Six Elon staff members were recognized for their outstanding contributions to the university at a May 25 awards program during the annual staff appreciation celebration in Alumni Gymnasium.
Six Elon university employees were honored on May 25 for their contributions to the university in the annual awards program in Alumni Gymnasium attended by hundreds of staff members.
The Phoenix Innovation Award is presented to a member of the Elon staff who has displayed innovation by creating, designing, improving or implementing a new idea or program that benefits the university or our community. The 2018 award was presented to Casey Hayes, student information systems specialist.
The Phoenix Rising Award is presented to one newer member of the Elon staff who has consistently displayed excellence in pursuit of the Elon Commitment with an engaged mind, inspired leadership and global citizenship. The 2018 award was presented to Deidra Smith, associate director of alumni engagement.
The Phoenix Community Engagement Award is presented to a member of the Elon staff who has demonstrated exemplary service to the university, local or global community through engagement in volunteer organizations. The award was presented to Mike LaPlaca, assistant sports turf manager.
Amy Woods, campus visit coordinator, was named Professional Hourly Staff Member of the Year; Maggie Mullikin, coordinator of graduate outreach and special programs, was named Administrative Staff Member of the Year; and Nicki Elliott, distribution services associate, was named Physical Plant Staff Member of the Year.
Three staff members were also recognized on stage for their retirements from the university — Lorraine Allen, director of accounting; Billy Crayton, shuttle bus operator; and Robert Buchholz, associate vice president for facilities management and director of physical plant.
Other staff retiring this year include Judy Bowes, Kay Carroll, Burce Nelson and Linda Wegwart. More information about this year’s staff retirees is available here.
The 2018 staff day program included entertainment by rhythm and blues group Charlie Thomas and the Drifters.