Staff members recognized for milestones; two named Employees of the Year
This is a guest post from Human Resources:
The campus community celebrated service milestones for approximately 240 Wake Forest staff members with more than 3,100 combined years of service. These individuals were recognized at the annual Staff Rewards & Recognition Luncheon Oct. 2 at the Sutton Center. A milestone video highlighted some of their Wake Forest experiences.
A campus-wide celebration will be held during the Benefits Fair on Oct. 22 from noon – 4 p.m. in the Sutton Center, with remarks at 2 p.m.
Staff members who have achieved 30 or more years of service are:
- 30 years: Patty Atwood (Information Systems), Annemarie Buwalda (School of Law), Amy Comer (Research and Sponsored Programs), Jeffrey Holleman (University Police), Kerry King (University Advancement), Regina Lawson (University Police), Larry Love (Facilities and Campus Services), Jeffrey Marion (Facilities and Campus Services), John McCrowell (Facilities and Campus Services), Martine Sherrill (Art), Michael Thompson (Chemistry), Cheryl Walker (University Advancement)
- 35 years: Kathy Bunn (School of Business), Marion Gist (Graylyn), Sally Irvin (School of Law), Paul Sheff (Facilities and Campus Services), Elide Vargas (Politics and International Affairs)
- 40 years: Minta McNally (University Advancement)
Christian Burris with President Hatch
Christian Burris, Serials Acquisition Coordinator and 25-year honoree in the Z. Smith Reynolds Library and Carol Brehm, Administrative Coordinator in the Department of Music, were recognized as Employees of the Year. They were nominated by faculty and staff for their contributions in the areas of innovation, integrity, accountability, inclusion, and Pro Humanitate.
Christian’s nomination reads: Christian is a 1993 Wake Forest graduate, and he has been employed in the Z. Smith Reynolds Library ever since. While at ZSR, he has been reliable, kind and available to assist, as one of the most stalwart volunteers for the Library’s after-hours programming. He serves on the Executive Committee for the Association of Black Alumni, the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, and the Council for Diversity and Inclusion.
The nomination proceeds to highlight Christian’s impact, amidst recent challenges the community has faced around inclusion and belonging: Throughout this unsettling time, Chris’ calm demeanor has been a balm to many, allowing all voices to be heard, while remaining steadfast in the desire to stay true to the principles of inclusion. He has led thoughtful discussions about painful issues, which can be difficult when they involve an institution we hold dear. He has been steady throughout, even as he has shared his own personal stories.
As Christian works diligently to bring all voices to the table, he is incredibly thoughtful about accuracy and fairness. He uses those skills to create an environment where larger conversations can happen within the library environment. Christian Burris has served Wake Forest with distinction throughout his career. His steady and calm leadership over the past year, in particular, has been an extraordinary gift to both the Library and the University. Christian personifies everything it takes to be the Employee of the Year.
Carol Brehm with President Hatch
Carol’s nomination reads: Carol Brehm is the beating heart of the Department of Music. Her service, loyalty, and cheerful disposition have buoyed the spirits of faculty, students, and fellow staff members.
Carol assumes a tremendous amount of responsibility for practical issues within the Department of Music, including managing all financial transactions, overseeing student assistants, and assisting faculty. Carol feels personally responsible for the smooth running of the department, and for the accurate recording of financial transactions. If a small error creeps into the course schedule, or a financial report does not balance out, even if the mistake is not her own, she will not rest until the error is fixed!
Her laughter is frequently heard around the department, establishing an atmosphere of friendship and joy. She is warm, gracious and eager to be of service to all students and staff. Carol Brehm has in abundance all the qualities of an Employee of the Year. She is the ideal candidate for this significant award and is most-deserving of campus-wide recognition.
The nominations highlight the welcoming environment each winner fosters:
- Through the innovative programming he leads, Christian Burris demonstrates a commitment to ensuring students, faculty, and staff feel welcome.
- Carol Brehm exudes warmth and a welcoming atmosphere to one and all in the office.
Congratulations to Christian Burris, Carol Brehm, and all staff members celebrating milestones.
