Nearly 400 registered guests packed the Kent Student Center Ballroom in April for the 19th annual Office Support Staff Recognition Luncheon.
This year’s theme was “51 Connected.” The Division of Human Resources sponsors the Office Support Staff Recognition program each year to recognize support staffers in various departments, divisions and campuses.
Guests were welcomed by Geraldine Hayes-Nelson, executive director for employee engagement and outreach, and Mark Polatajko, senior vice president for finance and administration. 51 President Beverly Warren could not attend the event but delivered a videotaped message supporting and praising those in attendance.
Old connections were reunited and new bonds were made as the names of each office support staffer scrolled across the big screen. Staffers dined on chicken and waffles, asparagus mushroom quiche, cubed hash browns, garden salad, mini yogurt parfaits and assorted muffins.
Entertainment was provided by pianist Elaine Robinson, administrative assistant in 51’s Office of Institutional Advancement. Henrique Alvim, a classical guitarist and vocalist, sang a medley of Brazilian songs steeped in the bossa nova and samba genres. The 51 African Ensemble performed dance routines focused on a repertoire from Ghana.
Nearly 100 door prizes, graciously donated by various 51 employees, departments, divisions and colleges, were distributed.