JU employees feted, treated to baseball-themed cookout; dozens honored for service, scholastic achievements

Jacksonville University’s workforce was treated to a baseball-themed cookout, a gift of appreciation and an opportunity to fellowship and win prizes on a picturesque fall day Friday, Oct. 4, on the Science Green.

The University honored dozens of employees at the annual Employee Appreciation Day for their many contributions to JU and their scholastic achievements, including 52 for their years of service and 13 who received degrees from JU over the past year.

More than 300 employees were on hand for the festivities, which featured free chair massages and door prizes including JU swag, gift cards and a $100 cash award. Each employee received a gift of appreciation — a JU Employee Appreciation Day tote bag.

“It’s the employees at this university who help make it feel like a family,” said President Tim Cost, who served as the event’s host. “The special connection between the employees and students and the faculty, that’s what makes this place unique. It’s different from so many other institutions … because of their passion, their commitment and their interest in how things are going here, especially while we are in the middle of a very significant transformation.”

Among the honorees, Assistant Athletic Director for Support Services Billy “Bo” McDougal was recognized for reaching the 30-year milestone as a JU employee; and Library Director David Jones and Physical Plant Housekeeping Supervisor Geraldine Warthen were honored for having 25 years of service.

Also, each of JU’s employees of the month over the past  year was recognized and Assistant Registrar-VA Certifying Official Ines Paulino-Chindra received the “Quality Staff Service Award” for providing outstanding service to students.  The annual award is based on nominations by JU students for employees who go the extra mile in providing outstanding service. (Click here to read the nomination of Paulino-Chindra).

JU’s Employee Recognition Committee coordinated the festivities with Sodexo’s Food Service and Physical Plant departments.

Here’s what some employees had to say at the event about Employee Appreciation Day and about working at JU.

Terry Ellis, Professor of Physics: “It is nice to see people appreciated for how long they have been here … (I like the) friendly people, the close contact with the students, and the small class size.”

Ginny Garzon, Assistant Director of Study Abroad: “It’s a fun afternoon with all of your colleagues … Because of our tight-knit community, [co-workers] show an interest in our work.”

Dr. Kristie Gover, Chief Student Affairs Officer: “It is a great time to come to together with colleagues to celebrate serving our students … “(It’s great to) be able to serve our student population; we have a very diverse student population who are very appreciative of the work that we do.”

To make an employee-of-the-month nomination, go to the Human Resources Employee Recognition Program page on the JU Web site, or contact Human Resources at (904) 256-7025.

Below are additional photos from Employee Appreciation Day and the event program, which lists the honorees. An honoree whose name is on the program is Physical Plant Housekeeping Supervisor Victor Chernyshov, who received a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from JU. (JU Marketing and Communications Intern Taylor Agnew contributed information for this report.)