On April 23, 2020, Staff Council Vice President Wagane Diadhiou announced the 2020 Staff Members of the Year:
Brenda Baker, School of Psychology, Family, and Community office manager and assistant to the dean, was named the 2020 Oral V Hemry Non-Exempt Staff Member of the Year.
Wrote her nominators: Brenda’s demonstration of faith is not only seen through everything she does at SPU but also through her participation in several volunteering events outside of campus. She’s “positive, generous, kind, collaborative and truly a model of selfless, Christ-like service.”
She isn’t afraid to take initiative in order to provide considerable support for her area. Through her role, she has been able to navigate between “website development, mentoring and supervising student workers, tech support to faculty, and countless others.” Brenda was also able to “create processes and structures” that staff and faculty from her area found very helpful. She’s been able to “demonstrate service in every aspect of her position, especially as it encompasses so many different roles.”
When it comes to modeling grace-filled community, one colleague said that Brenda “truly epitomizes grace-filled excellence, collegiality, and versatility.” Her connection to her peers is undeniable as colleagues describe her as the backbone of SPFC.
Ron Haight, director of music technology in the Music Department, was named the 2020 Exempt Staff Member of the Year.
Wrote his nominators: “Ron lives out his faith in every moment and every interaction.” He embodies “kindness, love for all, grace, humility, and generosity” and a sense of community. One colleague noted that if they could nominate them for “sainthood” they would.
Ron also demonstrates competence, skill, and initiative through his knowledge of cutting-edge technology. His attention to details always shows in the quality of his work and people have expressed their joy in working with him. Ron worked with “CIS and ETM to build livestream capability here and at SPU.”
He’s also is a great team player and people from his department mention him as” the ultimate colleague.” His willingness to take initiative during events shows his genuine care for his community and peers at SPU.
He also has demonstrated great leadership skills, especially with his work with students in the music department and is always available to provide guidance and to teach students new skills. He is “an outstanding audio engineer” as mentioned by one of his colleagues. Both his artistic and technical skills are something students can learn from. He always shows a great attitude when asked to provide help for department and campus events and he always delivers.
Join us in congratulating Brenda and Ron!
Find out more about these awards.
Posted: Monday, April 27, 2020