The end of the academic year is always a time of celebration, as we recognize excellence among our best faculty and students before sending off our graduating class.

Last week at the 49th annual Honors Convocation, we presented awards to our nine University scholars and nine Undergraduate Researchers of the Year, among others. Laurice Melvin from the College for Design and Social Inquiry received the Distinguished Student award and Dr. Laura Vernon of the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College received the Distinguished Teacher of the Year award. Please click here to view the full list of award recipients.

This week, we recognized the hard work and dedication of our faculty and staff at the annual Employee Service Awards. The 346 employees celebrating anniversaries have given a combined 4,545 years of service to the University! Dr. Mary Faraci was our longest-standing employee to be honored. Dr. Faraci has been a fixture in the English Department since 1972 and is known among her colleagues and students for her tireless enthusiasm and positivity. The following awards were presented to faculty or staff for their contributions to the university:

President’s Leadership Awards:
Dr. Donna Chamely-Wiik, Office of Undergraduate Research and Inquiry
Dr. Gregg Fields, Charles E. Schmidt College of Science

Jeffrey Gabor Exemplary Employee Awards:
Ed Schiff, Division of Financial Affairs
Sharlene Sookhoo, Division of Administrative Affairs

VALIC Customer Service Awards:
Alex Laurent, Office of Student Financial Aid
Marc Verdieu, Northern Technology Services

Barnes and Noble Faculty Service Award:
Dr. Andra Opalinksi, Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing

Congratulations to all of our student, faculty and staff honorees, and thank you for a great year!