UMF personnel recognized with Distinguished Staff Awards

FARMINGTON – The University of Maine at Farmington recently celebrated the skill and commitment of its outstanding staff with its second annual Distinguished Staff Award ceremony. This recognition program was created to highlight the dedicated and excellent service that UMF staff members provide every day as they work with students and their families, campus colleagues and members of the public.

The eight staff members selected to be honored this year have served a total of more than 220 years at UMF. This year’s recipients include: Shari Witham, administrative staff of the year; Dwight Cram, facilities public safety staff of the year; Tim Hupp, professional staff of the year; Katie Fournier, outstanding new employee; Chris Deon, above and beyond; Elizabeth Jennings, unsung hero; and Claire Nelson and Becky Young, lifetime achievement.

“It is our honor to recognize these truly exceptional colleagues and members of the UMF campus family,” said Kathryn A. Foster, UMF president. “Their incredible years of service mirror what takes place in every corner of UMF every day. Talented, skilled and hardworking staff are committed to helping our students with every facet of their educational experience.”

Earlier this fall, nearly 40 staff members were nominated for the seven award categories by co-workers, faculty and administrators. The nominees were reviewed by a selection committee of 12 staff and faculty members from across campus and narrowed down to the eight finalists.

According to Niki Haggan, UMF technology support specialist and chair of the selection committee, the best part of the nominee review process is getting to know all the nominees.

“It’s so gratifying to get to know our colleagues better and to understand that though only a handful can be recognized with this award, there are so many deserving individuals. It makes you proud to be part of a place like UMF that makes such a difference in student’s lives,” Haggan said.