Lara Beth Lehman, who works at Peabody Library, was honored June 19 by the University Staff Advisory Council with the 2012 Karen L.A. Dolan Spirit Award.
The award recognizes a staff representative for his or her stewardship, devotion and service to the council. It is given to an employee who embodies the spirit of the late Karen Dolan, who had a strong passion for helping her Vanderbilt family during her time on campus.
Dolan, who was the Graduate School registrar, worked at Vanderbilt for nearly 26 years before being diagnosed with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). The award was created in her memory.
Lehman, who manages the curriculum materials center at Peabody Library, is president-elect of staff council for 2012-2013. She also serves as co-chair of Community Connections, an ad hoc sub-committee of staff council that strives to enrich the lives of Vanderbilt staff members.
The innovative and fun programs have ranged from a car maintenance tutorial for the “automotively challenged” to a tour of Kirkland Hall art and memorabilia. Lehman hosted a workshop on making holiday cards at Peabody Library. An upcoming program on June 29 will show staff how to improve their travel photography.
Other award recipients at the June 19 staff council meeting were Kate Stuart and Don Pruitt.
- Incoming USAC President Anna Thomas (John Russell/VU)
Stuart, assistant director for Student/Alumni Engagement in Development and Alumni Relations, was recognized as Committee Chair of the Year. Pruitt, administrative officer at the Student Recreation Center, was named Committee Person of the Year.
Staff council’s new year begins with a kick-off breakfast meeting July 10 from 8 to 10:30 a.m. at the Student Life Center’s Board of Trust Room.
Serving as president will be Anna Thomas, assistant director of Parents & Family Programs in Development and Alumni Relations. Eric Jones, who is director of ticketing for Vanderbilt Athletics, continues as treasurer. Ava Wilson, a special assistant in the Library Annex, will be secretary.