College of Charleston Recognizes Staff at Awards Luncheon

^{Above (l–r): Cory Werkheiser, May Manalo Smith, Patrick Ramsay, Danielle Wheeler, Michelle Futrell, John Sare, Kelly Lake and Melissa Barrett. (Photos by Catie Cleveland)}

During the annual Staff Awards Celebration Luncheon on June 4, 2025, the Staff Advisory Committee to the President (SAC) presented nine employees with awards recognizing their impactful contributions to the College of Charleston community.  

Before winners were announced, staff members mingled in the F. Mitchell Johnson Physical Education Center gym while enjoying tacos, veggie enchiladas and a churro bar sponsored by Denny’s FUNd.  

The annual celebration included a raffle for all staff with prizes ranging from CofC swag to experiential prizes like ballroom dancing lessons, dinner at bartaco and ghost tour tickets.  

Celebrating Staff Achievements and Milestones 

SAC Immediate Past Chair Lindsey Copeland opened the ceremony by congratulating 18 staff members who recently graduated from the College: Brenda Anderson, Caroline Berg, Matthew Binette, Jaylen Byrd, Ryan Byrne, Mary Connolly, Masha Cooray, Bailey Crane, Tori Donofrio, Katie Fulmer, Alexander Groves, Isaac Hennigan, Matthew Jennings, Harrison McGlothlin, Fedelia Rivers, Erin Solka, Vishnu Volate and Emily Weimer. 

“Today, we celebrate not only our collective achievements, but we also get to honor some extraordinary individuals among us,” Copeland said. “Despite balancing full-time jobs, family commitments, extracurriculars, probably volunteer work and goodness knows what else, these colleagues made the remarkable decision to pursue further education.” 

Copeland also thanked current SAC members and the Staff Recognition and Awards committee, welcomed new representatives and highlighted the committee’s 2024-25 achievements, including record high attendance at the spring and fall drop-in events, an inaugural Staff Appreciation Day, four meetings with President Andrew T. Hsu and more. 

“We view today’s celebration as just one piece of the puzzle that is staff appreciation,” Copeland says. “We are all so thrilled to be able to recognize and celebrate all our nominees and winners for the CofC Staff Employees of the Year Awards.” 

Kendall Cage, assistant director of employee experience and success, reminded staff that they can recognize colleagues who exemplify the College’s core values through Human Resources’ recognition program, the Cistern Standard. Over the last year, 160 members received a Cistern Standard badge. SAC entered those individuals into a separate prize drawing. 

President Hsu also addressed attendees, expressing gratitude for staff commitment and involvement in various efforts. 

“It’s a pleasure to be with you today as we take a moment to pause, reflect, and celebrate. This luncheon is one of my favorite traditions – not just because we get to recognize excellence, but because we do so together, as a community,” he said.

“To today’s award recipients: Congratulations and thank you for going above and beyond. To everyone in this room: Your work matters deeply, and it does not go unnoticed. I am proud of where we’ve been this year, and I’m even more hopeful about where we’re going – because we’re going there together.” 

SAC secretary, academic affairs representative and chair of the Staff Recognition Awards Committee Kait Lamontagne announced a new award this year based directly on employee feedback: the Rising Cougar Award, given to a new staff member in their first 18 months at the College.  

“Last year, we asked for your feedback on how we recognize and celebrate the incredible work of our staff,” she said. “You told us you wanted awards that reflected your experiences – recognition that felt earned, relevant and meaningful. The Rising Cougar Award is a direct result of that feedback. … This award isn’t just about what we think matters – it’s about what you told us matters.” 

Honoring the 2024-25 Staff Award Recipients 

Representatives from SAC then announced the winners and presented them with glass awards and cash prizes. Overall winners received $1,500 while finalists and the Rising Cougar winner received $500. 

Kelly Lake, director of the Office of Student Services and Credentialing, received the College’s most prestigious staff award, the Outstanding Staff Member Presidential Service Award. 

“While Kelly Lake could be nominated based on any of the core values, her integrity is what makes it all work,” her nominator wrote. “She is not only reliable and dependable, but Kelly is operating with the highest standards of integrity. Her word is trustworthy. When that is coupled with an incredible work ethic, good things happen.

“She also embodies respect, not just as a value, but as a practice, treating others with kindness, honoring their efforts and fostering a culture where everyone feels valued,” the nomination continued.  

Executive Director of Continuing and Professional Education Michelle Futrell was named Permanent Staff Employee of the Year.  

“Michelle’s unwavering dedication to the college, collaborative spirit and leadership make her a pillar of the College community,” her nominator said. “She is a consummate professional and a vital force of innovation and collaboration within our college community. Michelle values the collective strength of our community in making a project successful.” 

Finalists in this category were: Patrick Ramsay, office manager in the Counseling Center; Melissa Barrett, associate director of student life; John Sare, associate director and senior advisor in the Academic Advising and Planning Center; and Cory Werkheiser, associate director of experiential learning and career development in the School of Business. 

May Manalo Smith, triage counselor in the Counseling Center, accepted the Temporary Staff Employee of the Year Award.  

“May regularly exemplifies the core value of ‘Student Centeredness’ through her work in the Counseling Center,” May’s nominator said. “She believes in respecting students’ autonomy, fostering their self-confidence and nurturing their development during what is often a challenging transition into adulthood.” 

Jordan Kodner, director of Hillel in the Jewish Studies Program, was a finalist in this category. 

Danielle Wheeler, master teacher with the Early Childhood Development Center, was honored with the first-ever Rising Cougar Award. 

The annual Staff Awards are an opportunity to celebrate employees’ essential contributions to campus and demonstrate the College’s appreciation of staff members. SAC looks forward to continuing advocating for employees of the College and honoring their accomplishments.