Busses shuttled university employees to the Marian H. Rochelle Gateway Center on April 18 for a morning of recognition and celebration of the achievements of campus staff.
The celebration featured several keynote speakers, including President Ed Seidel, ASUW President Hunter Swilling, and Staff Senate President Chris Maki.
“Every single one of you makes a difference and I am so thankful that each one of you are here doing the hard work that you’re doing,” Maki said.
“I know that we don’t get enough appreciation and we don’t get enough praise and we don’t always get to be seen on the little things that we do that make the big difference for our students on campus, our faculty as well.”
Provost and Executive Vice President Kevin Carman also came before the large crowd to share his appreciation of the UW Staff.
“I just want to add my congratulations to everyone who was recognized here today. Those who were nominated, those who received the awards, and really all of you for all that you do for this university,” Carman said.
“I understand that it often feels, sometimes, like a thankless job that you do. Please know how much we appreciate what you do and how valuable it is. It’s critically important to this university. So thank you for all that you do and all that you have done.”
Several staff members were recognized with awards for their hard work and positive attitudes throughout the ceremony.
A highlight of the ceremony was the Employee of the Year award, given to the employee that demonstrates a high quality of work, initiative and desire for improving work methods and working conditions in their environment, and impact within the department, division, or University as a whole.
Jess Wilford, Manager of the Step Tutor Center, received the award, along with a $2,000 cash prize from UniWyo Federal Credit Union and a $2,500 travel voucher from Pepsi.
Carman also shared his appreciation of the Staff Senate.
“I just want to say how incredibly impressed I am with the engagement of the staff and the staff senate and those of you who’ve served on the senate,” Carman said.
“It has really been remarkable to see how the staff has stepped up on so many important and critical issues for our university and weighed in and supported and raised questions where questions needed to be raised.”
“Please know that I consider the staff as really part of a three-legged stool of governance at the university along with the students and the faculty,” Carman said. “Your input and your guidance on issues that are critical in this university are absolutely essential and highly valued.”
