GW Honors Staff Service in Unified Celebration

More than 330 GW employees were recognized in two award ceremonies held Dec. 1 and 2 in the Marvin Center—the first ever honoring service milestones for staff across the University community.

“The unified service awards ceremony underscores the contributions of each member of the staff,” says Val Berry, vice president for human resources. “Regardless of employees’ position, unit, or division, we acknowledge the importance of their contributions toward making GW a world-class institution. Staff are the backbone of the University and we appreciate their dedicated hard work and commitment.”

While individual schools and divisions have honored employees’ service for more than two decades, this year the Division of Human Resources held its inaugural University-wide program as part of President Steven Knapp’s initiative to build community, explains Sharon Lincoln, director of employee training and development. “We hope it will be a new tradition,” she adds.

On Dec. 1, employees celebrating their five-, 10-, and 15-year anniversaries at GW gathered in the Marvin Center Grand Ballroom, where Dr. Knapp and vice presidents paid tribute to their service and recalled moments in GW’s history for each group’s start year. After the ceremony, employees enjoyed a buffet reception complete with hot entrees, drinks, and desserts.

“It was like a gathering of old friends,” says Darlene Babil, receptionist for University Relations, who was recognized for 10 years of employment at GW. “I saw a lot of people I knew but didn’t always know we had started at the same time. Since we’re all in different offices, this was one of the few occasions when we can catch up.”

The following day employees marking milestones from 20 to 40 years were honored with a banquet lunch. Dr. Knapp and vice presidents thanked employees for their service and gave special recognition to two staff members celebrating 40 years of employment at GW: Charlene Bickford, research associate with the First Federal Congress Project, and Jesse Henderson, vehicle mechanic.

“Since GW is such a large institution and most of us come into contact with a relatively small number of employees and/or offices, the luncheon was a wonderful opportunity to come together and celebrate a group of staff members who have helped to build and strengthen this institution in diverse and important ways,” says Bickford.

“I’ve benefited greatly from my long-term association with GW and feel very grateful to have found a professional position that is both challenging and enjoyable for my life work,” she adds.

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