On Monday, November 16, University Human Resources hosted a virtual Service Awards event, inviting 422 staff members who celebrated 30, 40, 45, 50, or 55 years of service in 2020.
“Milestone work anniversaries are always important to acknowledge and celebrate,” said Richard Holcomb, Associate Vice President for Human Resources. “Especially when it comes to recognizing people who have dedicated three or more decades of their lives into supporting and sustaining our great university. This year’s event was different, but our gratitude has never been greater.”
Typically, such recognition takes the form of two Service Award banquets, one for Ann Arbor, Dearborn and Flint campuses and another for Michigan Medicine. But these days we are well beyond “typical.”
The virtual Service Awards featured live and recorded performances and messages from university leaders and colleagues at all levels. The event was co-hosted by Holcomb and Deloris Hunt, Chief Human Resource Officer at Michigan Medicine. Its theme was a simple and sincere expression of gratitude.
“Our faculty and staff – our people – are this organization’s most important asset. We are fortunate that these employees have decided to make U-M their employer of choice,” said Hunt. “We thank them for all they do for this great institution and all of our stakeholders.”
Additionally, special messages from President Mark Schlissel and Dr. Marschall Runge underscored the extraordinary challenges of the past year. Brief videos from 55-year honoree, Diana E. Richards and 50-year honoree Gail Lift were highlights of the event.
A recording of the 2020 Service Awards presentation can be viewed on the university’s YouTube channel.
All 2020 Service Award Honorees celebrating 30 and more years are listed below. Faculty and staff are encouraged to use the comments section to share kudos, congratulations and kind words of support.
For more information about the Service Awards, including a listing of those celebrating 10 and 20 years, as well as those honored at the event, visit the UHR Service Awards page.
