"Tom Benza" Archive

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 more than 250 Wake Forest staff members with approximately 2,800 combined years of service. These individuals were recognized at the annual Staff Rewards & Recognition Luncheon Oct. 9 at the Sutton Center. Faculty and staff joined a campus-wide reception in the Green Room of Reynolda Hall later the same day.

Staff members who have achieved 30 or more years of service are:

  • 30 years: Elizabeth Berry (Facilities and Campus Services), Tim Covey (Information Systems), Robert Fisher (University Police), Chris Hartsell (University Police), Patricia Martin (School of Law), Pattie McGill (Office of the Chaplain), Tim Snyder (University Advancement), Kobak Taylor (Facilities and Campus Services), Lucinda Westmoreland (Financial Services).
  • 35 years: Hugh Brown (Facilities and Campus Services), Thomas Crews (Facilities and Campus Services), Greg Scott (Facilities and Campus Services), Meri Silveri (Mail Services).
  • 40 years: Bob Baker (University Advancement), LeAnn Steele (School of Law).

Philip Honaker, an Employee of the Year, waves. Standing with him are his son, five-year honoree Philip Honaker, and President Hatch

Philip Honaker, Plant Operator in Facilities and Campus Services, and Tom Benza, Associate Director in the Financial Aid Office, also 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.

Philip Honaker’s nomination reads: Philip has worked hard over his tenure at Wake Forest and has always given great ideas and suggestions to make communication more clear and concise. He always has a smile on his face and does all he can to make things happen as they should. He is here daily to fulfill his obligation to the University, after many years of service. There is nobody he has met that he could not get along with. His desire and dedication to his job and his fellow employees has made him one of the best employees this University has ever had, and he deserves to be honored.

Tom Benza’s nomination reads: Always looking for new ways to do the same old business, Tom is extremely thoughtful, which permeates through his work with just about everyone here on campus. He goes the extra mile, every single time. Widely trusted, respectful, and honorable would all be words to describe Tom.

EOY

Employee of the Year Tom Benza and President Hatch

Dealing with tough issues daily, his moral compass always points north. Showing compassion in tough situations while still remaining professional is an artful gift Tom perfects. He goes above and beyond to protect students’ privacy by making sure his office is a safe place and safe space. Tom is a man of his word. Always willing to go to bat for what is right, Tom takes responsibility for his actions. Tom is an advocate for underrepresented student groups at WFU. He makes students feel welcome and important, which fosters a desire for them to continue towards degree completion. Tom’s kindness and compassion is extended to every student and staff member he encounters. Working on behalf of students and staff, he shines as an advocate.

Categories: Guest PostInside WFUStaff News

Wellbeing presents THRIVE Dimension Champions Award

The Office of Wellbeing presented the 2016 THRIVE Dimension Champions Awards for faculty and staff on April 20 at the Sutton Center.

The awards highlight the leadership and scholarship of faculty and staff across the eight dimensions of wellbeing.

“It’s an exciting time for the Office of Wellbeing and the entire campus,” said Malika Roman Isler, director of Wellbeing. “We are inspired by the deep commitment each of these individuals has shown to not only bettering themselves, but by example, encouraging our entire community to live full and meaningful lives.”

Award recipients include the following:

–Emotional Wellbeing: Michele Kurtz, Office of Student Engagement
–Environmental Wellbeing: Jim Mussetter, Facilities and Campus Services/Landscape Department
–Financial Wellbeing: Tom Benza, Office of Financial Aid
–Intellectual Wellbeing: William Hamilton, Department of German and Russian
–Occupational Wellbeing: Catherine Ross, Teaching and Learning Center
–Physical Wellbeing: Michael Terry, Advancement Gifts/Records
–Social Wellbeing: Margaret Kittrell, Student Health Service
–Spiritual Wellbeing: Sharon Jones, Aramark

Free online personal finance tools for faculty and staff

tom.benza.300x175A guest post by WFU’s Associate Director of
Student Financial Aid Tom Benza

Wake Forest Student Financial Aid believes that everyone can benefit from additional financial literacy and one of our goals is to help people make informed financial decisions. Our office exists to assist and counsel students on the intricacies of financial aid, but we also offer one-on-one financial counseling sessions with a financial aid counselor, financial workshop presentations to student groups, campus-wide educational programing, and a comprehensive online tool called CashCourse  that provides  a wealth of financial education resources.

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