Nearly 200 College of Charleston staff members joined the Staff Advisory Committee to the President (SAC) in Alumni Hall on Friday, April 5, 2019, for the Spring Staff Drop-in. With refreshments and raffle prizes, the gathering was attended by President-elect Andrew Hsu and Interim President Stephen C. Osborne ’73, who has worked closely with SAC during his tenure as president.
“It’s been a pleasure working with them,” said Osborne, praising the committee for its accomplishments over the past year, including contributing to reinstating the Staff Professional Development Fund and to reopening the faculty/staff dining space in Liberty Street Fresh Food Company. “They have worked to strengthen our staff experience.”
Interim President Stephen C. Osborne ’73 addresses staff. (Photos by Heather Moran)
Osborne, who first joined the College of Charleston staff as chief financial officer and executive vice president of business affairs in 2006, will be handing over the reins to Hsu next month.
“I have to admit today it is bittersweet for me. It’s one of the last times that I’ll be speaking to a large group of the staff. A month away is approaching quickly, and we’re excited at the same time for Dr. Hsu coming in, and I know the College is going to continue in a great direction under his leadership,” Osborne said. “Over the nearly 13 years I’ve been here, I’ve met some really, truly remarkable employees. You’re those employees, and I want to thank every single one of you for what you’ve done for this university and what you continue to do. It’s the staff and the faculty that supply the lifestream that supports our students. So, again, thank you to each and every one of you.”
In turn, Melantha Ardrey ’02, director of residence life and SAC chair, thanked Osborne.
“We want to take a few minutes to acknowledge all that you’ve done for the College and on behalf of our committee. We’ve accomplished a lot together. The progress we made wouldn’t have been possible without your support,” she said. “Thank you for all you’ve done to support us and to advocate on behalf of the staff of the College.”
To show SAC’s appreciation, Ardrey and SAC Morale and Wellness Subcommittee chair and Executive Director of Communications, Ron Menchaca ’98, presented Osborne with a holiday ornament of the Bishop Robert Smith House and a “replica first edition” of his favorite fiction book, Robert Penn Warren’s All the Kings Men.
