Congratulations to Maureen Connelly
Maureen Connelly, administrative assistant in Student Development, was recognized as the 2007 Staff Employee of the Year by President Tom Galligan at the college's holiday party for faculty and staff on Friday, Dec. 14. Her nameplate has been added to the Employee of the Year plaque commemorating all winners that hangs in the hallway outside of Financial Services in Colgate Hall.
President Galligan, in his remarks at the gathering, recognized Connelly's talents and many contributions to the college community.
"As we always ask, 'How is this going to benefit our students?' Maureen is a person who is genuine and naturally engaged with our students. Yes, being located in Student Development, it is easy for some of us to come to that conclusion, but just a minute.
"Her special connection with our students, faculty and staff goes far beyond her job description in Student Development. You may know that Maureen loves the outdoors – each August, she scouts out the Merrimack River and prepares with excitement for the arrival of new students and looks forward to her involvement with the new-student trip program.
She also loves to hike. On Mountain Day, not only does she drive the van to and from the mountain but, is the last person to climb up Mt. Kearsarge to retrieve and return the signature sheet to Campus Activities, and I might add, she picks up whatever may have been left behind on the trails as she hikes down – keeping the mountain green!
"Need a van driver for a field trip? Maureen will not only drive a van but also bakes her famous carrot cake to share with faculty, staff and students who are going on the trip!
"Ever wonder who takes care of all that summer storage of furniture for our returning students? Maureen! This year, the Wesson Honors Program was given a new home located on the third floor of Colgate Hall. Maureen brought in her sander, spackle and not only helped prepare the area for a fresh coat of paint but assisted the students in painting the walls, floors and ceiling.
"She continues to assist the Nursing Department by picking up plants and flowers at Springledge Farm and helps set up for the Nursing Pinning Ceremony. Maureen is frequently a calming presence to both students and their parents and supports everyone in Student Development.
"Maureen is the first one to volunteer for student events, including the senior dinner dance and Student Holiday Dinner. She may be on a Restless Minds field trip, or buying vacuum cleaners on Sunday for the dorms.
"Maureen has received many, many nominations in her nine years at the college. Each one mentions her devotion to our students and to the college, whether from behind the wheel of a van, the seat of a canoe, from the chair in her office, or from any other unexpected spaces. She is dedicated to Colby-Sawyer as an employee and as the parent of an active, involved Colby-Sawyer student.
"A colleague said of Maureen: “There are a hundred different ways Maureen fulfills each and every one of the criteria for Employee of the Year.”
"Dave Sauerwein says of Maureen: 'Maureen makes work look easy. She talks to students like she talks to anyone. She makes time to do all of the volunteer opportunities that make for a different kind of experience for students… she paints the honors room, serves dinner to students for the annual dinner, leads students at the new student trip, and more. But never does it seem to cross her mind that she deserves thanks or praise for these contributions. She just does them and does them naturally.' Dave's sentiments are shared by many of us.
"Maureen's heart is filled with love for our students and the college community. Students, faculty and staff who know Maureen will agree, she is one of 'Life's Extras,' and we at Colby-Sawyer all benefit from her presence, involvement and positive attitude.
"Congratulations and thank you to Maureen Connelly, the 2007 Staff Employee of the Year!"
