Eckerd College President Jim Annarelli and his wife, Anna, were surprised by a presentation from staff honoring his 35 years of service to the College at the annual Staff Appreciation Luncheon. Photos by Michel Fougeres
It was time for special recognitions at the annual Eckerd College Staff Appreciation Luncheon, and President Jim Annarelli stood at the ready to congratulate the award winners.
Athletic Director Tom Ryan ’87 took the microphone at GO Pavilion on April 16 and offered a stunning surprise.
“Jim has served the College for 35 years, in many different roles, and now as our president,” Ryan reminded the attendees. “Throughout those years, he has been a mentor, a confidant, and a friend to so many. He has guided people through challenges, celebrated successes, and always made time when someone needed support or advice.”
“Jim, thank you for 35 years of dedication, leadership, and friendship. Eckerd is special because of people like you,” he offered.
The special honoree was shocked as he and his wife, Anna, accepted a standing ovation and a floral bouquet.
Staff Community Council member Katie Willgohs ’21 offered the welcome at the event.
“This is one of those moments, and I know there will be others over the next 14 months, during which I find myself humbled by the love of this community, overwhelmed by the support that Anna and I and our children, Josh and Kate, have received here for more than three-and-a-half decades,” President Annarelli said.
More than 100 staff members attended the annual luncheon to honor their colleagues. President Annarelli took time to greet everyone before the official program began.
“Thank you for being a part of a community that has become our family, a community that has enriched our lives as a family beyond any expectation we might have had. How fortunate we are to be members of the Eckerd College family.”
The annual luncheon honors employees who have reached milestone years of service as well as those who have earned the votes of their colleagues for service awards. Staff Community Council members organized the event to remind their colleagues of how vital their contributions to the College are to its success.
“As staff, we contribute to all aspects of Eckerd, creating meaningful opportunities for students and strengthening the experiences that define an Eckerd education, from their very first days on campus, guided by Admission and Campus Activities, to all the moments in between, underscored by our unsung heroes in Campus Safety and other behind the scenes champions, to their last days on campus and well beyond,” said Katie Willgohs ’21, associate director of Advancement communications. “The same care that we extend to students is reflected in how we show up for each other—fostering a culture that is founded in encouragement and shared purpose.”
The only service award recipient to exceed Annarelli’s 35 years, Admission Systems Coordinator Eric Setterlind ’88, was also honored during the luncheon for his 40 years of service to the College.
“What we don’t do often enough …, is extol the outstanding staff that we have,” President Annarelli explained. “You all create the environment in which our students can learn effectively and grow, both in college and in all dimensions.”
Each honoree received recognition from President Annarelli including Associate Dean of Students Christine LeMoult who won Staff Member of the Year.
To close the program, Staff Community Council members presented the new Unsung Hero and returning Staff Member of the Year award.
Assistant Director of Athletics, Internal Operations/Senior Woman Administrator Amanda Green ’16 presented the Unsung Hero to Waterfront Maintenance Systems Supervisor Bill Schmidt ’81 and Athletic Director Tom Ryan ’87.
Associate Dean of Students Christine LeMoult won Staff Member of the Year.
“Christine was nominated multiple times by her colleagues, underscoring her broad impact and high regard across campus,” said Manager of Enrollment Systems Alex Zielinski ’15. “Over the past year, she has successfully taken on and expanded responsibilities and ensured seamless continuity in critical areas including oversight of Community standards and Student Outreach and Support.”
President Annarelli congratulated all his fellow honorees as he reflected on the reality that his pending retirement means he’ll only participate in this annual event once more before he begins the next phase of his journey.
“I find myself humbled… by the thought that my life is no longer going to include daily trips to this beautiful campus to work with all these beautiful people,” he added. “Thank you for being a part of our lives.”
