OSPREY Awards Celebrates Faculty and Staff
This year's Employee Recognition Day included the first-ever OSPREY Awards and celebrated milestones such as Patty Weeks' 50th year working at Stockton University.
Galloway, N.J. – Faculty and staff were honored for the positive impact they have on Stockon University’s campus during the inaugural OSPREY Awards Ceremony on Thursday, May 2.
The ceremony was held before the annual Employee Recognition Day in the Sports Center.
Nelida Valentin ‘86, chair of Stockton’s Board of Trustees, welcomed faculty and staff to the program. She emphasized that the people there are “the heart and soul” of Stockton and praised them for the impact they make on students.
“Your tireless efforts not only sustain but elevate Stockton to new heights in academic distinction and institutional success,” Valentin said. “As a Stockton alumna, I hold in my heart that it is because of all of you, no matter what function you have in this university, that you’ve made my life and my future possible. We have Commencement coming up, and we’ll see a whole new generation of students be joyful that they’ve come here for their academic career and are able to move on to bigger and better things, and it’s because of you all that that is possible.”
President Joe Bertolino and Executive Vice President Terricita Sass both echoed Valentin’s sentiments about faculty and staff contributions to the campus climate.
“You all are the reason that our students are walking across the stage next week,” Bertolino said. “We want you all to know that we appreciate you and the work that you do. Whether in Facilities and Plant or in the President’s Office, you matter to this institution and to our students.”
“President Joe and I are now in the final season of our ‘firsts’ – this is our first Employee Recognition Day and our inaugural OSPREY Awards,” Sass said before beginning a round of applause for the awards planning committee. “Listening to the individuals around me talking about how much they cared about their colleagues and about Stockton and our students, I just want to let you know that it is seen and heard. Thank you all so much for this year.”
Following the awards was a special video presentation and a continuation of celebrating employee milestones ranging from five years at Stockton to 50 years.
The complete list of awards and honorees includes:
- Top OSPREY Awards – Helana Girgis, assistant professor of Psychology, and Craig Stambaugh, assistant vice president of Engagement and Community Development.
- Change Agent Awards – Heather McGovern, professor of Writing & First-Year Studies, and Maria Spade, coordinator of Adaptive Technology Services.
- Community Engagement Awards – Adam Aguiar, associate professor of Biology, and Ana Edmondson, assistant vice president for Student Transition, Access and Retention.
- Unsung Hero Awards – Loretta Mooney, assistant professor of Social Work & MSW; Jessica Fleck, professor of Psychology; and Joseph Maguire, assistant Women’s Rowing coach
- Innovation Award – Jennifer Aarons, assistant professor of Hospitality, Tourism and Event Management
- Pride of Stockton Awards – George Smith Jr. and Timothy Kandle of Plant Management
- “Consider It Done” Administrative Professional Award – Shawn Manuola in the William T. Daly School of General Studies
– Story by Loukaia Taylor
– Photos by Susan Allen
