Wayne State University is gearing up for its annual employee recognition ceremony, which will take place at 3 p.m. Wednesday, April 24, in the Community Arts Auditorium.
The ceremony will honor a variety of individuals, including retirees, Value Award recipients, and employees who have achieved significant service milestones, beginning at 10 years of service.
“This is an opportunity for us to express our appreciation for our employees’ service, their contributions, and commitment to the university,” said Carolyn Hafner, associate vice president and chief human resources officer. “Our faculty and staff are among the best anywhere in the U.S. and they could certainly work anywhere, but they love WSU, its students and its mission, and they chose to be here sharing their talents with us.”
This year, WSU will recognize 540 awardees during the ceremony. For the first time ever, in addition to the traditional recognition gifts, attendees will be presented with a special gift in honor of their years of service and retirement.
“Since joining Wayne State, I have been so inspired by the unwavering dedication and enthusiasm of our faculty and staff,” said WSU President Dr. Kimberly Andrews Espy. “It is the effort and commitment of our faculty and staff every day that allows Wayne State to thrive and to drive prosperity for our students, our graduates and our community. These awards recognize their talents and impact on our university.”
Hafner believes that recognizing employees is essential for promoting morale and productivity.
“Faculty and staff need to know that their hard work and commitment matters,” she said. “Studies continue to show that, more now than ever, recognition is a key factor in employee engagement and retention. When recognition is part of our culture, employees will give us their best because they feel we care about them – and we need their commitment, creativity, and collaboration to give our students the best possible experience here at Wayne State.”
This year’s event will include a performance by a live band during the reception at the McGregor Memorial Conference Center.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the smiles of employees with their friends and family enjoying being celebrated for all they have done for Wayne State,” said Pearlanne Metoyer-Pollard, co-chair of employee recognition ceremony, human resources contract administrator, and executive assistant to the associate vice president and chief human resources officer.
For more information on the event, visit the Employee Recognition Ceremony website.
- By Darlene White