The audience stood and cheered for Susan Cummings during UNC Pembroke’s annual staff service awards luncheon.
The loud applause was in stark contrast to the hushed noise level inside the Mary Livermore Library where Cummings has served as a cataloging specialist for the past four decades.
She has a clear memory of January 4, 1978 – the day vice chancellor Bill Mason called and offered her a clerk position.
“I’ve been coming to work here for 40 years and I wouldn’t trade a single day,” Cummings said. “This university has been a part of my entire life.”
For 35 years, UNCP has been like a second home for Cynthia Oxendine, too. She worked her way up the ranks within the Division of Student Affairs, today serving as assistant vice chancellor.
“I’ve spent my entire professional career at this great institution,” she said. “Through the years I've been inspired by thousands of students, worked with some awesome colleagues, and have made lifelong friends. Some of my favorite memories have been times spent with students–many of whom I now call ‘friend.’
Cummings and Oxendine were among 73 employees honored at the luncheon. The group has dedicated a combined 1,080 years of service to the university and the state of North Carolina.
Four others–Larry Gales, Marla Locklear, John Haskins and James Frederick–also reached the 30-year plateau.
Chancellor Robin Gary Cummings told the honorees no matter their role, they are educating students.
“What you accomplish here daily along with your passion for this university makes a profound difference in the lives of our students,” he said.
“This university is a special place. Without it, our region wouldn’t be the same. And without you, UNC Pembroke would not be what it is today. When you go back to your jobs, remember, you are changing the lives of students. You are impacting generations to come.”
In his closing remarks, Provost David Ward borrowed the title of a Norah Jones’ hit song to express his gratitude.
“You humble me. You humble me with your service, you humble me your dedication to this university and you humble me with your dedication to our students.”
Employees recognized for five years of service:
Leslie Bell, Academic Affairs
Rebecca Bullard-Dillard, Sponsored Research and Programs
Gordon Byrd, Maynor Honors College
Robin Gary Cummings, Office of the Chancellor
Chris Hunt, Office for Regional Initiatives
Sherry Jones, Office of the Controller
Marlane Mowitz, Career Center
Megan Sanger, Department of Athletics
Charles Swayne, Division of Information Technology
Franklin Smith, Division of Information Technology
David Ybarra, University Communications and Marketing
Employees recognized for 10 years of service:
Scott Boutselis, Facilities Operations
Vicky Brewer, Division of Information Technology
Phillip Bullard, Police and Public Safety
Kellie Cain, Office of the Controller
Janet Cummings, Facilities Operations
Lora Cummings, Facilities Operations
Ronette Gerber, Office of the Chancellor
Sheila Hardee, Office of Human Resources
Othello “O.T.” Johnson, Health and Human Performance
April Whittermore Locklear, Career Center
Chris Locklear, Facilities Operations
Elizabeth Locklear, Student Health Services
Ben Miller, Health and Human Performance
Kristy Nance, Financial Planning and Budgeting
Ashley Oxendine, Center for Student Success
Christie Poteet, Community and Civic Engagement
Michael Rogers, Facilities Operations
Lamon Sanderson, Facilities Operations
Jeff Sanderson, Facilities Operations
Chris Scott, Facilities Operations
Karen Tucker, Office of the Controller
Ronette Wilson, Academic and Military Outreach
Employees recognized for 15 years of service
Dawn Albrecht, Division of Information Technology
Scott Billinglsey, Academic Affairs
Dena Bolles, University Communications and Marketing
Hope Bullock, Department of Chemistry and Physics
Drake Chavis, Facilities Operations
Geraldine Dial, Facilities Operations
Kimilla Floyd, Center for Student Success
Chomeka Franklin, Auxiliary Business Services
Jeff Frederick, College of Arts and Sciences
Janet Gentes, College of Arts and Sciences
Roselee Hunt, Bursar’s Office
Dean Jacobs, Facilities Operations
Sam Jacobs, Mary Livermore Library
Bobby Locklear, Facilities Planning-Construction
Tabitha Locklear, Division of Information Technology
Willie Scott, Facilities Operations
Wendy Sweat, Center for Student Success
Employees recognized for 20 years of service
James Bass, Givens Performing Arts Center
Alfred Bowen, Police and Public Safety
Keats Ellis, Office of Financial Aid
Becky Goins, Museum of Southeast American Indian
Doug Hammonds, Facilities Operations
Rebecca Hunt, Facilities Operations
Wanda Hunt, Division of Information Technology
Gary Locklear, Facilities Operations
Jean Jacobs, Facilities Operations
Leah Jacobs-Hammonds, Mary Livermore Library
Tonya Sikes, Purchasing
Employees recognized for 25 years of service
Debbie Bullard, Accessibility Resource Center
Tony L. Chavis, Division of Information Technology
Cynthia Revels, Bursar’s Office
Mildred Weber, Financial Aid
Employees recognized for 30 years of service
James Frederick, School of Business
Larry Gales, Police and Public Safety
John Haskins, Health and Human Performance
Marla Locklear, Office of the Chancellor
Employees recognized for 35 years of service
Cynthia Oxendine, Student Affairs
Employees recognized for 40 years of service
Susan Cummings, Mary Livermore Library