Classified Staff Council recognizes service and achievement

Classified Staff Council held its annual spring reception May 15, the opportunity for staff to meet with friends and colleagues and honor the contributions of exceptional employees.

This year’s theme, inscribed on orange wristbands, was Only1you@bgsu and #BeTheChange. Welcoming attendees was Dana Watson, senior secretary in media and communication, who said everyone has something unique to offer and encouraged others get involved and be a positive influence on the community.

Classified staff this year did make many positive contributions, said CSC Co-Chair Toni Jacobs, including 9,996 hours of sick leave donated by 451 employees to the Leave Bank, promotion of the University’s tobacco- and e-cigarette-free campus efforts and significant donations to the Grab and Go food bank for students. In addition, through its fundraising, CSC was able to give four, $600 scholarships to classified employees and dependents.

Recognizing a longtime CSC member for her dedication to supporting and promoting classified staff, the council presented a surprise resolution honoring Faith Olson-Elsea, senior fiscal coordinator for the College of Education and Human Development, who for 25 years championed the rights of employees, as a council member and in CSC leadership roles.

Guest speaker Andy Alt, assistant vice provost for academic affairs, noted the many classified staff members who have played an important role in his career as a student and now an employee.

“We all have spheres of influence,” he said, whether it’s keeping the campus clean, safe and welcoming or helping students each day get through their programs or helping one another. “Together we are greater than the sum of our individual parts,” he said.