On Tuesday, April 20, Randolph-Macon awarded 12 dedicated staff members the college ‘s semi-annual RMC Yellow Jacket Awards.

The virtual award presentation acknowledged the extraordinary creativity, ingenuity, and, of course, very hard work required during an unusual academic year in the college’s history.

“I see the work you are doing.  And so do our students, our parents, our faculty, our Board of Trustees, and our alumni,” noted RMC President Robert Lindgren. “And I could not be prouder of the work you have accomplished.”

These exemplary employees were honored for the superb way they perform their jobs and the great attitude that accompanies their work. Each award recipient will receive a certificate and a cash award.

Remarks on each employee, shared by President Lindgren, are edited below for length.

 

Excellence Behind the Scenes Award

Dale Walsh
Accounting Clerk, Business Office
Years of Service: 7

“This summer, due to two key retirements, our Financial Aid office was short-handed and in need of an employee well familiar with RMC to fill a critical void.  So up stepped Dale Walsh. 

Dale jumped right into reviewing TAG applications, confirming selective service registrations and processing PLUS and private loans. Once the fall started, Dale has continued to split her time between Financial Aid and the Business Office. Dale ‘s peers express that she is always positive, extremely reliable and completes any project with a can-do spirit.”

Beverly Waller
Housekeeper, Physical Plant
Years of Service: 15

“Beverly began her career as an RMC housekeeper in 2006. Beverly consistently filled in when others were out, covering their areas without being asked.  When there was an opening to assist with the cleaning of Haley Hall, Bennett Residence Hall and part of Jones Residence Hall, Beverly did not hesitate to do what was needed to get the job done. What a blessing it is to you have you in our community, Beverly, and thank you so much for all you do.” 

Excellence as a Team Member Award

Duncan Thomas
Housekeeper, Physical Plant
Years of Service: 2

“Duncan is responsible for keeping our many of our athletic facilities in pristine shape including Crenshaw Gym, Alumni Gym, the Athletic Annex, and Day Field ‘s Press Box. Duncan is diligent about staying in touch with coaches and athletic staff to stay updated on scheduled events – which, as we have seen this spring – are often subject to change. When the College is short-handed on the weekends, Duncan often steps in to help and he consistently fills in for his co-workers when they are out. Through his effective work, Duncan always puts the best interest of our students first and foremost, paying special attention to details.”

Hank Burruss
Trades Helper, Physical Plant
Years of Service: 3

“Hank joined our Physical Plant team three years ago as a trade ‘s helper.  A quick learner, Hank took little time to gain more responsibilities within the department. Hank played a key role in helping prepare us for new COVID protocols over the summer, assisting the team in setting up classroom spaces, dining configurations, and common area logistics. Hank is recognized in his department for his unparalleled work ethic and his peers say he is a joy to work daily.”

Denise Thompson
Administrative Assistant, Provost’s Office
Years of Service: 3

“Denise has consistently performed at a very high level, taking on more and more responsibility, never missing a beat, and handling herself and her work in the ultimate, professional manner. No task is too big or too small for Denise.  Even in the most difficult of circumstances, Denise always goes the extra mile to ensure the Provost ‘s Office team succeeds in providing optimal service to its constituents – with a smile and a positive attitude!”

Dana Lesesne
Director, Equestrian Program
Years of Service: 10

“When Dana first joined RMC as the part-time coach of our Equestrian team, little did she know she would eventually be running a 70-acre equestrian farm!  Now the Director of our Equestrian program, her work has expanded greatly over her time here to include managing barn staff, recruiting riders to the College, providing customer service to multiple boarders and occasionally “mucking out” stalls.  She has gotten very creative with scheduling riding lessons, doing student recruitment virtually, and finding different ways to safely allow students to compete at a highly reduced level. A Yellow Jacket parent as well, Dana has gone above and beyond to communicate with students, parents and local boarders so that they know we have remained open for business, albeit with appropriate precautions.  Her care and compassion are her hallmarks.”

Excellence in Service Award

Claudia Brookman
Director of Research & Prospect Management, Advancement
Years of Service: 17

“Claudia is an important part of the College Advancement team, maintaining information that helps us develop relationships vital to the College ‘s future. Most recently, Claudia was instrumental in converting the Development database to a new online platform, and has been crucial to navigating the new system, thereby making the Advancement Office ‘s daily processes more efficient and effective. She also provides excellent service to alumni and other external individuals on genealogy projects, sharing information from the RMC archives and files.”

Christine Pimblett
ITS Service Desk Lead, Information Technology
Years of Service: 5

“As the ITS Service Desk Lead, Christine’s excellence in service can be summed up in two words: self-initiative and reliability. Leading the service desk often requires receiving calls and requests for assistance on a 24/7 basis. Christine is tenacious in seeking out solutions, and her strong skills and knowledge are utilized daily helping customers with Wi-Fi, Duo, TrackIt work requests, mobile devices, TVs, gaming devices, SharePoint Online, Office 365, website documentation, classroom technology, new student orientation, …..whew! Let me just add: “and countless other technologies.” Most recently Christine played a vital role in training herself and the employees at the Service Desk to assist customers remotely –  a key factor in helping RMC accomplish the many major changes required to effectively work and teach remotely.”

Gabe Laplante, ’13
Order Fulfillment Coordinator, RMC Campus Store
Years of Service: 2

“Gabe has always been focused on providing outstanding customer service, and over the last year, he has stepped up his already excellent game and gone out of his way to help our customers their access to our fantastic Campus Store and its excellent service.  Gabe loves talking with our customers about RMC, as any loyal alumnus, class of 2019 should!  Customers routinely send us emails and messages singing his praises.  And we have returning customers asking specifically for him when they call the store with questions or to place an order.”

Kelli Salmon
Resource Sharing Coordinator and Library Systems Administrator, McGraw-Page Library
Years of Service: 13

“A key member of the McGraw-Page Library staff, Kelly manages key, behind-the-scenes Library systems and technology, including our vital interlibrary loan process, which allows our library to borrow materials from other libraries around the country and even the world. Nominators praise her cheerful and efficient service, her ability to quickly track down the most far-flung articles, and her positive attitude, maintained at all times. Kelli is a responsive and caring member of the McGraw-Page Library staff who plays an essential role in fulfilling the College ‘s educational mission.”

Rev. Kendra Grimes
Chaplain and Director of Church Relations
Years of Service: 6

“A United Methodist Minister, Rev. Grimes has been our chief liaison with the United Methodist Church since her arrival, while at the same time being one of the most ecumenical chaplains serving today in a higher education ministry.  Not only celebrating other faith traditions, she truly understands their symbolism and embraces their religious history.  Students feel very comfortable sharing their spirituality with Kendra because they know she is authentic and that she cares. In this most challenging year, been an important resource for RMC community members, particularly students who have suffered the loss of a family member over these last months, making herself available at all hours to help our students when they are most in need.  She has also served our students, faculty and staff who have been hospitalized this year.” 

Brandi Yeager
Human Resources Coordinator
Years of Service: 2

“Brandi is a consummate Human Resources professional, serving all staff and faculty she encounters with grace and cheer and authenticity. In each employment search, Brandi works with the hiring manager every step of the way to ensure a quality and successful outcome. She works effectively with our student workers in particular, putting them at ease, engaging, and encouraging them as she guides them through the hiring process. She is also technically savvy, which has been invaluable this past year in enhancing efficiency, as we have altered the way we do business at the College.”