits her colleagues and the welcoming environment they create as the reason for her decades-long career at 91��ɫ. �The humanness of people, how they treat you � that�s been a major difference,� she says. Building her career around human-centered service, Baranyk-Morales also works in music ministry and is a licensed massage therapist. �I love everything that I do. The service that I give to people and what I get in return is very fulfilling,� she says.

Learn more about 91��ɫ�s Values Recognition Award or nominate a colleague at miad.edu/vra.