The campus community recently gathered to honor more than 200 of UCF’s employees for outstanding achievement and years of service at the 47th annual Knight Star Awards. The event, formerly known as the annual Employee Awards Program, was renamed this year to better recognize the spirit and contributions of UCF’s dedicated, diverse and loyal staff, some of whom have worked at the university for more than 35 years.
Interim President Thad Seymour Jr., was guest speaker and Knightro snapped pictures with award winners as they exited the stage.
The program recognized employees who are celebrating significant anniversaries in five-year increments up to 35 years. Receiving awards for 35 years of services were: Patricia Hall, who works with the government documents collections in the John C. Hitt Library; Lee Anne Kirkpatrick, director of the college of sciences advising services; and Robert Parker, a maintenance technician III in facilities operations.
Joan Reynolds, who has worked in the inter-library loan department at the library for more than 30 years, received the University Support Personnel Services’ Employee of the Year award and $2,500. Employees can nominate co-workers during the year for employee of the month, from which the annual award is selected.
Mike McKee, associate director of academic support services for the College of Optics and Photonics, received the Gabor Administrative & Professional Excellence award and $2,500.
Readers can see the complete list of winners and photos.