More than 200 Lander University employees were on hand May 15 for the school's 18th annual Staff Excellence Awards breakfast.
Created in 2001 to honor all staff members and to recognize those who have gone above and beyond their regular professional duty, the awards breakfast includes all non-faculty Lander staff departments, offices and special services employees.
"It's a wonderful opportunity to bring all of the staff together for fellowship, and to appreciate them for their service and dedication to Lander and its students," said Elly Deal, human resources coordinator. "Award nominations are submitted by colleagues, and winners are selected by the President's Cabinet."
The five winners for 2018 were:
• Zach Helms, assistant director of Housing & Residence Life;
• Doug Mikeal, technical director with Special Events;
• Jennifer Mathis, executive director, Office of Admissions;
• Christopher Giles, director of Veteran Services; and
• Maria Scott, graphic designer with University Relations and Publications.
"I'm getting ready to start my 15th year with Lander, and this award really made my day," said Scott, who also won one of 33 door prizes at the breakfast. "It's always nice to be recognized for what you do, and I think I'll celebrate this for a while."
When the breakfast was over, people mingled, took pictures, viewed an employee slideshow, and, in some cases, were already looking forward to next year's event.
"The awards breakfast is something that all employees look forward to," said Human Resources director Jeannie McCallum, whose department organized the event. "And I hope we'll be able to make it better and better each year. We have great employees at Lander."