The University has a long standing tradition of recognizing support staff for their time of service to the campus. The Library honors employees with milestones beginning with 5 years, 10 years, etc. Approximately 225 people attended to celebrate their 32 colleagues over a breakfast buffet at the YMCA.
Diplomas and small tokens of gifts were handed out as University Librarian Paula Kaufman read a brief statement about each employee and their personal interests. The employees do so much to keep our Library running and vibrant!
The Social Events Committee especially thanks Matt Emmert and Paul Foster for leading set up of tables and chairs, and the Office of Human Resources for compiling the biographies of the recognized employees as well as designing the big poster boards.
Each year, the University allows units across campus to set aside some time to gather and celebrate the spirit of the Holiday Season. The Social Events Committee was busy in presenting a Holiday Joy get-together for University Library employees on December 12th. A scrumptious lunch was served to over 200 people. Dean Paula Kaufman gave her thanks to the employees for their dedication and wished everyone a safe holiday.
It is a long standing Library tradition to organize some type of event at holiday time to assist others in need during this time of the year. Last year library staff were very generous with a food drive for the Food Bank. Many are familiar with the Faculty Staff Assistance Program, FSAP, and the efforts they undertake through the year to assist all staff. During this time of year, FSAP compiles a list of the most needy families they have assisted through the year. FSAP contacts these families for a 'wish list' for the holidays, and then individual campus units and departments are asked to sponsor a family. Wish list items are collected in the units, and then presented to the family before the holiday break.
This year the University Library, via the Office of Human Resources, supplied the family with many of their wish list items, among them, Chicago Bear sweatshirts, jeans, chocoate covered cherries, shampoo, and laundry detergent. Library Employees opened their wallets too.
From FSAP:
"The family came to get their presents. When we gave them the money orders, which totaled $2150 and the gift cards which were another $200 and some dollars, the wife became tearful. She didn't know what to say other than thank you. She never dreamed that they would receive this type of generosity.
When we helped her carry the packages to the van I talked with our employee and he was tearful. He couldn't imagine that there would be people that would do this for him and his family. He was very moved by the outpouring of generosity from the Library."
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Last modified by: Jennifer Emanuel on 12/2/09