Kindness to Colleagues–A Spark that Will Last Long Into the Future

This is “celebration season” at colleges and universities across the country; and at this time of year, NOVA shares, supports, celebrates and recognizes excellence in the work of our students and our faculty and staff. NOVA’s annual Rewards and Recognition program provides an opportunity for our employees to nominate colleagues for outstanding accomplishments in Institutional Responsibility, Scholarly and Creative Engagement and Teaching. Over the past year, more than 150 teaching faculty (full-time and adjunct), professional faculty, administrative faculty and classified staff were nominated by their peers for recognition. You can find the full list of awardees here, and I congratulate each for her, his, and their achievements!

I am also grateful to everyone who nominated a colleague for this recognition. With these acts of kindness and generosity, the nominators strengthen the fabric of our community. Maya Angelou observed, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Each faculty and staff member who nominated a colleague lit a spark that will last long into the future. Thank you!

Our community of learners and scholars rests on a foundation of success created by the dedication and hard work of colleagues whose years of service we also honor annually. A full list of the individuals recognized for years of service in 2021 is available here.

In the past, NOVA has celebrated these faculty and staff at a luncheon, but given the restrictions arising from the pandemic, we will not be able to gather this year—just as we were unable to come together last year. A congratulatory letter simply cannot replace the opportunity to be among your friends and family as NOVA recognizes your outstanding service. AVP for Human Resources Charlotte Calobrisi is working on plans for a special combined 2020 and 2021 Years of Service celebration to be held later in the fall, when we can do so safely. You have made NOVA bold and brilliant, and are well-deserving of a special event in your honor.

Congratulations to all the teaching faculty, professional faculty, administrative faculty and classified staff recognized and honored this year—and sincere and heartfelt appreciation for your commitment to our students’ success!