Staff and Faculty Receive Recognition and Gratitude at Employee Appreciation Luncheon

The first chill of fall was in the air early this week, but inside the University of Mary Washington’s Chandler Ballroom, camaraderie and collegiality brought warmth to the annual Employee Appreciation Luncheon.

Staff and faculty from across campus gathered for a buffet-style meal, conversation with colleagues, and awards and door prizes, including a pop-up cinema kit and an inflatable kayak. But the honors bestowed on UMW’s dedicated and hard-working employees stole the show.

Associate Provost for Community Relations and Compliance Shavonne Shorter, also an associate professor of communication, emceed the event with help from the equally exuberant Shanita Mitchell, assistant director of the Student Transition, Access and Retention program known as STARS. Held Tuesday, Oct. 14, the luncheon and awards ceremony recognized winners of the University Staff Council’s (USC) Larry Atkins Award, along with the Coleman and Hurley Awards.

“It is truly a pleasure to stand before you today as we gather to recognize and celebrate the outstanding contributions of UMW’s most valuable resource – YOU,” USC President and Accounts Payable Manager Lauren Bass told the crowd.

Associate Provost for Community Relations and Compliance Shavonne Shorter brought her exuberant energy to her post as emcee of the Employee Appreciation Luncheon. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

Staff and faculty who attended the Employee Appreciation Luncheon received UMW beanies. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

Associate Provost for Community Relations and Compliance Shavonne Shorter brought her exuberant energy to her post as emcee of the Employee Appreciation Luncheon. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

She announced a trio of winners of the Atkins Award, named for former Mary Washington employee Larry Atkins to recognize those who represent University-wide values, including integrity and service, and who are “unsung heroes,” always ready to go above and beyond, while maintaining a positive attitude.

James Monroe Museum Guide Jay Harrison took the prize in the Wage Employee Category. Known for his impressive and enduring portrayal of the nation’s fifth president, Harrison works full time as a community programs assistant at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C.

“Jay Harrison, who so often enlightens and entertains history lovers in the guise of a Founding Father,” his nominator said, “is also an asset to the James Monroe Museum and the University of Mary Washington when he plays the most important role of his lifetime – himself.”

Assistant Director of Financial Aid Alicia Tisdale, often charged with the formidable task of evaluating FAFSAs, received the Atkins Award in the Classified Employee Category. “In a world of hard conversations, Alicia takes them on directly,” a nominator said. “She is upbeat, encouraging, honest, and seeks solutions.”

Described by her colleagues as an agent of change focused on continuous growth, Tisdale recently worked to offer Germanna students a smooth matriculation into Mary Washington’s BSN program and has been tasked with renewing her department’s focus on customer service.

Director of Donor Relations in Advancement Maureen Aylward claimed the Atkins Award in the A/P Faculty Category. In her former role as associate director of advancement services, said a nominator, “Maureen ensured that each interaction with donors made them feel valued and appreciated.”

Described as a mentor and cheerleader with an open, friendly demeanor, Aylward encourages campus-wide collaboration, ensuring that funds are used according to donors’ wishes. A USC member, she seeks opportunities for Advancement and Alumni Engagement to make meaningful contributions to the Fredericksburg and campus communities.

Accounts Payable Manager Lauren Bass (right), who is also president of the University Staff Council, poses with James Monroe Museum Guide Jay Harrison, who received the USC’s Larry Atkins Award in the Wage Employee Category. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

Accounts Payable Manager Lauren Bass (right), who is also president of the University Staff Council, poses with Assistant Director of Financial Aid Alicia Tisdale, who received the USC’s Larry Atkins Award in the Classified Employee Category. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

Accounts Payable Manager Lauren Bass (right), who is also president of the University Staff Council, poses with Director of Donor Relations in Advancement Maureen Aylward, who received the USC’s Larry Atkins Award in the A/P Faculty Category. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

The Richard V. Hurley and Rosemary A. Hurley Presidential Commendation Award honors employees who lead by example, perform meritorious service to the University, demonstrate strength of character and maintain steadfast dedication to the University’s mission. The award’s benefactors are the Class of 1950’s Elmer and Marceline Weatherly Morris. Finalists were received and selected by President Paino, who was unable to attend this week’s event.

Associate Vice President of Alumni and Donor Engagement Mark Thaden won the award, receiving five separate nominations from employees in his department. Thaden was praised for his unwavering commitment to collaboration and excellence in his quest to connect alumni back to the University, mentor students and strengthen philanthropic support, all while maintaining a spirit of kindness.

“Alumni and donors frequently cite Mark and his team as a key reason they remain connected to Mary Washington and continue to support today’s students and programs,” a nominator said. “He doesn’t just do his job – he remembers the small things, leads with empathy and makes people feel like they matter.”

The Charles Coleman Service Award recognizes employees who demonstrate loyalty and dedication to the University, care and concern for others, and a positive “can do” attitude. Nominations were received and selected by past Coleman winners.

Student Life Office Manager and Fiscal Technician Mary Bullock received this year’s honor for her commitment to balancing a desire to serve students and staff with UMW’s institutional need to comply with state policies. Colleagues recognized her initiative and emotional investment in her work, along with her kindness and patience.

“Mary is warm, caring and funny,” a nominator said. “Students love coming to see her, sometimes to do business, sometimes just to check in, and she is always welcoming.”

Vice President for Student Affairs Mike Walsh shares a laugh with Dean of Students Melissa Jones at Employee Appreciation Luncheon. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

From left to right: Digital Knowledge Center Associate Director Shannon Hauser, Center for Prevention and Education Director Marissa Miller and Digital Learning Support Director Jerry Slezak chat during the Employee Appreciation Luncheon. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

Director of Transfer Advising Charles Tate (left) speaks with Executive Director of UMW Museums Scott Harris. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

Student Transition, Access and Retention Assistant Director Shanita Mitchell prepares to door prizes to lucky winners during the Employee Appreciation Luncheon. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

Director of First Year Admissions Sarah Lindberg cheers on her colleagues at the Employee Appreciation Luncheon. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

Executive Director of Human Resources Beth Williams addresses the crowd at the Employee Appreciation Luncheon behind a cutout of President Paino, who was unable to attend the event. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

Director of Community Events Ali Hieber addresses the crowd at the Employee Appreciation Luncheon. Photo by Karen Pearlman.

Student Transition, Access and Retention Assistant Director Shanita Mitchell (left) encourages Talley Center Staff Counselor Demi Thompson, who won the grand prize during the luncheon’s ‘Price is Right’ competition – a pop-up cinema kit. Photo by Karen Pearlman.