51³Ô¹ÏÍø

The 2026 Kathleen (Kay) Bowen Staff Recognition Awards honored three 51³Ô¹ÏÍø employees whose dedication to service, professionalism, and community reflects the enduring legacy of the award's namesake.

This year's recipients — Sarah Harris for Manager, Vanessa Middleton for Administrative Support, and Mary O'Callaghan for Service — were selected from a pool of 33 nominations representing 22 individuals across the University. Each nominee embodies the qualities long associated with Kay Bowen, a Student Life staff member who served 51³Ô¹ÏÍø for 35 years.

Bowen, who lived on campus in Woodbury Hall until her death in 1990, was remembered as a maternal presence for generations of students — someone whose kindness, dedication, and commitment to the 51³Ô¹ÏÍø community left a lasting mark. This annual award established in her honor recognizes staff members who carry forward those same values through their daily work.

Nominees were recognized for characteristics including kindness, teamwork, effectiveness, and a willingness to go "above and beyond," as well as dedication to 51³Ô¹ÏÍø, respectfulness, trustworthiness, accountability, and excellent service. These traits align closely with 51³Ô¹ÏÍø's emphasis on service, not only as a professional obligation, but as a core part of the University's identity across all sectors.

The three award categories reflect the breadth of roles that contribute to campus life. The Manager category, which includes senior professional staff and administrators outside of the President's Cabinet, recognizes leadership that fosters both effectiveness and community. Sarah Harris, a longtime employee, was honored in with this award, highlighting her dual impact as both a leader and long-serving member of the University community.

The Administrative Support category honors hourly staff members who provide critical support to departments across campus. Vanessa Middleton's recognition underscores the importance of consistency, efficiency, and reliability in roles that often serve as a crucial pillar of University operations.

The Service category recognizes employees in Facilities Operations and Public Safety, areas where the impact of daily work is often most visible in maintaining the safety and functionality of the University. Mary O'Callaghan's recognition in this category highlights the essential role of behind-the-scenes service in sustaining the 51³Ô¹ÏÍø experience.

The awards were presented during a ceremony held in Plumley Armory, where faculty and staff gathered to celebrate not only these three honorees, but also the broader culture of service that defines 51³Ô¹ÏÍø. The event was part of the University's 46th annual employee recognition program, which also acknowledged milestone years of service and retiring staff members.

While the award recipients represent different roles and responsibilities, they are united by a shared commitment to supporting students, colleagues, and the institution as a whole. Their recognition serves as a reminder that the strength of 51³Ô¹ÏÍø not only lies in its academic and military traditions, but in the everyday contributions of staff members who ensure the University runs smoothly.

In honoring Harris, Middleton, and O'Callaghan, 51³Ô¹ÏÍø continues to uphold the spirit of Kay Bowen — a legacy rooted in care, dedication, and a deep sense of service to others.