Eric Jones, treasurer of the University Staff Advisory Council and a longtime member, has been honored with the 2014 Karen Dolan Spirit Award.
The award recognizes a staff representative for 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 the Vanderbilt community during her time on campus.
Dolan worked at Vanderbilt for nearly 26 years. She was the Graduate School registrar before being diagnosed with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). She died in May 2006, and the award was created in her memory in 2008.
Jones, ticket manager in the Department of Athletics, has made significant contributions during his service on the council. He spearheads USAC’s Kroger card fundraiser, which allows Vanderbilt employees to purchase a $5 Kroger debit card that they may preload with money for Kroger shopping. Kroger will then donate 4 percent of the total purchase made with a card to Vanderbilt’s Faculty and Staff Hardship Fund. Jones also has been instrumental in USAC’s involvement with the Civility, Appreciation and Respectful Environments (CARE) campus committee, which launched with an event in March.
“Eric is a constant for staff council – he’s always there,” said Lara Beth Lehman, USAC president for 2013-14. “His devotion and service to the council and to Vanderbilt staff is unparalleled.”
Other award recipients at the June 10 meeting were Karen Burnett, schedules and reservations coordinator for the Office of Reservations and Events, who was recognized as Committee Member of the Year; and the Events Committee, which was recognized as Committee of the Year. The Events Committee is co-chaired by Lori Murphy, program coordinator for Anchor Link in the Student Organizations and Governance Office, and Kerrie Turney, area coordinator for Branscomb Quadrangle in the Office of Housing and Residential Education.
The staff council’s new year will begin in July. Serving as president for 2014-15 will be Michelle Kovash, an adviser in International Student and Scholar Services. Rachel Poss, administrative assistant in the Department of Chemistry, will serve as vice president/president-elect; Ally McIntosh, an assistant director of strategic initiatives in Development and Alumni Relations, will serve as secretary; and Jones will again serve as treasurer.