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 Retirements

 

 

Paula Mitchell, director of major gifts, retired in June after almost 31 years at the College. She started with the Dean of Students Division in 1979, became the administrative assistant to the vice president for planning and research, then became assistant director of interior projects in the Office of Facilities. Since 1993, Paula has worked with the Office of Development in various capacities, forming strong bonds with alumni, parents, and friends, but especially with members of the local community. Paula is very proud of projects like the renovated library, the townhouse complex, and Daugherty-Palmer Commons that she had a hand in with former President Ted Lewis and former Vice President for Planning and Research John Underwood. “Look how far we’ve come since then! But those three projects were the start of it all,” she says. However, the ultimate job satisfaction came to Paula through her work securing scholarship dollars for students. “That puts a smile in my heart every time.”

 

 

Mary Helen Norris retired from the College in June after 11 years of service. She began as former President Jane Margaret O’Brien’s executive assistant in 1999, and then became assistant vice president for development and interim director of the foundation in 2002. Norris led the successful $40 million Heritage Campaign which concluded in 2005. The largest fundraising initiative ever undertaken at St. Mary’s, it quadrupled scholarship resources, established endowed chairs and professorships, expanded international programs, and built support for academics, athletics and community programs. Norris treasures her memories of working in tandem with so many constituencies, especially the terrific alumni who feel so passionately about their alma mater. She intends to learn to play golf and then compete in the Alumni Golf Tournament. So, watch out. 

 

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Two Maggies

Former President Jane Margaret O’Brien’s portrait was being installed in the library in September, when who happened to pass by but her namesake niece, Margaret “Maggie” O’Brien Macleay ’11. The portrait is by local artist Peter Egeli, who also painted the portraits of former presidents Anna May Russell (served 1948-1969) and Renwick Jackson (served 1969-1982). You can see all of the past presidents’ portraits on the stairway in the library.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Michael Ellis-Tolaydo, professor of theater, film, and media studies, received the prestigious Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Ensemble, Resident Play, for his acting in “Heroes” at the MetroStage in Washington, D.C.

Bob Paul, professor of biology, received the College’s Homer L. Dodge Award for Outstanding Service; Assistant Professor of French Katie Gantz received the Homer L. Dodge award for Excellence in Teaching by a Junior Faculty member; and Assistant Professor of Physics Josh Grossman received the Norton T. Dodge Award for Scholarly and Creative Achievement by a Junior Faculty member.

Merideth Taylor, professor of theater and dance, received a 2010 Historic Preservation Service Award for her documentary, “With All Deliberate Speed: One High School’s Story,” from the St. Mary’s County Board of Commissioners and the members of the St. Mary’s County Historic Preservation Commission.

 

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Two Staff Awards

 

Public Safety officer Mary Johnston was honored as an Officer of the Year for 2009 in recognition of her dedication and service to the College. Johnston received her award at the Tenth Annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, sponsored by the St. Mary’s County Government; the Board of County Commissioners; the Department of Aging; and the Triad/Seniors and Law Enforcement Together (S.A.L.T.) Council.

Mary-Jeanne Raleigh, director of counseling services since 2008, became presidentelect of the American College Counseling Association for 2010-11, and will serve as president the following year.