UMW employees took a few moments out of their busy fall schedules to come together for lunch, prizes, awards and some fellowship at the 2024 Employee Appreciation Luncheon.
“This is a wonderful occasion that I look forward to every year because it gives me an opportunity to say thank you to employees for the work they do,” said UMW President Troy Paino. “The work can often go unseen but is so critically important to the success of the University.”
Faculty and staff from all departments gathered at the event, held Tuesday Oct. 15 in the Cedric Rucker University Center’s Chandler Ballroom. Employees were presented with raffle prizes as well as hard-earned service awards, including three University Staff Council (USC) Awards, which are named for Larry Atkins; one Charles Coleman Memorial Service Award; and one Richard V. and Rosemary A. Hurley Presidential Commendation.
USC award winner Shannon Petska was praised by colleagues as “the definition of going above and beyond for one’s position.” As exhibition coordinator, Petska manages the display and care of the University’s art collection in its two on-campus galleries. According to her backers, “to know Petska is to know she gets things done; we could not do all that we do without her tireless commitment and enthusiasm.”
As an accounts payable specialist, USC award winner Laura Temple is also known for going above and beyond in her work. According to colleagues, what stands out about Temple is “her patience, her clear communication, and her willingness to help; she also often sets aside current tasks to help flustered fellow workers.”
USC award winner Peter Catlin has worked diligently in the Simpson Library for 14 years as a research and instruction librarian who also teaches numerous research workshops, from FSEMs to 300+-level courses. Catlin is a well-known and respected leader whose colleagues say is “authentic, honest, welcoming, fair-minded, and works well with both students and faculty, with enthusiasm and positive energy.”
The Coleman Award, recognizing a classified or hourly employee’s dedication and service to UMW, was presented to Kenny Horning. A theatre production specialist, Horning has been a steadfast and loyal employee of UMW since 2008. Nominators applauded Horning for “regularly helping people all over campus, offering his skills to assist wherever is needed. We are fortunate to work with someone who believes deeply in what we do.”
The Hurley Award for exceptionally meritorious service was presented to Marion Sanford. As James Farmer Multicultural Center director and assistant vice president for student affairs, Sanford has been at UMW since 2011 hitting the ground running on a host of initiatives, including planning and implementing the Cultural Awareness Series of events, which includes 15 cultural celebrations throughout the year.
“Dr. Sanford has maintained steadfast dedication to the University’s mission in many ways,” said nominators, who recognized her for equipping students with the tools they need to make a positive impact in the world and for being a person of the highest personal and institutional integrity. They said, “there is nothing she would not do for Mary Washington; she is one of the best people we know.”
In conclusion, Paino praised employees for “their sense of service and commitment to this University, but also the people and students they serve; it’s part of what makes Mary Washington so special, so I thank each and every one of them.”
Next year’s Employee Appreciation Luncheon is on the calendar for Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025.
Congratulations Laura, you always go above and beyond.