Above: Staff Awards winners and runners-up (l–r): Kim Browdy, Latisha Collins, Karen Hauschild, Ghadir Abuein, Kandy White, President Hsu, Alison Bruce, Clyde the Cougar and Ellen Swick.
On Monday, June 6, 2022, the Staff Advisory Committee to the President (SAC) hosted the College of Charleston’s annual Staff Celebration Lunch and Awards Presentation both in person and virtually for the first time ever! Over 200 people attended the in-person event, which was held in the TD Arena McAlister Hospitality Suite and catered by Dining Services; and 25 remote staff members tuned into Zoom for the awards presentation, trivia game and raffle.
Charissa Owens led the SAC Trivia game for virtual attendees.
Indeed, there were plenty of opportunities for staff to win prizes, but it was the recipients of the 2022 Staff Awards who really won big at the celebration. Before presenting the awards, Charissa Owens, SAC chair and director of diversity education and training in the Office of Institutional Diversity, kicked off the event with a warm welcome to staff before handing the mic over to President Andrew T. Hsu.
“I want to take this moment to thank everyone – and also congratulate everyone – for another successful year,” Hsu said, adding the College is taking real steps in improving campus morale. “I am hopeful that, through the implementation of Pillar 3 of the strategic plan, we will improve our culture so that our university truly becomes a great place to work for – not just for a few, but for everyone. And I think the first place we can start is by showing respect to our colleagues: respect for their contributions to campus life and respect for their role in our collective success. Each person on our campus is important. Today’s awards will only be able to highlight a few deserving employees, but I want you all to know that this institution takes all of us – all of us working together, collaborating – to be the great university that it is.”
All nominees, runners-up and winners of the Staff Awards (shown here with President Hsu and Clyde the Cougar) received awards (certificates for nominees, glass plaques for runners-up and wall plaques for winners) at the 2022 Staff Celebration.
“We are thrilled to announce this year’s nominees, runners-up and winners for the CofC Staff Awards,” said Kate Tiller, SAC vice chair and director of academic services for the Department of Athletics, noting that there were more than 50 nominations this year. “These nominees are contributing to the success of their offices and the greater College community, are wonderful collaborators and partners across campus, exhibit excellent customer service and embed the College’s core values into their day-to-day work.”
Karen Hauschild, director of the Academic Advising and Planning Center, 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.
Kate Tiller (right) congratulates Karen Hauschild for receiving the 2022 Outstanding Staff Member Presidential Service Award.
“Karen has a unique ability to take a crisis, turn it into an opportunity for change, inspire her team so that they own the change, and produce a positive outcome,” said Lynne Ford, associate vice president for the academic experience, in her nomination for Hauschild.
Kim Browdy, associate director for community relations for the Yaschik/Arnold Jewish Studies Program, also won $1,500 when she was named the 2022 Temporary Staff Employee of the Year. Two other temporary staff members were recognized and awarded $500 each: Ghadir Abuein, administrative assistant in the Center for Excellence in Peer Education, and Nora Krawowski, lead coordinator for the REACH Program.
Temporary Staff Employee of the Year Kim Browdy (left) with Kate Tiller.
“Kim’s presence has improved our office culture significantly,” wrote one of her nominators, Yaron Ayalon, director of the Jewish studies program. “She has been instrumental in reshaping Jewish studies’ public operations vis-à-vis the local community under pandemic conditions, engaging a significantly larger audience at events, improving our marketing operations on multiple platforms and furthering our relationships with alumni, parents and donors from the community. She is a true inspiration to all of us, faculty, staff and students.”
SAC secretary Stephanie Smith (right) gives Kandy White the Permanent Staff Employee of the Year award.
The $1,500 Permanent Staff Employee of the Year award for 2022 went to Earline “Kandy” White, associate director for records in the Office of Professional Development in Education (OPDE). The following permanent staff members were also recognized with a $500 prize: Alison Bruce, administrative coordinator in the Department of Psychology; Latisha Collins, general ledger manager in the Controller’s Office; Mouna DiBenedetto, lecturer and lab manager in the Department of Biology; and Ellen Swick, costume shop manager in the Department of Theatre and Dance.
Paul Irwin, director of the OPDE, nominated White, saying: “Kandy is a consummate professional. Because of her years of experience, she has a depth of knowledge of the workings of the College that is difficult to match. The Office of Professional Development in Education as well as the College as a whole benefits greatly from her experience, expertise and service.”
Owens wrapped up the event by thanking the SAC representatives, President Hsu, the College’s senior leadership – and all members of the staff.
“I’d like you all to take a moment to think back on what you do for this campus and the value you present to the College and your colleagues,” she said. “Give yourself a pat on the back!”
