VCU news

By James Shea

Twelve Virginia Commonwealth University employees were recognized for outstanding service at the annual VCU Staff Senate Awards for Excellence on May 19.

“The awards provide the deserved exposure and recognition of the hard work and extraordinary achievements of staff, which continue to make VCU the great place it is today,” said Saher Randhawa, president of the Staff Senate. “VCU knows that recognition is an important factor in maintaining a great workplace.”

The genesis for the awards can be traced to 2013 when the Staff Senate asked Ken Hudgins, operations specialist at the VCU Operations Center and a member of the senate, to represent the organization on a newly formed committee. He learned that very few awards were designed to recognize staff, so over the next few years a series of awards were developed. The awards focus on six key areas: integrity, diversity and inclusion, new employees, staff advocacy, career achievement and customer service.

Coworkers and staff submitted nominations for the awards, and two winners were selected in each category.

“Your coworkers and associates contributed many positive experiences in support of your nomination,” Hudgins told the audience at the ceremony. “All of us here agree: You have made a lasting impression with your accomplishments and outstanding attributes. We appreciate the fact that you have excelled far above what VCU ever expected of you.”

The Professional Integrity Award

The award is for an individual staff member who promotes and exemplifies VCU’s ethical standards. The employee demonstrates respect, honesty, excellence, responsibility and accountability, stewardship and compliance.

Carla Dannouf

School of Education

Haley Sims

Career Services

The Champion of Diversity and Inclusion Award

The award honors someone at the university who promotes diversity and inclusive excellence. The person shows a commitment to the diverse communities at the university.

Taryn Hayes

School of Pharmacy

Corey Martin

Department of Psychology

The Benchmark Award for New Employees

The award is given to an employee at VCU or VCU Health who has served less than three years. The winner shows promise in a field and has made a large impact on the VCU community.

Cameron Parkins

Department of Health Administration

Mike Puglia

VCU Health Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

The Guiding Star Award for Career Achievement

The award is given to an employee at VCU or VCU Health with 25 or more years of service. The winner is not in a senior leadership position but has dedicated most of their career to the university.

Chris Stephens

School of Medicine

Cheri Stickels

VCU Police Department

The Executive Award for Staff Advocacy

The award is given to an employee who has contributed to the advancement, benefit and well-being of VCU and VCU Health staff. They are extraordinary employees who view staff as valuable members of the university. 

John Venuti

VCU Police Department

Bev Beaver

Facilities Management

The Exceptional Customer Service Award

The award is given to an employee who promotes and exemplifies excellent customer service both internally and externally. It is for employees who work well with customers and have a natural ability for customer service.

Latiesa Barrier

Residential Life & Housing

Margaret Kelland

Facilities Management