The 15th Randolph-Macon College Yellow Jacket Awards ceremony took place on April 2, 2019 in The Pavilion in Birdsong Hall. Yellow Jacket Awards were given to staff who demonstrate distinction in one of three categories: Excellence Behind the Scenes, Excellence as a Team Member, and Excellence in Service. Each award recipient received a certificate and a cash award. President Robert R. Lindgren welcomed staff to the ceremony.

“Randolph-Macon is defined by our people, and today we celebrate the energy and care that you put into this special place each and every day,” said Lindgren. “Our Yellow Jacket Awards were created to recognize staff members who have been identified by their peers as exceptional employees.”

The Awards
The Excellence Behind the Scenes Award is given to a staff member who provides excellent service behind the scenes, showing initiative and drive, and making Randolph-Macon a better place for work and study.

Wendy Gilbert (ITS)
As the ITS Application Systems Lead, Gilbert has worked on several critical projects, including the integration of Jenzabar with ADP and the Admissions team’s enrollment management software.

“Wendy’s work has dramatically increased efficiency for our staff, eliminating hundreds of hours of tedious data entry work,” said Lindgren. “Those who work with Wendy are truly impressed by her customer service, her analytical and technical skills, and her servant leadership style. Wendy is always looking for ways to work diligently behind the scenes while being a supportive co-worker to her fellow ITS team members. Wendy, we thank you for your dedicated service to Randolph-Macon College, and for allowing so many of our staff members to work more effectively each day.”

Robert Plienis (Higgins Academic Center)
In his role as director of Disability Support, Plienis manages diverse accommodations for the 16 percent of Randolph-Macon students registered with Disability Services.

“Robert’s work is often sensitive and confidential in nature, and he fulfills his duties with the utmost care, respect, and professionalism,” said Lindgren. “He has created greater awareness about Disability Support on our campus since he arrived in fall 2016, and excellent customer service the number of students actively using accommodations has increased by 125 percent. He has been proactive in offering his services to students by implementing an electronic system that enables new students to disclose disabilities to his office before they arrive on campus, ensuring they feel well-supported. He is a vitally important resource to students in need of additional support, and we thank him for his hard work.”

The Excellence as a Team Member award is given to an employee who exhibits outstanding teamwork and cooperation, both in his/her own department and with others.

Suzanna Hagen (Admissions)
“Suzanna has become a valued member of both the Admissions team and our college community,” said Lindgren. “This academic year, Suzanna began managing the Admissions Open House and Experience Day programs. The success of these events is critical to meeting our admissions targets, and Suzanna has found creative ways to make these events both engaging and informative for prospective students and families. While Suzanna leads the team during these important events, she is known for her willingness to do any job—no matter what it is—in order to create the best possible experience for our prospective students and their families. Suzanna handles any curveballs thrown her way with flexibility, approachability, and poise. Suzanna, we thank you for the great skill and care you bring to your work as a member of our Admissions team.”

The Excellence in Service award is given to an employee who provides excellent service to students, staff, faculty, parents, alumni, or visitors.  

Erin Hauser ’13 (Athletics)
“Erin manages the day-to-day operations of the athletics department, serving nearly 500 student-athletes, more than 60 athletic staff members and working in coordination with nearly every college office to ensure the department runs efficiently,” said Lindgren. “Erin’s expert leadership was on display during her management of the first and second rounds of the NCAA men’s basketball championships, when we welcomed nearly 2,500 fans to campus. Erin was the guiding force throughout a successful tournament weekend. Whether she is advising our Student-Athlete Advisory Committee or cleaning up locker rooms, Erin demonstrates her loyalty to her alma mater in the exceptional service she provides.”

Afua Manu (Physical Plant)
“In her almost four years as a housekeeper, Afua has worked in just about every building on campus,” noted Lindgren. “To every space, she brings her impeccable work ethic, her spirit of helpfulness, and her infectious positivity. Afua currently works in the Brock Commons, where she deals with retail sales, café customers, student life, and outside events. Her colleagues are consistently impressed by her willingness to go above and beyond the expectations of her job. She has taken the time to get to know the names and faces of those who frequent the building, and they are so appreciative of her consummate friendliness. Afua, we thank you for the above-and-beyond level of service you provide.”

Vanessa Wagner (Campus Store)
Wagner, who joined the RMC staff 19 years ago, “is a problem-solver, and is always looking for ways to improve business,” said Lindgren. “She brings a willingness to take on new responsibilities, excellent organizational skills, and a spirited sense of humor. She serves as a supervisor and mentor to the Campus Store’s student workers, leading by example with her exceptional work ethic and careful stewardship of the college’s money.” Lindgren continued,   “She is often the first to notice student concerns on the Campus Store staff and do whatever it takes to find help for that student. Vanessa, we thank you for your tremendous devotion to the success of our Campus Store, and for the compassionate care you provide to every colleague and customer you serve.”

Kerri Watson (Campus Safety)
In her role as a Communications Officer, Watson is often the face and voice of Campus Safety.

“Her warm smile, friendly demeanor, and positive attitude make a significant impact on the dozens of students, faculty, staff and visitors she interacts with daily,” said Lindgren. “Our Campus Safety staff must have an extensive working knowledge of College policies and procedures. Kerri is not only able to effectively communicate these policies and procedures, but she also clearly explains why they are important. Kerri willingly took on numerous additional duties in an interim position and immersed herself in the training and learning necessary to excel in that role. She has taken the initiative to implement new strategies for streamlining office communication, a critical piece of an effective Campus Safety team. Kerri’s helpfulness and can-do spirit are so valued by her colleagues.”

Carter Walton (Events Management)
Walton joined the Randolph-Macon staff in 2017 as associate director of Events Management.

“Carter has one of those roles where two days are never alike,” said Lindgren. “He may be helping a faculty or staff member plan an important event, working on the logistics for a large event like Commencement, or assisting an ‘opinionated’ mother of the bride with details for an upcoming wedding in Birdsong Hall. His customer service skills are second to none, always looking for solutions, while keeping a pleasant demeanor, no matter what is going on around him. Carter is also a trained Title IX investigator and has served with distinction as a panel member on the Dean’s Sexual Conduct Board. In this role, he has been described as one who exercises great care, confidentiality, and sound judgement. Carter, we thank you for the excellent work you do every day as a consummate professional and representative of Randolph-Macon College.”