Congratulations to Stephanie Sarles, manager of public information and technological communication, who was recognized as the district's PSS Employee of the Year at the District Awards Banquet on Feb. 6. She's much more comfortable handing over the awards to the college's employee of the month as a member of the PSSA's Employee of the Month Committee than she is at center-stage receiving an award. Stephanie was first recognized at the Emerald Awards as Brookhaven College's Employee of the Year, so she had to accept the applause and congratulations twice.
To kick-off the spring semester and to celebrate the college's outstanding and long-lasting employees, the college had its Emerald Awards on Jan. 30. Richard McCrary, executive vice president and chief instructional officer, welcomed everyone to the event that celebrates employee accomplishments. Wright L. Lassiter, chancellor, also attended and thanked everyone for the opportunity to share in the college's celebration.
John Williams, psychology professor, introduced the longevity award portion of the program. Employees who have worked in the district for 25 years are recognized with a tree named in their honor on the college campus. John gave a few "mid-step" options that could be awarded before they receive a tree. Twigs, branches and fertilizer (read manure here) were just a few of the options he presented for consideration. 18 employees received pins for five years of service; another 18 were recognized for 10 years and three for 15 years. For 20 years of service the college recognized Nancy Barlow, John Gattis, Mildred Kelley, Linda Kleen and Donna Robinson-Taylor. Resi Douglas, Lisa Ehrich, Tricia Harrison and Naomi Horton were acknowledged for 25 years. Carol Cinclair, Sarah Ferguson, Linda Lee, Steve Link, Marilyn Lynch, Marie Maness, Michael Moore, Jane Quetin, Don Taylor and Phil Shelp reached 30 years of service and Mike Garza was recognized for 35 years in the district.
With a choice of unusual “gifts” presented, each of the college's award winners were given the opportunity to choose from items hidden behind the doors before walking across the stage receiving their congratulations.
Make sure to congratulate our awardees when you next see them.
Special congratulations also go to Phil Shelp, biology professor, along with Fredella Wortham for their nomination for the new Learning Technology Innovation of the Year Award. This award is a pilot for this year that resulted for a recommendation made through the Distance Learning Strategic Planning process. It recognizes innovations in learning technology that are scalable, sustainable and replicable with a focus on student success. Phil and Fredella were nominated based on the online virtual lab they created and used for Biology 1408 and 1409 and were recognized at the District Awards Banquet.
