Timed in the spirit of the Thanksgiving season, the second "Chancellor's Years of Service Reception" was held in the Wheatley Cafeteria on Tuesday, Nov. 24. The event, which honors employees as the University's most valuable asset, recognized a total of 202 faculty, professional staff, and classified staff members this year.
The idea for the "Years of Service Reception" originated from conversations Mary Grant, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Human Resources, had with university employees. Grant then presented a written proposal, developed by the Years of Service Committee, to the Chancellor and Executive Staff, where it was enthusiastically received. In its first year, the reception was attended by approximately 700 employees. According to Clare Poirier, a member of the Years of Service Committee, "Feedback was very positive and encouraging. This year we invited all employees, and recognized those with 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 years of service."
One employee recognized at the reception was Brigid Wyse Casey. Casey, currently the administrative assistant for the Undergraduate Teacher Certification Program, has worked in several offices during her 10 years at the University. Casey came to UMass Boston as a student, and worked part-time, then full-time, in the office formerly known as Student Information Services. She also worked in the Chancellor's Office and in the Office of Community Relations and Special Events before moving to her current position.
Casey cites several reasons behind her longevity at the University, including the enjoyment of an academic setting, the beautiful location, and the sense of pride and excitement she feels watching students reach their goals at Commencement. When asked to name the best thing about the University, she does not hesitate: "The best thing about working here is the people."
Honored for 15 years of service, Noel Cotterell echoes Casey's sentiments. Calling himself a "people-person," Cotterell says the warm and friendly atmosphere created by the people with whom he interacts is one reason he has remained at the University. Also an alum, Cotterell began working in the Publications office as a work-study student. Currently he is the University Production and Advertising Manager.
"One of the reasons I have stayed here so long is that it's been a place for me to learn and grow," says Cotterell. "There are a lot of opportunities for development here. You can take classes with distinguished faculty members, or utilize the Learning Center."
Faculty member Lois Rudnick saw what she terms "a strong student-centered vision" at UMass Boston when she first taught Freshman English 25 years ago. Today Rudnick has a joint appointment to both the English and American Studies departments, and is director of the American Studies undergraduate program.
Rudnick cites University support of continued faculty development as one of the reasons she has remained. She also describes UMass Boston as an environment that values her commitment to teaching. "(The University) has given more than lipservice to the importance of teaching," she says.
UMass Boston students are another reason Rudnick has chosen to spend so much of her career here. When asked to describe the student-body, Rudnick uses words like "very motivated," "grounded," "eager," and "unassuming." Rudnick says that because large numbers of students face multiple demands on their time, she has become more creative as a teacher. She credits the busy UMass Boston student population with challenging her and helping her to develop her teaching skills. Last year Rudnick received national recognition of her teaching skills, as the 1997 recipient of the Mary C. Turpie Award given by the American Studies Association.
- - by Kelly McLaughlin