Fifteen University of Delaware employees have been honored with Staff Excellence Awards for the fall 2024 semester.

“On behalf of the Blue Hen community, I want to commend these staff members for their commitment and outstanding work,” President Dennis Assanis said. “Our dedicated staff work together to advance the University’s mission and values, and they are key to ensuring that we continue to serve the needs of our students and our society. The University simply would not be the wonderful place it is today without their contributions.”

The recipients were chosen from nominations submitted by supervisors and co-workers. Staff who were nominated but not selected for the fall award will be considered again for future awards, along with new nominees. Faculty are recognized by the Faculty Senate with the annual Faculty Excellence Awards.

“UD is recognized as one of the best employers in Delaware, and we are excited to celebrate some of our many staff members whose contributions make UD such an excellent place to learn and work,” said Melissa Bard, Vice President of Human Resources.

The Staff Excellence Award recipients are:

Distinguished Individual Staff Excellence Award

Jennifer Magaw, Administrative Specialist, Center for Economic Education and Entrepreneurship (CEEE)

Magaw coordinates and manages important University initiatives and programs like Teach Children to Save Day, the Siegfried Youth Leadership Program, the Meaningful Economics Competition and the Personal Finance Challenge. Her colleagues cite her  deep dedication to collaboration, student success, community engagement and program innovation.

Distinguished Team Excellence Award

The College of Arts and Sciences Co-curricular Coaching Team:

• Latoya Watson, Sr. Assistant Dean, Co-Curricular Coaching

• Imani Powell, Manager, Co-Curricular Coaching

• Cyndi Germack, Program Coordinator, Internships (Natural Sciences)

• Joyce Henderson, Program Coordinator, Internships (Social Sciences)

• Lois Stoehr, Program Coordinator, Internships (Arts & Humanities)

The CAS Co-curricular Coaching Team advances student success and career readiness through career coaching and internship opportunities. These experiences are valuable in preparing UD students to successfully navigate competitive job markets and pursue careers in their chosen fields.

Innovation Excellence Award

Student Wellbeing Vending Machine Team:

• Grace Adzuah, Administrative Assistant, Wellbeing Operations

• Mary Barfell, Dispensary Nursing Coordinator, Student Health Services 

• Jessica Estok, Assistant Director, Substance Use Recovery, Student Wellness and Health Promotion 

• Kailey Frounfelker, Student Wellbeing Volunteer, Wellbeing Operations 

• Suzanne Halpin, Building and Facilities Manager, Wellbeing Operations  

• Kristen Hobson, Administrative Assistant, Wellbeing Operations

• Helen Ann Lawless, Director, Strategic Wellbeing and Training, Wellbeing Operations  

• Debbie Rhodunda, Senior Business Administrator, Student Life

This team developed an innovative wellbeing vending machine which is located on the first floor of the Perkins Student Center. The machine provides affordable access to medications and important health-related supplies that may be more difficult to obtain on weekends and evenings, or would be otherwise cost-prohibitive to students. The team has also raised funding to purchase a second machine, and they have plans to establish another vending location on campus. 

Community Advocate Excellence Award

Aisha Emory, Lab Coordinator, Center of Experimental & Applied Economics

Emory’s duties as lab coordinator require her to bring a creative approach to solving problems every day. Her ability to execute projects smoothly and provide logistics support and guidance for students and researchers has ensured success of her team’s research studies. Her colleagues called out her ability to balance competing project demands as “truly remarkable.”

Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to nominate individuals and teams for the spring Staff Excellence Awards. Learn more about the awards and how to submit a nomination online.

The Hen High Five Program is another way to recognize the work of colleagues. Those who are sent a Hen High Five are entered to win a $100 gift card in a monthly raffle. Over the past year, faculty and staff have shared over 1,450 notes of gratitude using the Hen High Five Program, some of which are highlighted in this short video compilation.