This year’s Annual Employee Holiday Luncheon was held on Dec. 11 and, with its holiday games, contests, and good food, was chock-full of activity and holiday spirit.
Winners were named in UMPI’s “Deck the Halls” door decorating contest. Nineteen offices participated, showcasing unique themes from Die Hard to Grandma’s Kitchen. The winners were: individual – Jennifer Buzza; group winner – Academic Affairs; and grand champion – Student Financial Services. Congratulations, everyone!
In the Ugly Sweater Contest, Jennifer Buzza won the crowd’s approval with her sweater that featured a fireplace and stockings hung from the mantle (and along her arms).
The Nan Amodeo Staff Award was also presented during the event. Established by Professor Emerita of English Nan Amodeo, who taught at UMPI from 1967 to 1998, the annual award recognizes an UMPI staff member for his or her outstanding service to the University. In particular, the award recognizes hourly employees, whom Amodeo felt were too often “unpraised members” of the UMPI community. She felt that their dedication deserved appropriate recognition. Nominees must have 5 or more years of service to the institution and be nominated by a peer or other member of the UMPI community. There were nine nominees and this year’s award was presented to Charlie Holmquist who works in Facilities. Congratulations, Charlie!
Also during the event, UMPI President Ray Rice shared news about a new tradition for campus. As they have for many years, employees placed gifts for foster children under the Giving Tree. Because of changes within the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, employees placed gifts for wards of the state under another Giving Tree, instead of taking part in the auction that has been held during the luncheon for many years to raise funds for the group. Northern Maine Community College employees and students learned of the gifts UMPI provides to foster children and wards of the state and not only helped out with gifts for this year, but also plans to be a part of this tradition for years to come.
All this good news culminated in two rounds of games, with each table forming a team. Teams took part in a boisterous game of holiday cup stacking, followed by a very competitive snowperson decorating contest. Look for photos of all the fun on UMPI’s facebook page.
