Giving Thanks
by
Sundra M. Woodford, MS, EdS

The School of Medicine held a tribute in recognition of the commitment and dedication of its staff on April 22, 2008. More than 80 staff members were on hand for the Staff Appreciation celebration, which was held at the School.

Dr. Dona Harris welcomed the staff. Dr. Martin L. Dalton brought greetings which included a brief history of the school and its first secretary. Dr. William F. Bina thanked all the employees for their service, recognizing the newest staff member, Novetta Reid of the Department of Psychiatry, and the one with the longest employment history (33 years), Brenda Dowd of the Medical School Library. Novetta received a “welcome basket” of Mercer memorabilia and Brenda received a massage and manicure certificate from the William Alexander Salon. First year medical student, Ashley Johnston, on behalf of her class and all the students lauded the staff for all they do for the students and presented a big basket of varied coffees and assorted short breads.

A highlight of the program was a song and dance routine led by Kim Meeks to a medley of work songs. Other members of the Blues Crew were Dr. Tina Thompson, Regina DeCapite, and Xavier Davis. The performance received thunderous applause from the audience. The program ended with a musical accompanied slide show of staff. At the end of the program, the staff ascended to the stage of the auditorium for a group picture.

The celebration concluded with a catered buffet lunch in the atrium with decorated tables and candles. Door prizes were drawn and given away to staff throughout the luncheon.

On all accounts, the program and luncheon was a memorable event and highly anticipated for next year.

The 2008 Staff Appreciation planning committee included Sundra Woodford, chair, Xavier Davis, Dr. Dona Harris, Kim Meeks, Barbara Moore, and Rita Smith.

--View Staff Appreciation Video (Submitted by Xavier Davis, Department of Family Medicine)

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