On Staff Appreciation Day, Wednesday, April 22, 2015, the Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) community recognized the work of the staff and their accomplishments throughout the past year. President Dottie King, Ph.D., presented two staff members with awards at the ceremony:
Outstanding Staff Award
The Outstanding Staff Award is presented twice each year, to recognize a full- or part-time staff employee for going above and beyond normal responsibilities and dedication to their profession. The recipient of the Spring 2015 Outstanding Staff Award received a $50 check, two personal days, a parking spot of their choice for six months, a $50 gift card and a framed certificate.
Maggie Freeman, administrative assistant for graduate studies, was presented the Spring 2015 Outstanding Staff Award for her consistently good attitude and commitment to The Woods. She is respected as a problem-solver and a doer who is self-motivated and pro-active. Freeman is known for taking extra time and care to investigate a situation and provide solutions and assistance. With her prompt and professional communications with the applicants and eventual students of the College, Freeman is a valuable contributor to the team effort that has resulted in increased graduate enrollment.
Freeman is managing her workload while pursuing her undergraduate degree. She also volunteers for many events, including Lemonade Day, requiring evening and weekend work. She has actively participated as a team mom for the Vigo County Youth Football Association and is now providing oversight and strategic direction for the organization as a whole, as a board member. She participates in many campus activities and attends student-centered events such as art shows, Ring Day and Commencement. Freeman adds considerable value to SMWC.
Carolyn J. Mock Staff Excellence Award
Named after former staff member who served the College from 1986 until her death from cancer in 1998, the Carolyn J. Mock Staff Excellence is presented annually, to a full- or part-time staff member in recognition for going above and beyond normal responsibilities, dedication to their profession and participation in college and community organizations. The recipient of the Carolyn J. Mock Award received a $50 check, five personal days, a parking spot of their choice for a year and an engraved plaque.
LuAnn Malone, assistant registrar for academic records, was presented the 2015 Carolyn J. Mock Staff Excellence Award for her excellent customer service and her respect and enthusiasm for her work. Whether it is a student, staff or faculty member needing assistance, she always finds an answer or solves the problem with care, joy, professionalism and expertise. Malone has served on various staff committees and is a current member of Staff Assembly.
After the campus went through the installation of a new student information system(SIS), one of her nominators wrote, “Obviously the registrar’s office, as well as other areas, have had to deal with massive changes lately. Luann, with all of her help, support and ideas, has helped us all weather these changes. She has truly helped us face these challenges. She deals with the constant changes and updates to our programs and course schedules. She often stays after 5 p.m. to respond to phone calls, and has emailed about courses as late as 7:00 and 7:30 p.m. Her diligence and professionalism and her support of faculty and students are the best.”
After the awards were presented, staff members who received other awards, promotions, or educational advances were recognized. Those in attendance were then given time to give appreciation “shout-outs” to staff members who impact SMWC and their daily work.