ISSUED: 29 April 2021
MEDIA CONTACT: Valerie Owens
SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV — Shepherd University is honoring four staff members as part of its new Staff Awards and Recognition Program. President Mary J.C. Hendrix presented the awards during a Zoom ceremony on April 22.
The winners were Holly Morgan Frye, vice president for student affairs and director for community relations, Above and Beyond Award; Mary Beth Myers, administrative assistant, Veterans Student Programming, Equity, and Inclusivity Award; Siriki Diabate, international recruiter and admissions officer, Excellent Service to Students Award; and Dr. Jennifer Flora, Wellness Center director, Problem Solver Award.
The Above and Beyond Award recognizes a staff member who has often exceeded standard expectations to assist people and accomplish goals; the Equity and Inclusivity Award recognizes a staff member who has demonstrated a commitment to inclusivity, social justice, and diversity; the Excellent Service to Students Award recognizes a staff member who has been especially supportive of students; and the Problem Solver Award recognizes a staff member who has identified a problem on campus and either resolved it themselves or brought it to the attention of people who have resolved it.
Frye was given the Above and Beyond Award for her work heading Shepherd’s Campus Health Task Force and managing the university’s approach to the COVID-19 pandemic. Frye has overseen efforts to keep the campus safe, facilitate contact tracing, and distribute testing and vaccines.
One of those who nominated Frye said, “There is no one on our campus who does not know Holly Morgan Frye and the thoughtful, compassionate approach she has implemented to care for our collective well-being. She has taken part in every conceivable aspect of COVID-19 in our campus and throughout the community, including the delivery of meals to our quarantined students and the reassurances she has given them for their future. I believe Holly represents the essence of Shepherd—service before self—and she is most deserving of this award.”
Myers earned the Equity and Inclusivity Award for her support of student veterans, providing guidance and space to help them succeed and navigate the path toward graduation. Myers also supports the Student Veterans Organization.
Her nominator said, “She has been an asset to the Veteran’s Center on campus where she assists vets with print, computer support, and upkeep and support for the lounge and eating areas. Student veterans may struggle with other issues, including mental health or prior trauma, and Mary Beth provides a helpful hand and friendly personality for them to connect with on campus. She plays a very necessary role working for students who may not persist without her stable and important support.”
Diabate earned the Excellent Service to Students Award for his work helping international students who attend Shepherd prepare their admissions application, international student documentation, and VISA application. Once the students arrive, Diabate helps them set up bank accounts, internet, phones, and housing. He also helps them with whatever issues they might face with class registration.
“In reality, he is their first friend,” said one of Dibate’s nominators. “Siriki is on campus morning, noon, and night to uphold the International Affairs motto of ‘recruit, register, and retain.’ Our international student enrollment numbers have bucked the declining trend across the country. Shepherd’s international population continues to grow, and it is in large part due to Siriki’s hard work and dedication to Shepherd University. His friendly smile and contagious laughter lets all of our international students know that they are welcome at Shepherd University.”
Flora’s work managing the logistics for COVID-19 vaccine clinics in the Wellness Center and the 2021 Commencement earned her the Problem Solver Award. One of Flora’s nominators stated she has gone above and beyond doing research, measuring spaces, and thinking through every detail and possible schedule to provide students with a memorable yet safe Commencement event.
“We can now look forward to a beautiful day for our students and their families,” the nominator said. “Jenny Flora is a valued and dedicated employee and Shepherd is incredibly lucky to have her. She should be recognized for her dedication, her determination, and her high level of problem solving and critical thinking skills.”
“I am thrilled for what you have done and cannot thank you enough,” Hendrix said during the virtual presentation. “It’s a privilege to be your colleague.”
Each awardee received a plaque and $100 gift card to the Shepherd University Bookstore. In addition, their names have been added to a perpetual plaque that hangs in the Human Resources office. To view the virtual presentation, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jqQLrUeZqvc.
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