Categories: Inside WFU, Staff News
Cox and Lanier named employees of the year
Kevin Cox (MA ’81), director of crisis communications and community relations in University Advancement, and Patty Lanier, administrative coordinator for the Department of Communication, were named Employees of the Year at the Staff Rewards & Recognition Luncheon on Nov. 4.
Cox, who has held a number of leadership roles in the Office of Communications and External Relations, joined Wake Forest as a staff member in 1990. He was recognized for his calm and careful communication style, particularly in difficult situations; his ability to build strong and trusting relationships; his dedication to mentoring staff of all experience levels; and his commitment to preserving and improving the Wake Forest community. Cox currently represents Wake Forest and University Advancement on many committees and councils, including the Winston-Salem Chamber of Commerce Tech Council, Staff Advisory Council and University Area Neighborhood Association.
Lanier has been at Wake Forest since 1998 and was called the “heartbeat” of her department. She was recognized for taking a proactive, solutions-oriented approach to helping students, faculty and staff in the department; exercising consistently good judgment in routine activities and challenging circumstances; anticipating and planning for upcoming needs; and maintaining a smile and sense of tranquility, while keeping others on deadline.
Categories: Staff News
SAC welcomes new representatives
The Staff Advisory Council (SAC) is pleased to announce the results of the 2012 election. The SAC received nominations from March 12-23 and held the election from April 19-30. A run-off election was held for the Finance and Administration division which concluded on April 9.
The SAC received a total of 55 nominations across the six staff divisions – up from 39 last year. Additionally, staff voting participation reached a new high this year with 39.33% (702 of 1,785 staff members). Last year, voting participation was 33.17% (543 of 1,637 staff members).
As a result of the election, there are 14 new representatives from across the university staff:
- Tammy Burke (Dean’s Office)
- Melissa Clark (Schools of Business)
- Kevin Cox (Advancement)
- Christina Fisher (Athletics)
- Ted Johnson (University Police)
- William Kane (Digital Publishing)
- Greg Keener (WFDD Radio)
- Sheila Lockhart (Religion)
- Sherry Ratliff (Information Services)
- Jeannette Rork (Registrar’s Office)
- Kelly Segovia (Human Resources)
- Catherine Sheff (President’s Home)
- Scott Spernoga (Athletics)
- Artanzia Yates (Information Systems)
In addition, Mary Cranfill (Procurement Services) and Paul Sheff (Facilities and Campus Services) have been re-elected to serve an additional term. Each SAC representative will serve a term of three years and may be re-elected to serve additional terms. As a result of this election, the SAC has completed its three-year plan to increase representation across campus while maintaining a balance of new and returning representatives.
The SAC would like to thank the representatives whose terms are ending this year:
- Randy Cockerham (Facilities and Campus Services)
- Travis Asbury (Facilities and Campus Services)
- Nicolle Gaillard (Procurement Services)
- Prentice Armstrong (ZSR Library)
- Kathy Bunn (Schools of Business)
- Beth Hoagland (Provost’s Office)
- Pat Morton (Information Services)
- Sharon Payne (Schools of Business)
- Elide Vargas (Political Science)
For more information about the SAC, please visit: http://sac.wfu.edu
Categories: Staff News
Staff Advisory Council nominations open
The Staff Advisory Council (SAC) is soliciting nominations for new members. To nominate yourself or someone in your division – please visit: SAC Nominations (login required)
The SAC, formed in 2006 by President Hatch, is an advisory body tasked with strengthening communication between the Staff and Administration at Wake Forest. For more information on the role of the SAC, please visit http://sac.wfu.edu.
- Candidates: May be nominated by another staff member, or they may self-nominate.
- Nominations: Any staff member nominating another employee should inform their nominee of this intent, and determine if that employee is interested in serving on the council.
- Requirements: for eligibility: full-time employment with one year of service, and in good standing.
- Deadline for Nominations: by 5 p.m. on March 23.
Detailed nomination and election rules are located in the SAC By-Laws: http://sac.wfu.edu/by-laws
For questions or if you need assistance, please contact a member of SAC Elections Committee:
Kathy Bunn x5037, Debbie Deheck x3622, Paul Sheff x6071, or Tomma Guastaferro x4394.
Your voice is important! Nominate someone today: http://apps.sac.wfu.edu/secure/nominations (login required)
Sincerely,
SAC Elections Committee
Categories: Staff News
