“We are here to celebrate, appreciate and thank you for the important work done by all of you," President Geraldine M. Jones says in honoring Cal U staff for their service.
Jeffrey Pritchard Sr., a senior equipment operator, was honored for his 30 years of service along with 62 other staff members who celebrate service milestones.
Service milestones from five to 35 years were recognized at the Staff Recognition Luncheon held May 24 in the Natali Student Center’s Performance Center.
“We could not accomplish the things that we do without the support of all of you,” University President Geraldine M. Jones told staff members. “We are here to celebrate, appreciate and thank you for the important work done by all of you.”
Darla Holley-Holmes, who provides administrative support in the department of Art and Languages, was one of the 30-year honorees.
She worked to launch Cal U Women United and was one of the Spring 2013 Women of the Year selections by the President’s Commission for the Status of Women
"Working at Cal U has allowed me to find my life passion and purpose by serving our students from all walks of life, " she said.
Thirty-year award recipient Dr. Stanley Komacek — who has been at Cal U as a student, professor and administrator — said it has been a privilege to work at the school.
Now the special assistant to the President for Academic Programs, Komacek said even before he enrolled at California State College in the 1970s, he saw how the school helped his parents, aunts and uncles move from difficult and dangerous jobs in the coal and steel industries to professional educators.
“As a former faculty member, I now see how the professional and personal lives of my former students have developed, and I realize again that Cal U continues to provide opportunities for individuals to have meaningful careers that allow them to support their families and their communities,” he said.
The other 30-year recipients included Diane Greenlief (library technician), Gregory Phillippi (carpenter), and Jeffrey Pritchard, Sr. (equipment operator for Administrative Services).
Dr. Karen Amrhein, director of Academic Success Initiatives, was one of the two 35-year recipients along with Leslie Loase, who is retiring from her job as residence hall director for Johnson Hall and Hall E.
Amrhein was attending Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education’s Student Success Network meeting in Harrisburg during the luncheon. She began working at Cal U in 1982.
“Over the years I have observed so many physical changes and an increased emphasis on various initiatives that focus on student success,” she said. “When people ask me why I would work at one place for so long, I tell them it is the people, the students, staff, faculty, my colleagues.
“It's been a great journey for me both professionally and personally, and I will always be thankful that Cal U gave me the opportunity to grow and develop over these last 36 years.”
Komacek, also a former dean and associate provost, believes Cal U will continue to prosper.
“Given the University's current direction under President Jones' leadership, I feel confident Cal U will continue to help individuals realize their dreams,” he said. “I feel fortunate to have been part of this special place for so long.”
President Jones emphasized the staff’s importance moving forward.
“It’s clear that you care about out students and give your best on their behalf each day, and your vice presidents and I will never lose sight of that,” she said.