On May 1, the UCF College of Arts and Humanities hosted its annual Staff Awards ceremony, celebrating the dedication, excellence and lasting contributions of its staff members. The event underscored the college’s ongoing commitment to recognizing the vital role staff play in the university’s success.
Three outstanding staff members were recognized with prestigious awards, each receiving a $600 prize in appreciation of their hard work and commitment.
One award was presented in honor of the late David Vickers, Ph.D., a respected faculty member who served as the first chair of the digital media department and later as assistant to the dean in both the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Arts and Humanities.
Another award honored Bruce Whisler, Ph.D., associate professor emeritus, who joined UCF in 1971. Over his career, he developed and taught a wide range of music history and literature courses. After retiring in 2001, he continued to serve the university in roles within the Office of Academic Affairs and as interim director of the Nicholson School of Communication.
The third award was presented in memory of the late Tony Travaglini, who served as the technical manager for the College of Arts and Sciences for nearly 20 years.
The ceremony served as a meaningful opportunity to celebrate the contributions of staff and reflect on the enduring impact of those whose legacy continues to shape the college and university community.
CAH Staff Award Winners
Lauren Becker, School of Performing Arts
Recipient of the award in honor of Dr. Bruce Whisler
Lauren Becker is a proactive and dependable team member who consistently looks for ways to improve operations and offer support where it’s needed. Her efforts play a key role in keeping the theatre program running efficiently, and the faculty have come to rely on her initiative, strong organizational skills, and warm, collaborative attitude.
Mike Shier, Center for Humanities and Digital Research
Recipient of the award in honor of Dr. David Vickers
As a Research Specialist and the Journals Manager for the Center for Humanities & Digital Research, Mike is an integral team member and his efforts on behalf of the Center and College have been outstanding. The impact of his work is broad as he works with the editors of over a dozen journals across all disciplines in the College and creates and maintains project and conference websites. He has made lasting impact as mentor for graduate students through their experiences with publications and project management.
Maribel Herrera, Department of Philosophy
Recipient of the award in honor of Tony Travaglini
Through the Department of Philosophy, Maribel has become highly reliable and always comes to work with a positive and conscientious attitude. She is always showing exceptional effort and dedication in her administrative role, while excelling in her professional abilities, Maribel is always responsive and patient with warmth and concern for students and faculty.
CAH Staff Award Nominees
Lee Ann Gemeunhart, CAH Finance Buisness Center, Travel and Procurement Team
Lee Ann Gemeinhart is an outstanding employee who consistently goes above and beyond her job as a TPC to help multiple units, faculty, staff and even other units she is not assigned to. Her attention to detail and work ethic are noticeable and very much appreciated by the units she serves.
Dave Schreier, School of Performing Arts
Dave Schreier is highly respected by students, colleagues, and alumni alike. Known for wearing many hats with unwavering dedication and professionalism, he often flies beneath the radar while effectively carrying out his responsibilities. Dave consistently keeps students at the center of his work, always striving to enhance their experiences and support their success.
Meghan Crowther, Department of English
Meghan’s initiative, her sense of responsibility, her insight, and her meticulousness and accuracy have made her invaluable to the department. She constantly has a positive attitude and commitment as an unparalleled aspect that ensures the success of the department. Meghan is an integral member of the English Department, ensuring operations run smoothly and effectively.
Michael Leavitt, CAH Marketing and Communications Team
Michael supports a variety of custom applications for scholarships, room scheduling, music juries, advising, chair/director evaluation, Dean’s List, and more. He created many of these tools and maintains them on a yearly or semesterly basis. Michael is thoughtful and adaptable, always displaying an eager and helpful attitude in his service to the college.
CAH Service Awards
Recognized for 5 years of service
- Steven Fournier, Flying Horse Editions
For 10 years of service
- Lisa Clendenning, CAH Dean’s Office
- Meghan Crowther, Department of English
- Amy Giroux, Center for Humanities and Digital Research
- Maureen Landgraf, School of Performing Arts
- Pamela McGlinchey, CAH Finance Business Center
For 15 years of service
- Maribel Herrera, Department of Philosophy
- David Schreier, School of Performing Arts
For 20 years of service
- Matthew Dunn, CAH Dean’s Office
For 25 years of service
- Sira Giron, Department of History
- Susan Jefferson, Modern Languages and Literature
For 35 years of service
- Ernestine Hunter, Modern Languages and Literature
To view the list of past awardees, click here.