By Barbara
Baker
For
the third year, the Student Services department at Northeastern Junior College
has named two Superstars; staff members who have provided exemplary service not
only to the current and prospective students, but to their colleagues and others
that they cross paths with on a daily basis. This year’s honorees were
Stephanie Weatherill and David McNabb.
Weatherill is part of the admissions and student
recruitment staff and is the coordinator of campus visits. A long time NJC
employee, Weatherill worked in the community education department for many
years, coordinating the American Red Cross and summer safety institute training
areas. During a reorganization on campus, she moved to the student services
division three years ago. McNabb is the director of residence life and
student activities. He is in his third year at NJC, previously serving as a hall
director for one year.
Nominated by colleague Andrea Schumacher, Weatherill was
recognized for her positive attitude and the exceptional way that she connects
with prospective students and their parents as well as current students. Part of
her duties is serving as the staff sponsor of the student Ambassador Team.
“She’s probably one of the most kind, carrying and generous people I know,”
remarks Schumacher during the award ceremony. “How could a family feel bad about
leaving their student in her hands?” Schumacher bragged, adding, “she’s a little
ray of sunshine and so uplifting, not only for the students, but for everyone
that she works with here.”
Weatherill’s direct supervisor, Andy Long, Dean of
Enrollment Management, kept the accolades coming. “She has improved the
workplace in the student center for everyone,” he said, “she makes everyone she
comes in contact with feel good, and I do mean everyone.” He went on to describe
her as a great mentor to her colleagues, the students on campus and even the
prospective students and their families. “If we gave a morale award on this
campus, Stephanie would win it every year!”, Long concluded.
“David wears many hats. Whether he’s doing ASG
(Associated Student Government), disciplining students, whether it’s daytime or
night time, he’s always connecting with students,” Long told the audience during
an small awards luncheon. “He knows more students than anyone on campus not only
because of his position, but because he has a personality that attracts
students,” an important trait for someone in his position, Long noted. “In
residence life, you have lots of ups and lots of downs. He’s a ‘constant’
through it all and that in itself is an amazing talent to
have.”
McNabb was nominated for the award by Dean of Students
Steve Smith, who made comments on his behalf. “There is so much that David
is supposed to do and so much that David just does,” Smith said, “He’s
here all day and often at night, on weekends, on call constantly and through it
all he is always ‘steady’.” Smith went on to say that McNabb also has a
great ability to respect all students from all walks of life in all situations,
good and bad, and to be one of the most fair people he’s ever known. He and his
staff are, after all, responsible for the well-being of about 500 students
day in and day out at the college. “As a matter of act, I’ve watched how steady
David is regardless what the situation is and I’ve adjusted my demeanor to be
more like his.”
Long, who originated this annual award three years ago,
says he did so to recognize colleagues that go above and beyond their job
description on a regular bais. “Everyone in this department deserves an award.
We have an awesome student services department, but to keep with tradition, each
year we’ll recognize a couple who everyone agrees are at the top of the
heap.”
Weatherill and McNabb were presented with engraved star
trophies.
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