More than 150 College of Charleston staff members logged onto Microsoft Teams for the annual Staff Celebration and Awards Presentation on Wednesday, June 24, 2020.
Hosted by the Staff Advisory Committee to the President (SAC), the event included remarks from Melantha Ardrey ’02, SAC chair and residence life director, and President Andrew T. Hsu, as well as Ed Pope, vice president for human resources; Alicia Caudill, executive vice president for student affairs; John Loonan, chief financial officer and executive vice president of business affairs; and Frances Welch, interim provost and executive vice president for academic affairs.
“I cannot thank all of you enough for everything that you have done, especially for these past few couple of months,” said Hsu. “You have kept the spirit of this institution alive and you have figured out answers to seemingly impossible problems over the last couple of months. The entire campus and our entire community is indebted to you for your commitment and your dedication.”
The celebration also included a virtual Jeopardy!-style CofC trivia game, with over 50 staff members participating. Tom Cunneff, associate director of advancement communications in the Division of University Communications, answered the most questions correctly, winning a CofC tumbler mug and a Cistern Yard mini building block set, both courtesy of the College of Charleston Bookstore.
It was, however, the recipients of the 2020 Staff Awards who really won big at the celebration.
Bridget McLernon Sykes, Director of Student Health Services
Bridget McLernon Sykes, director of Student Health Services, received the most prestigious staff award: The $1,500 Outstanding Staff Member Presidential Service Award, which recognizes staff who support and engage other offices and organizations on campus, have furthered the College’s core values, have been instrumental contributors to the College community and consistently collaborate and partner with other offices and organizations in order to benefit the campus community.
Sara Coleman, Fitness Coordinator for Campus Recreation Services
Sara Coleman ’17, fitness coordinator with Campus Recreation Services, also won $1,500 when she was named the 2020 Presidential Temporary Staff Employee of the Year. Two other temporary staff members were recognized and awarded $500 each: Sarah Boessenecker, collections, exhibits and outreach coordinator for the Mace Brown Museum of Natural History; and Leigh Meadows-McAlpin, assistant director of visitor services and volunteer outreach for admissions.
Will Breard, Circulation and Shelving Manager at the Addlestone Library
The $1,500 Presidential Permanent Staff Employee of the Year award for 2020 went to Will Breard, circulation and shelving manager for the Marlene and Nathan Addlestone Library, and the following permanent staff members were also each recognized with a $500 prize: Melody Beacher, director of CRM development for admissions; Celeste Granger, assistant director of residence life; Alfred Hall, creative director in the Division of University Marketing and Enrollment Planning; and Mark Sloan, director and chief curator of the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art.
All awardees were selected by SAC and President Hsu.
