Employee Recognition

Smith College recognizes and honors employees who have reached certain service milestones. Awards are presented to employees in recognition for years of service beginning at 10 years and every five-year milestone through 35 years and beyond. In the fall, a special luncheon is held in their honor.

Spotlight Awards give staff, administrators, and faculty the opportunity to thank members of the Smith community who have gone out of their way in performing their jobs and serving others. This special award reflects the appreciation that members of the Smith community feel for their colleagues. Each spring, President Kathleen McCartney and Human Resources host a celebratory Spotlight Awards Reception for the entire community to gather and congratulate all of the Spotlight Award recipients for the year. Recipients are eligible to participate in a special grand prize drawing.

Staff Picnic

Employees, their families, and friends are invited in June to a college-sponsored picnic. The picnic offers food, drink, athletic activities, and music and the opportunity to relax and celebrate the end of the busy academic year.

Twenty-Five Year Club

The Twenty-Five Year Club, founded in 1958, honors long-term employees for their years of loyal and dedicated service to the college. Membership in the Club is open to any benefit eligible staff member with 25 or more consecutive years of service.

Elizabeth B. Wyandt Gavel Award

Each year in the fall, the Student Government Association cabinet and the senate seek nominations from members of the college community for a Smith College staff person who has offered outstanding service to students. The Elizabeth B. Wyandt Gavel Awards are presented at the annual Rally Day Convocation in February.

Departmental Recognition

In addition to college-wide recognition events, each department may choose to honor the contributions of its staff through celebrations, awards, and honors. Some departments offer achievement awards to recognize staff members who have performed a special service or put forth unusually creative efforts that have resulted in improved departmental programs, services, or work environments.

Employees who have courageously handled an emergency or safety situation related to their job duties, or who have developed a special innovation resulting in significant economic or other extraordinary benefit to the department or the college, may also receive departmental recognition. Departmental recognition may take many forms, ranging from celebratory events, dinners, and picnics to group awards and humorous surprise events.

If you think of an innovative way to recognize the achievements of co-workers in your area, speak with your department head or supervisor to further develop your recognition idea.