Recognition, flashbacks & fun at 2016 Service Awards

More than 400 faculty and staff gathered in the SECU Arena yesterday morning for TU’s Annual Service Awards Breakfast and Ceremony, which recognized the service milestones of approximately 300 campus employees.

“It is the steadfast commitment of many individuals that drives our collective success,” President Kim Schatzel said in her remarks. “We know that behind each and every university point of pride are dedicated faculty and staff members…thank you for being the driving force behind the academic and personal success of our students.”

Service Awards are given in five-year increments starting with five years of service. There were 306 total awards given, including 46 awards given to employees with 25 years of service or more. Four awards were given to employees with 40 years of service: Department of Economics Administrative Assistant Christine Eifert, Facilities Management Financial Transaction Supervisor Adela Lombardi, Psychology Professor Frederick Parente, and Facilities Management Associate Director Rick Walsh.

Three awards were handed out to employees with 45 years of service. Assistant Professor in Sociology, Anthropology and Criminal Justice Marion Cockey, Philosophy and Religious Studies Professor John Murungi, and Marketing Professor Michael Seganish all began working at Towson in the same year as the Kent State Massacre.

“It was very small then, and despite what was going on [around the country] everything felt very collegial,” Cockey said. “I have always loved teaching—it’s why I’ve stayed here so long. If you ask me, this is the best gig in town.”

A “Through the Years” video showed photos of the 45-year award recipients and highlighted what the campus was like when they first started. Linthicum Hall was a new building, and Newell had a faculty-only dining hall serving meals that cost less than $1.00.

All honorees in attendance were recognized individually on the SECU Arena stage, where they shook hands with President Kim Schatzel and received their service award certificate. Recipients are also given their choice from a selection of gifts depending on their number of years of service.

“This is a special event because it gives some recognition to our hardworking employees,” said Employee Relations and Development Manager Mike Noll, who oversees the event. “It is the one time during the year when faculty and staff take a break from their busy schedules and come together to celebrate their contributions to campus.”

In order to receive an award at this year’s ceremony, employees had to have completed their service milestone by December 31, 2016. A full list of the recipients is available on the Service Awards website.

Awards for diversity, achievement and distinguished service

In addition to honoring employees for their years of service, the ceremony featured special award presentations for diversity, achievement and distinguished service.

Assistant to the President Debbie Seeberger presented six President’s Diversity Awards, which recognize significant achievements toward the awareness, understanding and advancement of a more culturally diverse and inclusive university community. The student award went to Elementary Education major Xiomara Gonzalez. The faculty general award went to Associate Professor in Early Childhood Education Dr. Judith Cruzado-Guerrero, and the faculty research award was presented to Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry Dr. Beth Kautzman. Communication and Development Librarian Joyce Garczynski won the staff award. The International Initiatives Office and the Department of Foreign Languages won the administrative department and academic department awards, respectively.

Nominees for the University System of Maryland Board of Regents’ Staff Awards were presented by Chris Jensen. The awards represent the highest honor given by the Board for achievements of both exempt and nonexempt staff. Towson University’s 2016 nominees are Disability Specialist Jeannie Mauldin in the category of outstanding service to students in an academic or residential environment; Student Affairs IT Coordinator Gregory Primose and University Store Marketing and Retail Services Manager Katie Simmons-Barth for extraordinary public service to the university or greater community; and Library Services Specialist Karen Fulton and Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Program Director Jackie Gratz in the category of exceptional contribution to the institution and/or unit to which the person belongs. Award winners will be announced by the Board of Regents in June 2016.

Also as part of Wednesday's event, Barb Neal was presented with the President’s Staff Award for Distinguished Service to the University. Neal is the assistant director of Business & Administrative Services in Housing and Residence Life.

In her 47-year tenure at TU, Neal has dedicated herself to supporting students in living and learning on campus. Her work on initiatives such as online guest registration and online housing agreements have improved the student experience and resulted in annual cost savings of more than $70,000. President Schatzel presented the award to Barb.

"Through nearly five decades of change that she has been part of at Towson, 'Barb,' as her colleagues know her, has maintained the philosophy that students are the center of her work, keeping their needs in mind at all times," Schatzel said.

Schatzel also retold a funny story about what happened when she attempted to notify Neal that she had won the distinguished service award.

"We decided that I would call her," Schatzel recalled, "but the first three times I called I got her voice mail. We had to get somone in her office to let us know when she was there. So I called her and I said 'This is President Schatzel.' Dead silence. I'm not sure she believed it was really me!

"I wanted to congratulate you myself," Schatzel added Wednesday as she presented Neal with an engraved bowl, "as my first awardee."

The Annual Service Awards Breakfast and Ceremony is hosted by Towson University’s Office of Human Resources, with help from Black and Gold Catering, Creative Services, Event and Conference Services, Parking and Transportation Services and the President’s Office.