VCU news

By James Irwin

Linda Bagby remembers her first days at Virginia Commonwealth University. It was 1972. Bagby’s office didn’t have computers.

“I used a typewriter with the carbon paper and the white out,” said Bagby, an employment specialist at VCU Health human resources. “[I’ll] never forget it, typing in that office. And when the computers came, I think they forgot to give us the printers, because I used to print stuff thinking there was some [place] in the office and the [print] would come out upstairs in the nursing education building.”

Bagby, celebrating her 45th anniversary at VCU this year, was one of many employees honored Wednesday at the 46th annual service awards reception, an event recognizing faculty and staff for their ongoing service to the university and VCU Health and featuring remarks from VCU President Michael Rao, Ph.D., Faculty Senate President Scott Street, Ph.D., and Staff Senate President Lauren Katchuk.

“What I love about VCU — and therefore what I love about all of you, because you are VCU — is that you are committed to doing those difficult things that very few others are willing to do,” Rao said in welcoming remarks. “You are always thinking ahead about what this university needs to be, about what Richmond needs to be — and can be — going forward. Thank you for what you are doing.”

Rao, Street and Katchuk presented annual awards for notable service and achievement Wednesday. Faculty and staff celebrating from five to 45 years of service were honored at the event.

“The faculty and staff we are recognizing today are instrumental in helping VCU achieve its strategic goals and vision,” Street said. “Your contributions have resulted in the institution being nationally ranked in its academic programs and medical center, research, scholarly productivity and engagement with the communities we serve.”

Employees recognized included annual recipients of the Dorris Douglas Budd Award, the President’s Award of Excellence, the President’s Outstanding Achievement Awards and the President’s Service Excellence Awards:

Dorris Douglas Budd Award (outstanding administrative and support staff who demonstrate exemplary performance and enhance the image and mission of the university and medical center): Deborah Wamsley, Mother/Infant Care Unit

Award of Excellence: Catherine Howard, Division of Community Engagement

Outstanding Achievement (accomplishments that have resulted in significant benefits to the institution): Jennifer Carmean, University Relations Gregory Felton, VCU Police

Service Excellence (highest level of customer service): Konjit Chitty, Human Resources Ann Compton, Internal Medicine

 

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