Five University of Mary Washington employees earned awards during this week’s annual appreciation luncheon for their extraordinary contributions to students and the University community as a whole.
More than 250 faculty and staff members joined in the applause and appreciation at the event, held Tuesday in the Cedric Rucker University Center’s Chandler Ballroom.
“It’s wonderful to get a chance to come together across so many areas,” said UMW President Troy Paino, who made it his personal mission to visit with each department during the first half of the fall semester. “It was so rewarding to learn about the amazing things you each do and your commitment to the institution.”
That commitment stood out in the five award winners for 2023:
John Hughey, Anna Hollrah and Allison Smith won the University Staff Council’s Larry Atkins Award, recognizing UMW’s “unsung heroes.”
Colleagues called Assistant Director of Residence Life and Housing John Hughey “an incredible person and a shining example of what it means to be a team player” in his work to support residential students. Many of the department’s services and programs were created at least in part by Hughey, his nomination said, and he’s been instrumental in their implementation. One champion said that just thinking about everything Hughey does makes them exhausted.
Program Support Technician Anna Hollrah works for the Office of Academic Services, where she manages the front window and is often the point of contact for students, faculty, staff and parents with questions and concerns. Her nomination describes her as calm, empathetic, solution-driven and committed to customer service. Colleagues also commended Hollrah for her willingness to take on new roles, including her work to support Honor Convocation in August.
Administrative and Office Specialist Allison Smith joined Academic Services early last year. In her support of front-window operations – including in-person, phone and email inquiries – she’s described as a hard-worker with a problem-solving approach that keeps concerns from escalating. Colleagues say she exudes customer service and pitches in on projects, including leading the effort to use analytics to assess the impact of peer-led support programs.
Winners of the 2023 Charles Coleman and Richard V. and Rosemary A. Hurley awards also were announced.
The Coleman Award, recognizing a classified or hourly employee’s dedication and service to UMW, was presented to Senior Student Success Coordinator Brian Strecker.
In his role with Academic Services, he supports students with underperforming GPAs, helping them return to good academic standing and find their full potential. Nominators applauded Strecker for taking “a thoughtful approach with each student” and “always providing a path forward.” Commended for attending student activities and athletics events, Strecker is always willing to take on extra duties, his nomination said, including advising the Catholic Campus Ministry.
The Hurley Award for exceptionally meritorious service and character went to Simpson Library’s Head of Special Collections and Digital Scholarship Angie Kemp.
“So much of Angie’s work centers around ethical archiving,” said nominators, who praised her for creating policies to guide the UMW community in making responsible decisions about their digital footprints. Colleagues lauded Kemp for making beneficial connections across campus, for her involvement in initiatives like the Venus Jones oral history project and the Fredericksburg Civil Rights Trail, and for her service as an inspirational instructor and student aide supervisor. “She respects and values each voice in our collections and in our community,” the nomination said, “and carefully stewards the story they tell.”
