Eastern Mennonite University presented four Royal Awards for Staff Performance during fall semester 2021. The awardees are selected from nominations of staff or administrators who have shown exceptional performance, and/or gone above and beyond the regular focus of their work to improve EMU.
The awardees for the months of November and December 2021 are Stephanie Mason, administrative assistant in Roselawn and Julie Siegfried, interim executive director and director of operations, EMU Lancaster. The awardees for the months of September and October 2021 are Diane Farrar, office coordinator in the Suter Science Center and Luke Litwiller, senior admissions counselor.
Each of these EMU staff members demonstrated excellence in both leadership and support of academic programs, faculty and students at EMU.
Diane Farrar’s nominations highlighted the many ways she supports academic programs, faculty and students at EMU. Her attention to detail and strong organization and problem-solving skills are greatly appreciated and applauded by everyone in the School of Science, Engineering, Art and Nursing as demonstrated by this example:
Diane’s attention to detail, efficiency and overall hard work keep the science center and all its many programs running smoothly. She juggles many other responsibilities (ACE festival, intellectual life committee etc) and manages to do it all with a smile.
Luke Litwiller’s nominations commended him for the ways he successfully kept some key admissions processes going while the Admissions Office experienced staffing shortages. Luke was also recognized for the many ways he helps to create a welcoming environment on campus, as shared by one person:
Luke is a very down to earth person, and he goes above and beyond in working to make EMU a stronger and more welcoming campus. Not only does he work hard in admissions, going the extra mile and helping everyone, but he does so in other aspects of campus as well.
Stephanie Mason’s nominations highlighted the many ways she supports faculty and academic programs across three different schools. Her knowledge of the institution and ability to build relationships are greatly appreciated as demonstrated by this example:
Stephanie serves faculty in all three schools, who happen to have offices in Roselawn 2nd and 3rd floors. As I meet with faculty from my school I hear over and over again how very helpful Stephanie is and how much they appreciate her willingness to seek them out.
Stephanie only began at EMU this fall but already she knows more about how things get done than many people who have been here a long time. The time she takes to develop relationships with everyone on her floors is well spent – people feel they can rely on her to be helpful and cheerful!
Julie Siegfried’s nominations applauded her for her excellent leadership with two successful software implementation processes: Salesforce for EMU Lancaster and Paycom. Julie’s top-notch project management and problem-solving skills have made an impact across the university. Here’s appreciation expressed by one colleague:
Julie stepped in to learn Paycom well enough to be able to instruct us deans’ assistants, and she generously spends time meeting weekly with us to answer our questions.
Julie responds in a timely manner to search member team questions when they can’t log in. Julie goes above and beyond, and I am so thankful!
The Royal Award committee of Lori Gant, Sarah Gant, Ericka Gingerich, Bill Goldberg, Marcia Myers, and Jon Styer solicited nominations from the EMU community. Each winner will receive a certificate and a gold EMU token to display at their desk. Each has a choice of a $50 Lion’s Share card, a $50 Common Grounds gift card or a $50 Amazon gift card.
EMU faculty are recognized with annual Excellence in Teaching Awards. View honorees from 2021 and 2020..
Congratulations, Julie. Remember our time back in the days? You well deserve this recognition.