Faculty & Staff Recognition

We proudly honor the faculty and staff who inspire and support our campus community.

2026 Service Recognition Event

The Towson University 2026 Faculty and Staff Recognition Event will be held on March 13, 2026, with a rain date of April 10th.

2026 Service Recognition

The TU Service Awards honor faculty and staff who have completed 5-year increments of service to the university during each preceding calendar year. In 2025, there were 308 Service Award recipients celebrating 5 to 45 years of service. In 2026, there are over 340 recipients. The 2026 awards are for individuals who reached a service year milestone in 2025.

We proudly honor the remarkable employees whose dedication, talent, and service have strengthened our university across decades. Their commitment has shaped our community, supported our students, and ensured that our campus continues to thrive.

2026 Service Award Recipients

5 Years

We are thrilled to recognize the employees celebrating 5 years of service. In just half a decade, these individuals made an impact, bringing fresh perspectives, enthusiasm, and a strong commitment to TU's mission.

10 years

Congratulations to those marking 10 years of service. A full decade of dedication is no small milestone. Your continued excellence, consistency, and passion have strengthened programs, supported students, and elevated our campus community.

15 years

We proudly honor the employees celebrating 15 years of service. Over a decade and a half, you’ve embodied commitment, resilience, and leadership. Your work has made a lasting difference, and the university is stronger because of your dedication.

Barnett, Michelle — College of Liberal Arts
Becker, Sharon — College of Liberal Arts
Churchman, Lisa — Office of Development
Cimino, Karen — College of Science & Mathematics
Cooper, Cynthia — Office of the Provost
Cross, Tammy — Office of the Provost
De Patricio, German — College of Liberal Arts
Dewally, Michaël — College of Business & Economics
Fabricant, Nicole — College of Liberal Arts
Farkas, Jeremy — College of Business & Economics
Gorsuch, William — Office of Technology Services
Harris, John — Facilities Management
Jackson, Henry — College of Science & Mathematics
Landrum-Hesser, Mildred — College of Liberal Arts
Ma, Shuhua — College of Science & Mathematics
Marx, Kristen — Facilities Management
Merino, David — Office of the Provost
Morgan, Rachel — Financial Affairs Subdivision
Phillips, Debra — College of Science & Mathematics
Potter, Julie — College of Fine Arts & Communication
Pratt, Edith — Facilities Management
Race, Dorothy — Office of the Provost
Shao, Yingying — College of Business & Economics
Sheffield, Grady — Student Health & Well-Being
Stano, Jennifer — Office of Human Resources
Stapleton, Mary — College of Science & Mathematics
Tomasi, Stella — College of Business & Economics
Wilson, Heather — Office of the Provost
Zajicek, Benjamin — College of Liberal Arts

20 years

With great appreciation, we recognize those who have reached 20 years of service. Your two decades of commitment represent a legacy of excellence, growth, and impact across our university’s departments and divisions.

25 years

25 years of service is no easy feat! Your long-standing dedication has shaped countless students, colleagues, and initiatives. Thank you for your unwavering commitment and for building the foundation that continues to support our success at TU.

Andrews, Paul — Office of Technology Services
Auvil, Donna — Financial Planning & Analysis
Baker, Jeffrey — Enrollment Management
Baum, Jan — College of Business & Economics
Becker, Geoffrey — College of Liberal Arts
Botkin, Frances — College of Liberal Arts
Carneal, Drew — College of Liberal Arts
Casey, Ryan — College of Science & Mathematics
Chandler, Jerome — Office of Technology Services
Clifford, Elizabeth — College of Liberal Arts
Collister, Phillip — College of Fine Arts & Communication
Delahanty, Kathryn — College of Business & Economics
Ewell, Terry — College of Fine Arts & Communication
Fata, Sue — Campus Life
Forrester, Joanne — Auxiliary Operations
Fugelso, Karl — College of Fine Arts & Communication
George, Philip — Facilities Management
Groves, Melissa — College of Business & Economics
Haines, Sarah — College of Science & Mathematics
Hollidge, Herbert — Facilities Management
Holmes, Claire — Library
Holmes, Norma — Enrollment Management
Horta-Hayden, Catherine — College of Fine Arts & Communication
Hou, Xuezhang — College of Science & Mathematics
Hunter, Rene — College of Education
Kelleher, Tina — College of Science & Mathematics
Knox, Felicity — Library
Marchetti, Lori — VP Office of Marketing & Communications
Moore, Melvin — Library
Mueller, Alicia — College of Fine Arts & Communication
Pierce, Glenda J. — University Accounting
Powell, Karen — Office of Development
Ringgold, Iona — Office of the Provost
Sadera, William — College of Education
Sanford, Douglas — College of Business & Economics
Satta, Steven — College of Fine Arts & Communication
Schiff, Andrew — College of Business & Economics
Sealock, Miriam — College of Liberal Arts
Shearer, Elizabeth — International Programs
Shields, Vonnie — College of Science & Mathematics

