On Sunday, Feb. 28, Andrews University held an Employee Awards Virtual Celebration. The event was live-streamed on Andrews University’s Facebook page and the Andrews livestream. The celebration featured readings from the book series What You Do Matters and musical selections. The awards given included Years-of-Service, Daniel A. Augsburger Excellence in Teaching, Siegfried H. Horn Excellence in Research & Creative Scholarship, Faith Engagement, Excellence in Service, and Inaugural J.N. Andrews Service Award.
The event began with an introduction and prayer by President Andrea Luxton, during which she showed appreciation for all staff and faculty of Andrews University. Then, Darcy de Leon (Human Resources) presented the groups who have given 5, 10, 15, and 20 years of service. He then recognized those who received the awards of 25 Years of Service, 30 Years of Service, and 35 Years of Service. Next, Denise Curnutt, kindergarten teacher at Ruth Murdoch Elementary School, read a selection from “What Do You Do With a Chance?”
Following this reading, the Faith Engagement award was presented to Everett Wiles (Visual Art, Communication & Design). Ronesto Pineda (senior, architecture) commented, “Mr. Wiles is a man who brings cheer combined with hard work to the New Life community. His life is one of inspiration to all international students, by leaving a legacy of quality wherever he goes. He will be missed, I know wherever his odyssey leads next will be enriched.” Next, Øystein LaBianca (Social & Behavioral Sciences) and Rhonda Root (Architecture & Interior Design) received the 40 Years of Service award. Ms. Jeannie Wolfer (Teaching, Learning & Curriculum) received the 45 Years of Service award. A reading of “What Do You Do With a Problem?” by Donald Bedney (Development) followed.
A performance of “How Do You Solve a Problem Like Corona?” by Charles Reid (Music) and Julie Reid came next. The song featured creative lyrics sung to the tune of “How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?” by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein. Following the musical piece, the Siegfried H. Horn Excellence in Research & Creative Scholarship award was presented to Dr. Anneris Coria-Navia (Teaching, Learning & Curriculum) and Chi Yong Yun (Music). The Daniel A. Augsburger Excellence in Teaching award was given to Vanessa Corredera (English) and Cedric Vine (New Testament). One student, Abigail Lee (freshman, sociology) said, “Dr. Corredera is the kind of professor that you’ll remember for the rest of your life. Although I have only taken one class with her so far, I eagerly anticipate the many more that I will hopefully get to take with her. From Honors to English, Dr. Corredera shares a passion and drive towards discussion that is contagious for students.” Then, Myrna Araujo-Constantine (Music) read a selection from “What Do You Do With an Idea?”
After the reading, Andrew Fisher (Staff, Citadel Community School of Music) performed the musical piece “I’ve Got a Great Idea,” by Harry Connick Jr., with modified lyrics. Daniel Hamstra (Information Technology Services) was then presented the J.N. Andrews Service award. Dr. Janine Lim ( Education & International Services), Benjamin Panigot (Campus Safety), and A’Lisa Sorensen (Lamson Hall) received the Excellence in Service award. A student dean, Autumn Bange (senior, mathematics education) commented, “I have had the pleasure of working for Dean Sorensen for almost three years. Something I really appreciate is how much Dean Sorensen cares for each of the residents and student workers. I admire her leadership in the dorm and value everything she has done before and during COVID-19 to make sure things run smoothly. ” Mr. Leon made some closing remarks, and Artur Stele (Chair, Andrews University Board of Trustees) gave a closing prayer.
The award recipients can be seen at https://www.andrews.edu/services/hr/employeeawards/. Make sure to congratulate all who received an award and show appreciation to all Andrews University employees.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.