John Rejda isn’t comfortable in the spotlight.
He’d much rather quietly work behind-the-scenes to resolve computer problems for those in need.
That’s why being named the July recipient of the Chancellor’s Gold ‘U’ Award is humbling, says the Omaha native, who has worked at UNMC since September 2001.
“I’ve always enjoyed working in the labs around research equipment, but feel like a very small part of the whole system,” said Rejda, who provides customer support service largely to faculty and staff in the College of Pharmacy and School of Allied Health Professions.
“John has seen us through numerous technical changes and upgrades,” his nominator said. “He has fixed everything that has ever gone wrong with our computers, and believe me, if it can go wrong it will go wrong in our office. He shows up for a service call for one person and three other people will grab him.
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Rejda, meanwhile, says he would be lost working solely at a desk job – it’s the people he meets while working on computers across campus that energize him. “I appreciate the UNMC community,” he said. “It is a very diverse and inspiring atmosphere.”
The son of Ed Rejda, former director of UNMC’s ITS Department, grew up around computers and learned how they work with a positive influence. “I received a kick start one day when my father had an associate home from work,” he said. “He didn’t show me too much, but it really got me glued to these blasted machines.”
Now, he’s considering returning to complete his undergraduate degree. Meanwhile, he’s enjoyed his time at UNMC and the technical skills he’s acquired from colleagues. “I will always be grateful for the patience and neighborly advice I have received here,” he said.
“I also admire the growth of the campus and am honored to be a part of it,” Rejda said.
A soccer fan, Rejda is planning to attend the World Cup in Germany next year with his three brothers. He also enjoys partaking in computer entertainment products during his free time. “Working on computers is a hobby and a job,” he said.