Mathias Reed Recognized with YB Staff Award

Associate Director of Media Production Mathias Reed’s dedication and commitment to supporting the institutional mission throughout the pandemic is one of the reasons he was selected for the 2022 YB Staff Award.

Each year the Yeworkwha Belachew (YB) Staff Award is given to an Oberlin College staff member who has gone “above and beyond” in service to the college. The award is named in honor of the extraordinary service of Yeworkwha Belachew, or YB, as she was known to the Oberlin community. The YB Staff Award was established to recognize a non-faculty, institutional employee of the college, who demonstrates daily commitment and performance in advancing Oberlin’s strategic goals through exemplary service to the college.

Since arriving on campus in 2017, Reed has been the creative force behind the video content that delivers the Oberlin story to audiences near and far. It takes a special talent to produce content that is engaging and at the same time delivers a critical message. That was never more important than during the pandemic. 

As the college shifted to a world of distanced learning and remote work, it was imperative that the college was able to stay engaged with each of its audiences. Demands for video content came from every corner of campus. Whether it was to produce content for virtual recruitment and yield initiatives, presidential videos and webinars, or content to reinforce ObieSafe protocols, Reed never missed a step. He often went above and beyond the call of duty, never questioning what was being asked of him.

What some colleagues have to say about Reed:

“Mathias was instrumental in pulling off many of Oberlin's most successful efforts related to navigating the pandemic. Throughout it all he was positive, kind, collaborative, and an inspiration to all of his teammates. He embodies commitment to Oberlin, and demonstrates this commitment at every opportunity.”

“From the very first day of his tenure here, Mathias has gone above and beyond for Oberlin. He has worked tirelessly to ensure that Oberlin's stories are captured and shared with the world. He embraces every project with a big smile and the classic cheer for which he has become known across campus. His calming nature puts to ease those on the other side of the camera, and ensures that all of Oberlin's coverage in film and video is natural and authentic.”

“Mathias was critical in helping Oberlin successfully pivot to a remote environment when COVID struck--and beyond. His work is beautifully presented and universally praised. Never one to complain about long hours and tight deadlines, Mathias perfectly exemplifies the spirit of the YB Staff Award--unwavering commitment, exemplary service, and a kind, creative, collaborative working style.”

“In everything Mathias does, he goes above and beyond. There are too many examples to cite! He is so deserving of this award.”

“Mathias has gone above and beyond the expectations of an employee, working exceptionally long hours to create and deliver a voluminous amount of high-quality video content. He brought numerous eyes to Oberlin’s programs and has artistically and sensitively conveyed the vitality of Oberlin to prospective students, donors, parents, and alumni.”

“Mathias is a team player and his work is professionally done because he cares. He cares about Oberlin College, he cares about the people he works with, and he cares about the product he produces.”

“At every turn, he has calmly and warmly exceeded the demands asked of him through unfailingly thoughtful, engaging—and beautiful—work. In some ways almost single-handedly, Mathias has been Oberlin's conduit to a world audience at this unprecedentedly crucial time, and we are all so fortunate that's been the case.”

“Mathias has worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic to produce videos and messages for the campus community, Board of Trustees, alumni, and parents. His work is sharp, polished, and true to the ethos of Oberlin. His thoughtfulness and consideration can be seen in any project that carries forward the mission of Oberlin College and Conservatory. He is a consummate team member.”