USA recognizes employees for outstanding service, dedication to the University

Over 741 employees were recognized at the Mitchell Center on Sept. 16 for outstanding service and years employed at the University of South Alabama. The Annual Employee Service Recognition Program, hosted by USA President Gordon Moulton, is a ceremony dedicated to honoring USA employees who have earned outstanding service awards or who have been with the University for certain numbers of years. Each employee reaching five, 10, 15 or 20 years received honorary pins for their records, while those reaching 25, 30 or more years received medallions. Moulton gave a warm welcome to the honorees. "This day is a tradition to look back on your service and recognize your contribution to our community," he said. "Our success depends on your dedication and loyalty, your diverse skills, backgrounds and training, and your ability to apply these attributes to the task at hand." Moulton showed two short videos consisting of news clips from various local media stations highlighting some of the major changes taking place on campus over the last year -- changes like the drive for the inclusion of football, the groundbreaking ceremony for the field house, the new Jaguar Athletics logo and the groundbreaking of the Alumni Bell Tower were all highlighted within the first video. The second video highlighted the winners of the 25-year medallions and other achievements made by USA employees. The pin ceremony came next, followed by the presentation of the USA National Alumni Association Awards. Among these coveted awards are the Andy and Carol Denny National Alumni Excellence in Teaching Award, which was awarded to Dr. William Brad Davis of the department of biomedical sciences; the USA National Alumni Association Outstanding Adviser Award, which went to Linda Dees Pereira of the department of athletics; and the Olivia Rambo McGlotheron National Alumni Outstanding Scholar Award, which was awarded to Dr. J. Stephen Picou of the department of sociology, anthropology and social work. Other awards included nomination to the 2008 USA-Team, giving recognition to employees by six divisions: professional, administrative, clerical, crafts/trades, technical and service. These divisions reflect various responsibilities to the campus, and each award sheds light on exemplary actions by the employee to perform "beyond the call of duty" for their task, whether this be through exhibiting professionalism on the job or by making outstanding contributions to the development of the University. The 2008 USA-Team title and the 2008 Christie Miree USA National Alumni Association Outstanding Employee awards, presented by Dr. Joseph Busta of Development and Alumni Relations, were awarded to: Ms. Judith L. Sadler of the department of biology, Ms. Donna J. Pigg of the Office of Admissions, Mr. Charles E. Mitchell of facilities management at the Children's & Women's Hospital, Ms. Mattie S. Brown of environmental services at the Children's & Women's Hospital, Ms. Cathleen D. Sanford of the department of radiology, and Mr. Victor L. Cohen of the Mitchell Center Arena. These employees were presented with certificates recognizing their efforts.