'I like it here.' Honoring TU faculty, staff with 5 to 55 years of service

By Sean Welsh on May 7, 2019

When Professor Victor Fisher first began his career at Towson University, his students were trying out the very first lava lamps. Zip codes had just been introduced across the U.S.

And TU itself was closing in on an enrollment of 4,000 students — as many as it would ever take, he recalls President Earle T. Hawkins promising the faculty in a meeting.

On Tuesday, with approximately 23,000 students on campus, Fisher was recognized with a standing ovation for his 55 years of service during the Faculty & Staff Annual Recognition Event at SECU Arena.

Fisher was the longest-tenured member of the faculty or staff to be recognized at the recognition breakfast, which affords the university dedicated time to honor valuable employees.

"I will be retiring at the end of the semester," Fisher said. "I've been here since 1961, and it is because I've found it a very interesting place to be, and a very interesting job to have. Challenging, uplifting. I like it here."

There were seven staff members recognized for 40 years, six recognized for 35 years, and 18 more honored for 30 years of service to the university. Dozens more were recognized for their service of 5, 10, 15, 20 or 25 years. All honorees in attendance were invited on stage for a photo with President Kim Schatzel.

"While we take a moment today to recognize our awardees, nominees and retirees, I want to thank you for the commitment to our university," President Schatzel told the crowd. "I hope you are all proud of the work you do here and the impact you have on your colleagues and our students."

In her remarks, President Schatzel recapped a busy year at the university, noting ongoing investments on campus and in the community, and those achievements that cement TU as an anchor institution in greater Baltimore.

“We are a university on the move with great momentum,” President Schatzel said.

Diversity and Inclusion Awards

Four Diversity and Inclusion Awards were presented by Dr. Leah Cox, TU's Vice President for Inclusion and Equity.

Those were:

• The Study Abroad Office, represented by Liz Shearer, won the Academic Department award
• Housing & Residence Life, represented by Malinda Jensen & Christina Olstad, won the Administrative Department award
• Tasha Benn, of the Career Center, was presented the staff award
• Professors Elana Ehrlich and Michelle Snyder, of the Department of Biological Services, were presented the faculty awards

USM Board of Regents Awards

TU recognized staff member Susan Willemin, the director of Disability Support Services, for her 2018 USM Board of Regents Award.

In addition, 2019 TU staff honors were bestowed upon four individuals. They will be nominated for honors by the USM Board of Regents this year.

Those went to:

• Jayne French, of the Center for Student Diversity, for Inclusion, Multiculturalism and Social Justice
• Teresa Hardin, Director of Presidential Events, for Exceptional Contribution to the Institution
• Antwaine Smith, Assistant Athletic Director, for Extraordinary Public Service to the University or Greater Community
• Margie Tversky, Director of Student Services at TUNE, for Outstanding Service to Students in an Academic or Residential Environment

Professor Vincent Thomas, who teaches dance in the College of Fine Arts & Communication, was honored for his 2019 Faculty Award from the Board of Regents. TU Provost & Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs Melanie Perreault read an email she recently received from a student praising Professor Thomas for his inspiration, leadership and mentorship.

In addition, TU honored nine professors for their excellence, including:

• Excellence in Teaching: Seth Gitter (Economics), John McTague (Political Science) and Michelle Snyder (Biological Sciences)
• Excellence in Mentoring: Elana Ehrlich (Biological Sciences)
• Excellence in Public Service: Nhung Hendy (Management), Joanne Maxwell (Nursing) and Alex Storrs (Physics)
• Excellence in Scholarship, Research or Creative Activity: Gerald Jerome (Kinesiology) and John Sivey (Chemistry)

Towson University's Celebration of Excellence

 

This story is one in a series that highlights Towson University's Celebration of Excellence, a series of 10 special events each April and May that are designed to celebrate success and outstanding accomplishment at TU.

The series ties together key events and provides a perfect path leading up to the ultimate recognition event: commencement.