30 years

Three decades of contributions demonstrate profound dedication, institutional memory, and a deep commitment to this work. Your presence and leadership have been essential to our university’s evolution. We thank you!

Ebacher, Colleen — College of Liberal Arts
Eifert, Aynur — Enrollment Management
Hess, Darren — Auxiliary Operations
** Karne, Ramesh — College of Science & Mathematics
Olson, Carl — Library
Scales, Stephen — College of Liberal Arts
Schaefer, David — College of Science & Mathematics
Webb, Kevin — Office of Technology Services
Wood, Lisa — Enrollment Management
Yeager, Jenna — College of Health Professions

35 years

We proudly recognize those marking 35 years of service. This milestone speaks to a career defined by passion, loyalty, and a remarkable level of commitment.

Dowery, Carroll — Public Safety
** Klupt, Jeffrey — College of Science & Mathematics
Lu, Chao — College of Science & Mathematics

45 years

Nearly half a century of dedication is a rare and exceptional achievement. Your service represents the very best of our community’s values, and we thank you for a lifetime of impact.

Conjar, Chuck — Auxiliary Operations

55 years

TU honors the extraordinary accomplishment of 55 years of service. Your steadfast commitment has shaped generations of students and colleagues. This level of dedication is truly inspiring and deeply appreciated.

Murungi, John — College of Liberal Arts

60 years

It is an exceptional honor to celebrate 60 years of service. Six decades of contribution reflect an unparalleled legacy, one defined by perseverance, wisdom, and devotion to the university. Thank you for a lifetime of service that has enriched every corner of our community.

** Hahn, George — College of Liberal Arts

2025 Service Recognition

2025 Service Recipients

The Service Awards honor faculty and staff who have completed 5-year increments of service to the university during each preceding calendar year. In 2024, there were 374 Service Award recipients celebrating 5 to 45 years of service.

2025 Faculty and Staff Recognition Event Program

Event Recap

Event Questions and Answers

My work anniversary was over a year ago, yet I'm only now receiving my award.

At Towson University, we calculate milestone service years for eligible faculty and staff who have completed their 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, etc. years of service beginning January 1 through December 31 of their respective milestone year.

Celebrating the Faculty and Staff Annual Recognition Event after December 31 allows recipients to complete their milestone and receive their award in the early spring of the following year.

This also allows time for the facilitation of gift ordering, certificate printing, as well as, the planning of the breakfast and ceremony for the large number of recipients, campus leaders, and guests.

Is the Recognition Event a ticketed event?

All award recipients and non-recipients need a ticket to attend. Tickets are not available at the door.

Award recipients with 5 - 25 years of service receive one complimentary ticket to attend the event.
Recipients with 30 years of service or more receive two complimentary tickets; one for them and one for a guest.

General Campus (Faculty and Staff only) will receive an invitation through their TU email address.
Space is limited and tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis with priority given to individuals being recognized. To guarantee seating, please RSVP as soon as possible.

Once the event sells out, tickets will no longer be available.

Will food be available at the event?

Yes, the menu for breakfast typically includes assorted pastries and baked goods, fruit, eggs, breakfast meats, potatoes, and French toast, as well as a selection of beverages. Dietary needs can be accommodated upon request when you RSVP.

Where should I park for the event?

Towsontown Parking Garage or Union Garage

Have other questions?

Contact Office of Human Resources Customer Service, HRTU AT_TOWSON or 410-704-2162.

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USM Board of Regents Awards

The University System of Maryland (USM) Board of Regents Faculty and Staff Awards represent the highest honor presented by the Board of Regents. Each year, selection committees at TU solicit, review, and steward qualifying nominations, then forward recommendations to the president for consideration. TU finalists are submitted to the USM for final selection. The process for staff and faculty awards operates on different schedules throughout the year. USM announces staff award recipients in July and faculty award recipients in March.

