College of Charleston Recognizes Staff at Awards Luncheon

^{Above (l–r): Sarah Gardner, Elizabeth Clarke, Amy Goble, Kim Browdy, President Andrew T. Hsu, Chris Mahoney, Kevin Stephens and Jessica Zuber at the 2026 Staff Celebration Lunch and Awards Presentation.}

On June 3, 2026, the Staff Advisory Committee to the President (SAC) hosted the College of Charleston’s annual Staff Celebration Lunch and Awards Presentation in the F. Mitchell Johnson Physical Education Center gym.

The annual lunch was prepared by Charleston Culinary Group, who – together with the Center for Sustainable Development – also made the luncheon a zero-waste event. And, with plenty of raffle prizes and appreciation for one another – not to mention cannoli and Italian Ice – a good time was had by all.

“We have a lot to celebrate today,” said Tyrek Foster, Life Design coordinator and SAC’s current vice chair, in his opening remarks. “This entire event is all about recognizing and celebrating the hard work and dedication of you all: our staff members.”

President Andrew T. Hsu echoed that sentiment, expressing that all staff members deserve recognition, as part of “a community that continues to show up for one another, continues to rise to the occasion and continues to move this institution forward with integrity and purpose.

“Thank you for your dedication to your professions, thank you for your service to this university and thank you for the difference you make every single day,” he said.

Special shoutouts

The appreciation continued when Jeff Woraratanadharm, AV system administrator and chair of the Staff Advisory Committee, welcomed the crowd, thanked the SAC members for their hard work, introduced the newest SAC representatives and reported on the committee’s achievements over the past year. 

“This year, our members truly took ownership of the work and raised the bar for staff advocacy and engagement,” he said. “Your work has helped move this committee and the institution forward, and we are deeply grateful for all you have contributed.”

Woraratanadharm also acknowledged another group of employees who’ve been hard at work: those who recently graduated from the College. He praised their commitment to personal growth, professional development and lifelong learning and congratulating them for their professional and personal accomplishments.

Another piece to staff appreciation at the College of Charleston is The Cistern Standard peer-recognition program, and – in addition to the main raffle drawings at the celebration – SAC held a special raffle just for the 120-plus employees who were recognized by their colleagues this academic year.

“Today’s celebration is one important part of our ongoing commitment to recognizing and appreciating the incredible work of staff across the College of Charleston,” Woraratanadharm said, noting that another way that staff can show their appreciation for their colleagues is through sending “Denny Mail.” Pointing out the postcards provided by Denny’s FUNd, Woraratanadharm encouraged staff to write notes of thanks, kind words or something fun to a colleague.

and the winners are

Before the awards presentation officially began, Woraratanadharm recognized everyone who was nominated.

“Thank you for your dedication, service, professionalism and the care you bring to this institution each and every day,” he said. “Your work makes a meaningful difference in the lives of our students, colleagues and campus community, and we are deeply appreciative of all that you do.”

SAC representative Stephanie Colombo, who will serve as the chair in the upcoming year, agreed.

“These nominees continue to contribute to the success of their office and the greater College community,” said the international programs coordinator in the Department of International Studies. “They are proven collaborators and strong partners across campus. Each nominee exhibits excellent customer service and has embedded the College’s Core Values in their day-to-day work.”

And, with no further ado, the 2025–26 Staff Employees of the Year were announced.

Rising Cougar: Elizabeth Clarke

The Rising Cougar Award was created to recognize the impact of new staff members who, in their first 18 months of employment, have already made a lasting impression on their teams and our campus. The winner receives $500.

“This award honors innovation, initiative and a deep alignment with the College’s values,” said Colombo, who presented the award to Elizabeth Clarke, operations and events coordinator in the School of Business Graduate and Executive Programs.

Temporary Staff Employee of the Year: Kim Browdy

The winner of the Temporary Staff Employee of the Year Award receives $1,500, and one finalist receives $500.

After announcing Sarah Gardner, study abroad coordinator in the Center for International Education, as the finalist for the Temporary Staff Employee of the Year Award, Colombo presented the award to Kim Browdy, associate director for community relations for the Yaschik/Arnold Jewish Studies Program.

“Kim is the heart and soul of the Yaschik/Arnold Jewish Studies Program as a community facing body of the College of Charleston,” Browdy’s nominator wrote, explaining that Browdy organizes community events on and off campus, handles outreach to local synagogues and Jewish organizations and runs cultural programing of a high caliber and frequency. “These are all parts of her job, but what makes her exemplary is just how much she shows a true human care for all those she serves. Kim is a star and she is so very much the biggest reason why our community feels cared for.”

Permanent Staff Employee of the Year: Kevin Stephens

The winner of the Staff Employee of the Year Award receives $1,500, and three finalists receive $500.

This year’s finalists are:

• Lucy Davis, Environmental and Sustainability Studies Program Director 
• Amy Goble, Executive Assistant to the Provost 
• Chris Mahoney, Plumber in Facilities Management

After congratulating the finalists, Foster announced that Kevin Stephens, housing maintenance supervisor in Facilities Management, was the winner.

“Mr. Stephens has integrity by consistently staying on top of all housing maintenance requests, ensuring they are accurately tracked, prioritized and completed in a timely manner. He approaches each task with honesty and accountability by maintaining clear, transparent visibility over all ongoing housing issues, including a very busy summer project schedule,” the nomination read. “His commitment to doing what is right – even when it requires extra effort – reinforces trust among his team and leadership.”

Outstanding Staff Member Presidential Service Award: Jessica Zuber

The Outstanding Staff Member Presidential Service Award is given to the highest scoring staff member among the Permanent and Temporary Staff Employee of the Year Award nominees. The winner receives $2,000.

Woraratanadharm presented the award to Jessica Zuber, senior director of student success/engaged learning in the Student Success Center, and read some highlights from her nomination:

“Jessica Zuber exemplifies student-centered leadership through her unwavering commitment to removing barriers, improving systems and ensuring students have the support they need to succeed. She approaches challenges with creativity and strategic problem solving, bringing together cross-campus partners to identify gaps, strengthen communication and implement sustainable improvements that enhance both student and staff experiences.

“Jessica has led impactful initiatives focused on first-year transition, retention and first-generation student support, helping create a more intentional and coordinated approach to student success. She also fosters a culture of respect, accountability and professional growth by investing deeply in her staff, encouraging thoughtful decision-making and developing future leaders through mentorship and advocacy.

“Through her collaborative leadership, data-informed decision making and consistent advocacy for students and staff, Jessica has created lasting positive change across the campus community.”