Photographer: Ben SiegelPresident Nellis poses with recent retirees Jane Vaughn (center) and Bonnie Behm-Geddes (right)
Ohio University thanked 60 employees for their dedicated service on Wednesday during the 26th annual Classified Service Awards Ceremony. Classified Senate and University Human Resources sponsored the event held in Walter Hall Rotunda.
Employees were recognized for completing 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 years of service. Honorees received a special gift according to their years of service.
President Dr. M. Duane Nellis attended the ceremony and thanked the employees for their outstanding service.
"We couldn’t be the institution we are today without the tremendous support that each of you provide,” President Nellis said. “I’ve worked at various other universities across the country, and around different regions of the country as well, and I instantly recognized what a special place this is and what truly distinguishes this institution from all the rest are the people. It’s truly from the heart, the people here, including the people in this room, are difference makers and they care, genuinely care about the success of this institution and care about each other, and are supportive of each other. They really, truly are a part of a family.”
Colleen Bendl, OHIO chief human resource officer, recognized three retirees with certificates and a gift: Bonnie Behm-Geddes, administrative assistant, 30 years; Barb Palmer, administrative services assistant, 31 years; Jane Vaughn, telecommunications specialist, 30 years.
Eastern Campus Library Director Brad Cecil celebrated his 35-year employment milestone this year. Unfortunately, he couldn’t attend the ceremony. Thirteen employees were recognized for 30 years of service, including Christina King, Sharon Ball and Christi Gang.
King is an accounting support senior specialist for the Finance Department and establishes and maintains records for all suppliers and payees. She feels the key to her longevity is enjoying the people she works with and liking her job.
“I enjoy working with people and the sense of accomplishment that comes from helping make sure they receive their expected payment from Ohio University,” said King. “I believe Ohio University is a great place to work with many benefits and a sense of security.”
Ball, an administrative specialist in the Dean’s Office at the College of Fine Arts, plans faculty and leadership retreats and helps manage The Ridges Auditorium.
“I work with great deans and coworkers, including our school directors and their awesome administrative assistants,” Ball said. “They are all the glue to a great college, which has some of the most fantastic students and alumni that have ever walked through our campus gates.”
Gang, a records management specialist at the Career and Leadership Development Center, assists students and potential employers in interviewing and hiring procedures.
“Many of our students come back to campus as recruiting employers,” Gang said. “It means a lot seeing how they have grown, what they are doing and that they do give back. Once you’re a Bobcat you always come home.”
Gang’s husband owns a motorcycle shop in Hocking County where she will spend her time once she’s retires in the fall of 2019.
“There will be a lot of traveling on my retirement present to myself, a Harley,” Gang said.
Dr. Chaden Djalali, OHIO’s first-year executive vice president and provost, recognized how significant the Classified Senate Awards are by sharing that 1,300 collective years of service were recognized at the ceremony.
“You play a critical role in making the time at Ohio University a positive, high-quality learning experience for the students we serve and also for the faculty and the administrators,” Dr. Djalali said. “You help make their educational programs operate, you help make their support services possible, many of you are front-line providers of those services and many of you supervise students in their first real-world work experience. Interactions they have with you on the job are going to influence them throughout their professional lives. The consistency of your dedication is a major part of what makes Ohio University so unique and so special. You are part of the heart and soul of this great university.”
Classified Senate Chair Amanda Graham said she appreciated the attendance of President Nellis and Executive Vice President and Provost Djalali and thanked them for taking time out of their busy schedules to honor the classified employees.
The ceremony ended with a raffle where the honorees won outstanding door prizes. President Nellis also joined the honorees for group photos by years of service.
For more information about Classified Senate, visit https://www.ohio.edu/csen/
Photographer: Ben SiegelPresident Nellis poses with the 30 years of service group of classified employees
Photographer: Ben SiegelNew Executive Vice President and Provost Dr. Chaden Djalali thanks the employees for their service