VCU news

At the 44th annual Service Awards reception, faculty and staff of Virginia Commonwealth University and VCU Health were recognized for their ongoing service to the university.

VCU President Michael Rao, Ph.D., was on stage to present the awards alongside VCU Faculty Senate President Holly Alford and VCU Staff Senate President Sania Marcoccia. Faculty and staff celebrating from five to 55 years of service were honored, as were the recipients of the President’s Awards and the Dorris Douglas Budd Award. 

Alford told the faculty and staff in attendance that they have been “instrumental in helping the institution achieve its mission and goals through VCU’s strategic plan – Quest for Distinction.” 

“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,” she said. “It is your continued commitment and dedication that upholds the institution’s standing as a preeminent public, urban research university and teaching hospital.” 

Awards this year included:

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):

Shirley Beavers, Cardiac Surgery Intensive Care Unit, VCU Health

President’s Award of Excellence:

Napoleon Peoples, Ph.D., retired associate dean of student affairs, VCU Health MCV Campus
 

President’s Achievement Awards (accomplishments that have resulted in significant benefits to the institution):

Amy Taloma, assistant director of programs, Division for Health Sciences Diversity

Terrence Walker, administrative assistant, University Counseling Services

President’s Service Excellence Awards (highest level of customer service):

Thom Didato, graduate programs adviser, Department of English, College of Humanities and Sciences

Donald Howe, senior contract and grant administrator, Office of Research and Innovation

50-year service awards:

Bernice Eaton, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine

Betsy Bampton, Ed.D., School of Nursing

Ed Blanks, School of Continuing and Professional Education

55-year service award:

James Pollock, Construction Management

Feature image at top: Shirley Beavers, who works in the Cardiac Surgery Intensive Care Unit at VCU Health, was the recipient of the Dorris Douglas Budd Award at the Service Awards this year. VCU President Michael Rao, Ph.D., presented her with the award.