Three Roanoke College employees were honored with Service To All Roanoke (STAR) Awards during the 2023 faculty and staff holiday celebration on Dec. 18. The awards are given annually to staff members who deliver exceptional performance in their jobs and make a positive difference in the College community and beyond.
Award selections are based on nominations from the community in three categories: hourly, non-exempt and exempt. Winners receive a trophy and $1,000.
Brian Burnett, a masonry worker in the Buildings and Grounds Department, received the award in the hourly category. Burnett provides excellent service year-round, but he was nominated specifically for the work he did on the restoration of the Administration Building’s first floor. The work included removing carpeting, flooring and joists to repair the foundation of the structure. Throughout the massive project, which included making special renovations on the fly, Burnett’s catch phrase was “Don’t worry, it’ll be alright.” Burnett demonstrated care, patience and commitment to restoring the historic structure, always with a smile and a willingness to go the extra mile.
Diane Wing, coordinator of the campus center and student activities, was recognized in the non-exempt category for her dedication to the job for more than 20 years. As the main administrator of the EMS scheduling system, Wing is an essential resource for faculty, staff and students across campus. Her ability to juggle many tasks with endless details keeps the Colket Center running smoothly. And with one of the largest student employee staffs on campus, Wing exhibits patience, care and a positive attitude. To many students, she represents a home away from home.
Dave Taylor, assistant vice president for academic operations, was honored in the exempt category. Taylor eats, sleeps and breathes Roanoke College and consistently demonstrates leadership and commitment to improving the school. He has been indispensable in critical areas such as course offerings, departmental workflow, faculty compensation, academic policies, and software and data systems. He is also adept at navigating difficult and confidential situations, as evidenced by his work with academic integrity, Title IX and student complaints. He always seeks multiple perspectives but knows when to stand by difficult decisions. His institutional knowledge is a boon to the Roanoke College community.
Congratulations to the 2023 STAR Award winners! We are thankful to them for helping to make Roanoke College an exceptional place to work and study.