Three staff members were honored May 29 in McCrary Theatre during Elon's annual Staff Appreciation Day. Ray Pruitt Jr. was named Physical Plant Staff Member of the Year, Barbara Walsh was named Office Staff Member of the Year and Michael Williams was named Administrative Staff Member of the Year.
Elon President Leo M. Lambert presented the awards to each recipient.
Pruitt is an automotive shop foreman. “I really don’t know what to say,” he said after reaching the stage. “I tell you what, I enjoy working here at Elon. It’s a great family atmosphere.”
Walsh works as an administrative assistant in the Office of the Provost and Academic Affairs. “I don’t know what to say. I’m shocked!” she said. “This is truly a surprise, and there are many others who also deserve this award.”
Williams serves as director of the Moseley Center and was welcomed with a standing ovation when his name was called. One staff member shouted “We love you Michael!” from the packed theatre.
“Today is one of those times when words aren’t flowing,” he said, “but from the bottom of my heart, I want to thank everybody. I’m a servant at heart, so I just want to serve the university and serve the Lord the best I can.”
Also honored on May 29 were three employees retiring from the university – Joann Cousin, Stanley Greeson and Romelle Nall.
This year’s staff day program included a talk by motivational speaker Charles Petty of Raleigh, N.C.