Members of Drake’s staff gathered on April 19 in Levitt Hall for refreshments, connection, original spoken word poetry by Drake junior Anthony Pawnell, and “True Blue” peer recognition. Staff members and teams who received All Staff Council’s “Called to be True Blue” awards—through nominations from staff, faculty, and students—were in the running for a Sapphire Award. Earning top honors at the event were:

Individual Sapphire Award—Shelley Hurst, Senior Student Records Systems Coordinator, Office of Student Records; nominated separately by Carla McCrea and Jill Brimeyer. Shelley was recognized for her exceptional customer service and for consistently going above and beyond to take care of needs with promptness, kindness, professionalism, and a high level of accountability. Shelley received a blue phone.

Team Sapphire Award—Office of Alumni Relations, nominated by Alyssa Young. The team was nominated for their continued excellence in support of 2015 Drake Relays activities for alumni. The year had been a particularly challenging one due to a lean staff and several new team members, but everyone pitched in to produce great alumni events that promote positive alumni connection to the University. The team received a traveling bulldog statue trophy and a plaque.

Other 2015–2016 “Called to be True Blue” winners include JoBeth Malone-Schoneberg, Frank Pucher, Sara Schonebert, Sandy Hatfield Clubb, Chrystal Stanley, Tony Tyler, Melissa Sturm-Smith, Tyler Spoon, and the Political Visitor Team.

Do you know of an individual or team we missed who exemplifies the ideals of excellence, learning, integrity, citizenship, and/or fiscal responsibility? Nominate them for a “Called to be True Blue” award!

—Submitted by All Staff Council