Marilyn Dannenfelser Staff Award

The Marilyn Dannenfelser Staff Award is presented to a member of the TU administrative staff who personifies the outstanding personal and professional qualities of the late Marilyn Dannenfelser. Her daughter, Kim Dannenfelser, established the award to memorialize her mother and her contributions to TU. During Mrs. Dannenfelser’s 46-year career at TU, she served as an executive assistant to six presidents. She was well-regarded and is remembered for her tact, diplomacy, and patient demeanor.

Current Administrative Assistants and Executive Administrative Assistants are nominated by their supervisors, and a selection committee chooses the recipient.

Nomination Criteria and Instructions

Nominees must fulfill the following criteria:

must be a full-time, non-exempt TU staff member
must have completed at least one year of service in the administrative role at the time of nomination
must be in good standing at Towson University

The Award Selection Committee will work with Human Resources and/or divisional leadership to verify that each nominee is in good standing with the University and is not on probation or a performance improvement plan.

To submit a nomination, use the provided nomination form, and email it to AdminAsstAward AT_TOWSON

SUBMISSIONS HAVE NOT OPENED FOR 2026.

For any questions, please contact the Award Selection Committee at AdminAsstAward AT_TOWSON.

AWARD RECIPIENTS

Marilyn Dannenfelser Endowed Staff Award 2025 Recipient

The 2025 winner of the Marilyn Dannenfelser award is:

Emily MCGEADY, Administrative Assistant II, Department of MATHEMATICS

Emily McGeady has been an Administrative Assistant in the Department of Mathematics since November 2022. Emily exemplifies the work of an excellent administrative assistant, making the Mathematics Department a brighter, happier, and more efficient workplace every day. Her department colleagues, faculty, and students note that Emily brings a consistently positive demeanor and empathetic attitude to her work and is an incredible ambassador for the Math Department.

Department Chair Sandy Spitzer states, " Emily represents, in many ways, the 'front door' of the department. She has an incredible ability to help students calm down and feel ready to solve their problems with helpful, clear, and actionable advice that does solve these students' problems. One thing I particularly appreciate about Emily is that she spreads joy in the department."

Her deep, connected knowledge of her department, TU policies, and a solutions-oriented work style make her a true problem-solver. Whether the task is big or small, Emily gives everyone full and positive attention to make them feel their work is essential. Emily also demonstrates strong initiative and goes above and beyond her role to improve the department's work efficiency and experience.

She is known for being attentive to other people's accomplishments, going out of her way to share their good news, and often offering congratulations, significantly raising the department's mood. According to students and colleagues, the joy, care, and energy she brings to her work are second to none.

Thank you, Emily, for your contributions and service on behalf of TU!

Marilyn Dannenfelser Endowed Staff Award 2023-2024 Recipient

Reneé Watkins, Administrative Assistant II, Department of Physics, Astronomy and Geosciences (PAGS)

Reneé Watkins has been an Administrative Assistant II in the Department of Physics, Astronomy, and Geosciences (PAGS) for the past 13 years. Reneé’s amazing competence, warm personality, and unflappable kindness and courtesy make her a calming presence and a morale booster in the Department. Renee’s extensive administrative experience, in-depth institutional knowledge and overall positive demeanor greatly assisted the newly appointed Department Chair with her transition into the role, making the acclimation and orientation to PAGS that much easier and relatively seamless. Renee is a true “people person,” taking pride in welcoming new students, onboarding staff and faculty to the TU PAGS community, training and developing other administrative and operational professionals, while also maintaining strong connections with Department retirees. Her skillful communication, emotional intelligence, and sage advice often turn strangers into friends. Beyond her professional competencies and endearing personal qualities, Renee’ was described by her colleagues in PAGS as, “… both the rock that we depend on and the gravitational force that holds us together… Renee’ is a star!” Thank you, Renee’, for your contributions and service to TU!

Diversity and Inclusion Awards

The University Diversity and Inclusion Awards recognize individuals and departments that foster greater awareness, understanding and advancement of diversity and inclusiveness at Towson University. For more information on the Diversity and Inclusion Awards please visit OIIE's University Diversity & Inclusion Awards webpage.