By Lori Bredemeyer, Copy Editor

Seven faculty and staff members received awards Friday for their service to the university at the Faculty and Staff Appreciation Dinner.

Donna Currens Davis, administrative coordinator for Human Resources, said some of the recipients were shocked, happy and humble.

The recipients were: Dr. Jon Ashby, Faculty Senate Award; Tevyan Condra, Outstanding Staff Member Award; Alana Logue, Outstanding Staff Member Award; Lea Watkins, Unsung Servant; Neal Coates, University Seminar Teacher of the Year; Francille Vessel, Degree Plan Specialist of the Year; and Liz Rotenberry, Faculty Adviser of the Year.

Rotenberry, assistant professor of exercise science and health, said she did not know such an award existed.

“I’d better do a better job if they’re going to give me an award,” she said.

Rotenberry said her department’s structure makes it easy to get to know her students.

“Some people don’t teach and advise, but we see our students a lot,” she said. “We teach them and see them in the halls, and our department helps build better relationships with the kids.”

Logue, assistant to the general counsel, said she was surprised to hear her name called.

“I can think of several other people far more deserving than me,” she said. “I’m just honored; it makes you more aware that people are aware of what you’re doing and that people are watching you.”

Davis said she will not know how many people attended until the end of this week, but 1,100 people reserved tickets, and about 800 attended last year.

She said the dinner went as planned.

“It was great; every V.P. there commented on how smoothly everything went,” she said. “I was very happy, and we got everybody out at a decent hour.”

This was Davis’ third year to plan the event, and she said it was a task to plan for more than 1,000 people.

“It feels good when it’s over,” she said, “and it’s nice to see the smiling faces of all the retirees when it’s all over.”

The dinner also honored 36 of this year’s retirees.