Liam Otten smashes a base hit for public affairs' Staff Day softball team.
By Jessica N. Roberts
June 15, 2001
The rain held off for the day, providing the perfect atmosphere for more than 1,000 staff members participating in the 26th annual Staff Day May 21.
Liam Otten smashes a base hit for public affairs' Staff Day softball team. |
Events kicked off at 10:30 a.m. with the Staff Service Award and Recognition Ceremony in Edison Theatre, hosted by Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton and Ann B. Prenatt, executive director of human resources.
"We look forward to Staff Day each year," Prenatt said. "It provides the opportunity to congratulate our colleagues for their many years of service, thank staff members for their hard work and contributions to the University and have some fun."
Department heads recognized 178 staff members for reaching important milestones in years of University service (see listing, Page 7). Standing ovations abounded as University employees cheered on their co-workers as they accepted their service awards.
Wrighton concluded the ceremony by honoring Jim Burmeister, executive director of University relations, with the fourth annual Gloria W. White Award.
After the ceremony, employees filled the lower level of Mallinckrodt Center and Bowles Plaza as they enjoyed a barbeque lunch.
 Alice Marre of University Communications shows her spirit in a full-length pompom outfit. |
A variety of activities were available to the staff after lunch. Golfers made their way to Forest Park. Lisa Goessling of Arts & Sciences and Joni Westerhouse of medical public affairs, Paul Landgraf of insurance and Cliff Ritter of computing and communications, and Joe Angeles of photo services and Terri Napier of public affairs won trophies as the winning women's, men's and co-ed teams, respectively. Teams of volleyball players from around campus descended upon the Athletic Complex with the Rusty Spikers from accounting emerging as champions.
Employees also showcased their artistic abilities in the arts and crafts competition. Wanda Hampton from facilities once again took first place in the competition for her hand-woven baskets. Barbara Stephens from Arts & Sciences and Beth Schettler from the School of Engineering and Applied Science took second and third place for their pottery and needlepoint, respectively.
Competition was fierce on the softball diamonds. After an afternoon of hard-fought games, the Business School Bandits defeated the team from facilities for the championship. Wrighton donned a glove and played for the Spin Docs from public affairs.
Other activities included a walk around Forest Park with WU Walks, bike riding, racquetball, campus tours, caricatures and bingo.
 Chancellor Mark S. Wrighton zeros in a pitch. |
Sporting-event champions were presented with trophies, and winners of the arts and crafts show received plaques at the end of the day in Bowles Plaza. Four lucky employees won drawings --Linda Hilderbrand from human resources won two $125 gift certificates for airline travel, Patricia Rolfe from the Olin School of Business won a $250 gift certificate for airline travel, and David Jolley from alumni and development and Justin Hoyt from personal computing support each won a pair of tickets to a Cardinals baseball game.
